A Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is a type of passenger vehicle which combines the load-hauling and passenger-carrying capacity of a large station wagon or minivan with features designed for off-road driving. They have been the hot car to own for the past 10 years, but lately they are regarded as gas guzzler and substantially dangerous because of high potential to roll over.
Of all the cars that are being penciled in for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, one of the most interesting has to be the Invader N40.
Unlike a lot of the tuning programs that are usually unveiled at a major show like Geneva, the Invader N40 isn’t based on a sports car or a luxury car. What it is is a Nissan Patrol, which, last we checked, isn’t exactly considered a tuning favorite.
Having said that, the Invader N40 is a different beast altogether. Built and designed by Invader Technologies, the N40 is considered the ultimate customization program for the Patrol, with about as many aerodynamic modifications as any other tuning program we’ve seen in quite some time.
The wide body kit is only the beginning of it. There’s also a restyled front end that features Invader signature LED lights to go with blackened headlights, and plenty of carbon fiber detailing added into the body panels of the SUV. On top of that, Invader also fitted the N40 with a brand-spankin’ new set of 22" forged multi-piece alloy wheels to give the SUV a far more aggressive stance and overall look.
Inside, the N40 sports plenty of other modifications, particularly the prevalent use of carbon fiber, high-grade leather, and Alcantara, three materials that you usually won’t find in a Patrol.
Invader has yet to reveal what they did under the hood of the N40, but one thing they did say was that it won’t come with the same 600-horsepower Invader supercharger that it’s previous creation, the L60, carried. It’s going to be interesting, to say the least, to see what kind of performance modifications they added to the N40 because if there’s one thing we know about these guys, it’s that they don’t hold anything back.
The current BMW X5 went on sale back in 2006 and after what will end up being eight years, BMW will finally release a brand-spanking new generation X5 in 2014, and we were able to grab some spy shots of its first tests. The new model will be completely redesigned, much lighter compared to the current model, and powered by more fuel efficient engines.
It’s no surprise BMW will be working on their X5, considering Audi and Landrover have announced they will be focusing on lighter models for the future. BMW is matching these statements with a 330 lb drop for the new X5, compared to the current model, through the extensive use of aluminum. It will be offered with the company’s latest turbocharged engine in a smaller capacity and an improved fuel economy. The top version, however, will still enjoy its usual 4.4 liter V8 engine, but with improved figures. It has been rumored that BMW will also offer a hybrid X5.
In addition to the weight drop and engine modifications, the next X5 will also get a revised suspension, improved xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, and systems like lane departure warning and compensation, night vision, park assist, traffic sign recognition, surround view cameras, and active cruise control.
Now that Bentley has officially confirmed the production of their future SUV, Lamborghini is reconsidering their choice for the next model in their lineup. Before this, the Estoque sedan was practically a shoe-in for the next spot, but an SUV may be sneaking its way in after all. Insert grunt and groans of disappointment here.
It’s not anywhere near set in stone yet, but if the future Lamborghini lineup includes a new SUV, this may be what it will look like. The first details for the SUV suggest that the model will be built in cooperation with Porsche and will share its platform with the Cayenne. It is also rumored that the next SUV will be a hybrid model combining a V12 engine with an electric motor. The V12 will deliver a total of 600 HP, while the electric motor will offer an all-electric drive range of 15 miles.
If the SUV is produced, Lamborghini will start offering it in limited edition, but the production may be increased depending on the interest in the market. Expect to see the new SUV sometime in 2015.
Kahn Design’s love for the Range Rover is still plowing full steam ahead in the new year, illustrated by the British tuning firm’s very cool special edition based on the Land Rover Range Rover. The new package is called the Dorchester Edition and, as usual, includes some exterior and interior updates with no changes in performance. The new Dorchester edition is available in petrol and diesel models and in right hand or left hand drive, but prices haven’t been announced just yet.
Kahn Design started their work on the exterior of the Range Rover by putting in a new front bumper, a new rear bumper, and new side skirts. The SUV now rides on a new set of 22" Kahn RS alloy wheels in a matte pearl grey finish and combined with brake calipers finished in a heat resistant red paint and a Kahn stainless steel quad exhaust system. In typical Kahn Design fashion, the interior can be customized in any color and material combination the customer so chooses, but the tuner is also offering a billet steering wheel, machined aluminum pedals, bespoke door handles, Kahn mats, front and rear park assist, heated front seats, a rear entertainment system, and a welcome ambient illumination package.
The third model in Acura’s display at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show - next to the NSX Concept and the ILX Concept - is the 2013 RDX. The company is calling it a prototype, but we’re pretty sure the production version - scheduled to arrive in Spring 2012 - will be identical.
The 2013 Acura RSX is powered by a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that now delivers a total of 273 HP - an increase of 33 HP over the current model. This engine will be combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter that will ensure a fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Exterior changes include a longer, sculpted hood, a longer wheelbase and wider track, all-new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system. For the interior, the company will be offering new sweeping shapes, a matte surface trim, and generous use of leather. The 2013 RDX will also offer larger door openings, more passenger room, increased cargo volume, and a power rear tailgate.
The list of standard equipment includes Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text message feature, a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton start, and a three view rear camera.
Ultra luxury brands beware, another one of your comrades is falling down the shame spiral and building a - gasp - SUV!
