The new Honda CR-V will officially enter the Japanese market on December, the 2nd. To celebrate the event, Honda releases a full official photo gallery of the model, which is just slightly different from the versions that will be marketed in Europe and North America. The new generation of the CR-V was firstly introduced at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and will be on display at the imminent Tokyo Motor Show as well.

In comparison to the CR-V model we saw in California, this version features a shiny black outline of the front grille and a different shape of the air-intake on the bumper, which should be the same design that will be adopted by the Europen model. In Japan the new CR-V will be available with two 4-cylider petrol engines: a 2.0-litre unit delivering 150 hp (with average fuel consumption of 6,9 l/100 km) and a 2.4 producing 190 hp that will come with the four-wheel drive configuration only (with average fuel consumption of 8,6 l/100 km). The European version will be officially introduced at the Paris Motor Show next year.

View the full Honda CR-V Japanese version photo gallery

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Infiniti released a 4 minutes-long official video starring its new SUV model, the JX, recently unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The footage shows us many details of the new car which, as for now, will be available in the US market only. Infinity Jx is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine producing 265 hp at 6,400 rpm and 336 Nm (248 lb-ft) of torque coupled with an automatic 6-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), transferring the power to either the front axle or both of them through the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.

View the full Infiniti JX photo gallery

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Regardless of the color of its livery or the Motor Show they take it to, there can be no denial that Jaguar C-X16 Concept is always an absolutely gorgeous car. Following a bunch of snapshots taken live at the Los Angeles Auto Show - that we published a couple of days ago - here is the official photo gallery featuring the same C-X16 in a white dress displayed at the Californian event.

As previously reported, the British carmaker confirmed that the model will soon enter into production, but plans for the possible inclusion of an hybrid powertrain in its engine range - as prospected in Frankfurt at C-X16’s official unveiling, back in September - might be put on hold for a while. Rumor has it that the model will eventually adopt the commercial name ‘XE’ and cost between 70,000 and 80,000 €.

View the full Jaguar C-X16 in white photo gallery

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Honda releases a new video starring the American version of Honda CR-V’s fourth generation, which looks indeed quite different from the current model. The new CR-V has been unveiled a few days ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is available only with a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine - producing 186 hp and 220 Nm (163 lb/ft) of torque - and a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Honda already confirmed that the new Europen version of the CR-V will be produced in England, will not be too similar to this one and should be launched toward the end of 2012, most likely at the next Paris Motor Show. By the way, this new footage is sound-less, so you might want to put your favorite song on while watching.

View the full Honda CR-V USA 2012 photo gallery

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Infiniti introduces the JX, a new 7-passenger mid-size luxury crossover/SUV inspired by the Essence prototype and very similar to the last JX Concept showcased in Pebble Beach last August. The model is equipped with a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine delivering 265 hp at 6,400 rpm and 336 Nm (248 lb-ft) of peak torque from 4,400 rpm. This unit is mated to a 6-speed automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that transfers the power to either the front wheels or to all four of them through the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.

Infiniti JX is equipped with all sorts of accessories that you would expect in a modern day luxury SUV, meaning adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, a Bose Cabin Surround system with 15 speakers, Infiniti Connection infotainment system, Around View Monitor (which offers a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the JX), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system and the innovative Backup Collision Intervention system, that warns the driver if another vehicle is crossing his path and could also apply the brakes to help avoid collision if the driver doesn’t react in time.

Infiniti says that the JX is the segment leader in terms of overall passenger volume and rear cargo volume (pointing out that the JX boasts more legroom than Cadillac Escalade). The model actually presents a quite large passenger compartment with 3 rows of seats that can be folded and adjusted in many different ways. The car comes with standard 18″ 5-spoke aluminum alloys, although 20″ split 5-spoke aluminum and polished forged aluminum-alloys are also available. The model is currently on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will enter the US market in 2012. At the moment it is not clear whether Nissan will bring the JX to Europe as well.

View the full Infiniti JX photo gallery

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Jaguar released the first official video starring the new XKR-S Convertible. The footage shows the latest output from the British manufacturer (currently on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show) taking on Nurburgring North Course during its final stage of development, giving us the chance to hear its massive roar.

The new Jaguar model is pushed by a new supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering 550 hp and 680 Nm of torque coupled with a a 6-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures of the XKR-S Convertible are 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 4.4 seconds and top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The lap time clocked by the car at the famous German circuit has not been revealed.

View the full Jaguar XKR-S Convertible photo gallery

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Honda introduces at the Los Angeles Auto Show the electric version of the Fit, the model known in Europe as Jazz. The model, called Fit EV, will enter the US market in Summer 2012 and in Europe will be available with leasing option only, although Honda pointed out that it might consider selling it in more traditional ways if the demand will exceed expectations.

