Lexus is planning to capitalize on the success of the CT 200h by introducing yet another full hybrid model. This time, however, the luxury automaker is entering the crossover market with the long-rumored Lexus CX. Expect the new CX to be launched at the end of 2012 as a 2013 model.
The new Lexus CX will be built on the same platform as the Toyota RAV4 and will serve as a competitor for models like the BMW X1, the Audi Q3, and the Mercedes GLK. The new CX will only feature a hybrid drivetrain that combines a four-cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor, a generator, a high performance battery, a power control unit, and a power split device. This system will deliver about 200 HP and a fuel economy of about 47 mpg. As a comparison, the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 can only achieve 45 mpg at best in their diesel offerings.
No additional details for the future Lexus CX have been offered as of now, but we believe the exterior design language will combine elements from all the latest Lexus models.
Mercedes started teasing the idea of developing a BLK model back when BMW announced the X1 and Audi divulged the Q3 crossover. It was a particular market that Mercedes couldn’t compete in for lack of a vehicle, and since the GLK turned out to be a good idea, why not fill the void in the competing market by sliding a model right underneath it?
The new BLK, set to be released sometime in 2013, will be built on the same MFA architecture (Mercedes Front-wheel drive architecture) as the next generation A- and B-Class. We expect to see a design language inspired by the Concept A-Class revealed earlier this year, but adapted to a production version model. The interior will combine the latest technologies and will offer enough room for about five-people.
Under the hood, expect to see the same engines used for the A- and B-Class, with a possible hybrid variant. This means we will see two different four-cylinder engines - a 170 HP 2.2 liter engine and a 204 HP 2.0 liter -, both offered with 4MATIC technologies. We may also see a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine with about 240 HP and the European market will get its usual diesel line-up.
Availability is still a question, but since Mercedes is allowing the A-Class to find its way on over to the US market, we’re thinking we may get a chance to drive the BLK as well. If we do see it on our side of the pond, prices will be set at about $30K ($5,000 less than the GLK).
Audi was sitting pretty at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show with its new Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept. Being a convertible crossover, the Cross Cabriolet received high marks amongst automotive enthusiasts. Of course, those same enthusiasts were not exactly optimistic that they were going to see this concept ever make it to the production line. Naysayers, move aside. Nissan has recently unveiled the Murano Convertible, so why couldn’t we expect a Q5 Cabrio?
At the concept’s launch, Design Chief of Audi USA, Brit Steve Lewis said: "Such a vehicle has been talked about within the company for some time as no one has ever done a cabriolet SUV before. If there is sufficient demand for around 5,000 units a year it could go into limited production." Back then he claimed we would see the Cabriolet in 2010, but the economic downturn made sure that wasn’t possible. Now, new rumors suggest that the production Q5 Cabrio could arrive in 2013.
A production version will be a two door vehicle, with natural Quattro drive and a range of TDI and TFSI engines. It will also feature a canvas roof.
In addition to the Kia Soul Hamster unveiled earlier, Kia has brought another concept from the 2010 SEMA Auto Show to production form: the Soul White Tiger Concept. This new special edition will join not only the Hamster, but also the Denim, Ignition, Shadow Dragon, and Ghost Souls. It will go on sale in late May 2011 at a starting price of $20,695.
The new Kia Soul White Tiger Special Edition will be distinguished by a bright white exterior with gray graphics, color-keyed bumpers, a sporty rear spoiler, 18" black alloy wheels, black fender exits, a rear bumper applique, and door alloy fuel. The interior was not left untouched as it received black leather seats, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, a smart key to press the start button, illuminated sill plates, automatic climate control, and front fog lamps.
It seems Kia is taking the Soul’s popularity to a whole new level with as many special edition models as the public can take. Haven’t they ever heard of too much of a good thing?
Kia’s highly popular ’Hamster’ campaign drew some rave reviews from a lot of people when it began airing a couple of years ago. It’s become so popular that Kia actually developed a special edition Soul late last year, which it previewed at SEMA last October.
What we didn’t know and what the Korean automaker recently announced is that they’re in the process of releasing a special edition Kia Soul called the ’Hamster Edition’ in the very near future. Details behind the special edition model have yet to be announced, but there have been whispers saying that the Hamster Edition will come with black exterior graphics, a rear spoiler, and a set of 18" alloy wheels outside while its interior will boast of a push-button ignition, automatic climate control, black leather seats, and special edition floor mats commemorating the car’s exclusivity.
It’s very rare that a commercial can be so popular that it leads to a special edition car being built to celebrate it. Kia’s "This or That" ads paved the way for the Soul Hamster Edition, proving that the auto industry won’t hesitate on riding a popular campaign and milking it for all its worth.
Note: Photos are of the 2010 Kia Soul Hamster Concept.