Sure that’s a little dramatic, but so are all of the people that are scoffing at the fact that Bentley has now confirmed a new SUV scheduled to hit their lineup sometime in 2015. If everyone remembers correctly, these are the same people that were horrified that Porsche decided to build the Cayenne and look how well that turned out for them. Now, with a 37% increase of sales in 2011 (to 7,003 vehicles sold), Bentley is looking to double this number by the time this new SUV comes out by making it "the world’s most luxurious 4x4" SUV and targeting growing SUV markets like the US and China. The "luxurious" title will also match the price; Bentley is stating that the starting price for their future SUV will be $140,000, making the $48,200 starting price of the Porsche Cayenne look like it belongs on a Kia Sportage.
So what constitutes the jumbo price tag? Other than the supposedly tremendous amount of luxury built into the future SUV, it has also been stated that it will be powered by the next generation W12 engine delivering up to 600 HP. For markets like Europe, Bentley will also offer a 6.0-liter V12 TDI engine with an output of about 500 HP.
Bentley is taking a big step with its improving sales by giving an SUV a chance to flourish. Does the world need a strong competitor for the Porsche Cayenne? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean that high-end customers with deep pockets won’t be writing out checks for a chance to wallow in the luxurious nature promised by Bentley.
UPDATE 02/10/2012: While most of the rumors suggest that the Bentley SUV won’t make its debut until sometime in 2015, AutoWeek reports that the model will actually be unveiled next month at the Geneva Motor Show. If this does happen, it will more than likely debut as a concept to preview the production model, and test the market for its success.
Ford took its opportunity at the 2012 Auto Expo to announce the globalization of its new EcoSport compact SUV - the second of eight new vehicles that Ford plans to offer worldwide. The new model will combine best-in-class design, technology, quality, and safety to aim itself towards a new generation of consumers.
The new Ford EcoSport will be powered by the newest and smallest-ever 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and uses twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to further improve performance and economy.
"EcoSport has a tough, robust attitude that says ‘I can play with the big boys’," said J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer, Ford Motor Company. "But it also makes you want to play. It’s friendly and sociable, and this unique mix is its secret formula. That’s why it is so appealing. EcoSport is perfect for crowded urban streets and it inspires you to seek adventure away from the city too."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Ford EcoSport.
Volvo will come at the Detroit Auto Show with an innovative petrol plug-in hybrid: the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept that previews a production version vehicle set to be offered in both Europe and North America. The concept combines a 280 HP four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine driving the front wheels with an electric motor producing 70 HP.
The concept offered three modes of operation: Pure, Hybrid or Power, with the Hybrid one offering a fuel economy of over 100 mpg. This system will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds
"The technology in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. "You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car’s renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept.
Not that we needed one at this point, but Bentley has finally "confirmed" their future SUV, said to be "the world’s most luxurious 4x4." Their future model will follow the Mulsanne and Continental cycles, debuting sometime in 2014 with a powerful 12-cylinder engine. This announcement comes after the impressive results posted by the company in 2011: sales were up 37% to 7003 for the calendar year with sales accelerating as the year progressed.
"If we bring this (SUV) to the market it will be positioned significantly above the vehicles that are currently available in this segment," Bentley brand chief Wolfgang Durheimer said Tuesday. This means that the new Bentley SUV will be placed above any other SUV on the market and will be priced at more than $140,000.
This confirmation will undoubtedly force Lamborghini to make a final decision on their third model, which will more than likely be an SUV since the strong demand for sporty soft-roaders coming from emerging markets such as China, Russia and India has risen. That being said, Lamborghini’s final decision will be announced in March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Audi is currently working on the second generation Q7 - it will be unveiled sometime in 2013 - but until then, there are some tuners that have found new ideas on how to improve the current model. One example of such a tuner is Je Design, who is offering a new tuning kit with both exterior and interior upgrades, as well as a power increase.
The Q7 tuning package is based on the S-Line model and adds an even sportier feel to the SUV. It includes new high-class wheel arches that increase the SUV’s width by 30 millimeters per side at the front and 40 millimeters per side at the rear. The German tuner is also offering front-spoiler corners, a Park Distance Control rear-apron extension, two Je Design double-tailpipe covers, and a dynamic roof wing with side covers above the C pillars. The complete styling package is available for 7,438 euros, or about $9,624 at the current rates.
The final touch for the exterior of the Audi Q7 is a new set of single-part 10 x 22 inch SUV Select alloy wheel rims. The five-spoke design wheels are wrapped around fitted 295/30R22 tires and available in three different color schemes: matte-black, front silver matte/shadow silver, front polished/graphite matte, polished lip. Customers can also choose the new JE DESIGN SCORPIO complete 10 x 22 inch wheel set in a new double-spoke design. This set can also be had in size 9 x 20 inches in matte-black with polished-silver rim flange. Both 22-inch complete wheel sets are available from 5,190 euros, or about $6,715 at the current rates.
Under the hood, the 4.2 TDI engine has undergone optimized programming of the control electronics to deliver an extra 70 HP and 99 lb-ft of torque. This brings the total power up to 405 HP and 660 lb-ft of torque from the standard 335 HP and 561 lb-ft of torque. With the extra power, the Q7 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The new control-system software is available for an added price of 1,499 euros, or about $1,940 at the current rates. This software includes a one-year guarantee for the engine, turbocharger, transmission, and drive train, which can be extended by another year for just 199 euros, or $257 at the current rates.
All told, the complete Je Design package for the Audi Q7 will run the customer somewhere around $18,536, depending on the currency rates and any additional tweaks they want to add.