Honda claims that the Fit EV - powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack placed under the floor - will have a 200 km range. Aesthetically, the Fit EV is not that different from the basic Fit/Jazz model it is based on: just some changes in the dash-board and little more. Honda will include a navigation system as well as a telematic system that will let drivers remotely set charging schedules for the car from a Web site or a smartphone app.

The zero emission powertrain of the car is strictly related to the 125 hp unit equipping the FCX Clarity, an all-electric model introduced at the L.A. event in 2007. The car can be fully recharged in three hours from a 240 V outlet thanks to a 32 amp onboard charger. Honda Fit-EV should initially become available in California and Oregon in August 2012 and then expand to the East Coast and the rest of the world.

View the full Honda Fit EV - Salone di Los Angeles 2011 photo gallery

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We introduced the new Ford Escape just a few posts ago, with technical highlights, massive photo gallery and all that. Now Ford has released an official video starring the new model, which might somewhat anticipate a restyling of its European twin-sister Kuga.

The new Escape is currently on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and will be officially presented to the European public next March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The model will go on sale worldwide with an engine range made of 4-cylider units exclusively, whose output might vary between 170 to 250 hp.

View the full Ford Escape m.y.2013 photo gallery

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In comparison to what we saw at the last Frankfurt Motor Show, just the color of the livery has changed - going from metallic gray to white - but it’s the only thing. The Jaguar C-X16 prototype currently on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show is exactly the same model showcased at the German event, with no significant modification. Regardless, it is a beauty.

The complete name of this model is Jaguar C-X16 Production Concept, implying that this is the basis on which the British manufacturer is working in view of the future lunch of a luxury coupe.

Design Director Ian Callum confirmed that on behalf of the Coventry-based carmaker, adding that the model will be an hybrid vehicle equipped with a 3.0 V6 engine as well as an electric unit whose combined power should be around the 380 hp figure. The model will also make use of an 8-speed transmission. Jaguar also released some indicative performance figures: 0-100 km/h acceleration (0-62 mph) comes in just 4.4 seconds with a top speed of about 300 km/h (185 mph). Besides, the C-X16 should be able to travel up to 50 mph under electric power alone.

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The new Honda CR-V has been officially unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Japanese carmaker pointed out that this is the version for the American market only, but chances are that the European model won’t be too different from this one as developing an altogether different project would be quite expensive, and Honda is not likely to do it. So it is fair to say that the European version would feature some subtle aesthetic change only.

The new “American” CR-V uses 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic climate control, retractable cargo cover, automatic headlights and slightly modified vertical tail lights making space to a wider rear hatch that opens up to a more spacious cargo area. Its powertrain includes a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine (the only one available for now) producing 186 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Nm (163 lb/ft) and a tweaked 5-speed automatic gearbox (also the only available option at the moment).

The new SUV/Crossover should be available in Honda’s showrooms across the US this coming December, while the European version is supposed to debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Honda also released a bunch of pictures of the new model which seems to shut down rumors of a possible 7-seats configuration. However, it is reported that the European version might be a little bigger, and therefore it might accommodate an extra row of seats.

View the full Honda CR-V USA 2012 photo gallery

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Land Rover two official videos starring the two concept cars on display at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show: Land Rover DC100 e DC100 Sport. The footage shows us the two models strolling around in a desert and on beach, offering a few close-ups on some of the most interesting details.

The two models are basically an anticipation of what will become the new Defender, the iconic model from the British manufacturer that will soon exit the market. We just hope that despite the smoother and more friendly design of these two concepts, the next Defender will live up to the fierce off-road reputation of its predecessor. Click on the “Continue Reading” link below the thumbnails to access the second videoclip.

Videos | Autoblog.it

Continue reading: Land Rover DC100 e DC100 Sport: new official videos available

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Lamborghini is at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show introducing the Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder, the convertible model based on Gallardo Balboni which is also the first rear-drive convertible Lambo since 1998 Diablo SV Roadster. The Italian-German manufacturer describes it as a “model for purists”, equipped with the same 5.2 litres V10 delivering 550 hp of its hard-top counterpart coupled with six-speed manual and e-gear automatic transmissions.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder uses a specifically dedicated setting that improves handling and stability, a rear differential with a 45 % limited-slip setup, an ESP system with CORSA mode (which allows for greater drift angles). Weighing in at 1,520 kg, the Spyder boasts a 0-100 km/h sprint time (0-62 mph) of 4.2 seconds, whereas the 1,380 kg hardtop version does that in 3.9 seconds.

View the full Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder photo gallery

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