2012 Honda CR-V previewed with new concep

2012 Honda CR-V previewed with new concep

 2012 Honda CR-V previewed with new concep

2012 Honda CR-V previewed with new concep

With spy shots popping up on our radar at least twice in the past few months, we've been anticipating the arrival of a new Honda CR-V. And now the solitary image above has been circulating around these interwebs, reportedly giving us an advance look at the show car that will preview the new production model.

In typical Honda fashion, the purported concept vehicle pictured above appears to be a slightly jazzed-up version of the production CR-V expected to debut shortly. When it does enter production in Ohio and Ontario, it will likely lose the showy jumbo wheels, smoked headlamps, tinted windows and high-gloss lower body cladding, but otherwise, what you see is likely what you'll get.

Mechanically, the new crossover is expected to pick up largely where the outgoing model leaves off, but with a few important changes. Though the 2.4-liter engine – driving either the front wheels or optionally all four – could get a slight adjustment in output and efficiency, it is tipped to ditch its five-speed mate for a new six-speed automatic. The longer form also looks ready to adopt an extra pair of jump-seats in the back for seven-person capacity, but thus far, that's just a rumor.

We'll have to wait for further information from Honda to know for sure, but if the shot above turns out to be legit, we could be looking at a very stylish new CR-V indeed.

UPDATE: Honda has confirmed the image above is the real deal, and it's even confirmed that the CR-V will debut at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim this September. Check out the official press release after the jump for more information.

FIRST IMAGE OF NEXT GENERATION HONDA CR-V CONCEPT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 25 Jul 2011

Honda has released an image of the new CR-V Concept, providing the first official glimpse of styling direction. The all-new, fourth-generation CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States by the end of 2011, and in Europe in Autumn 2012.

The new CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction. Compared to the previous generation, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the overall lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

The CR-V's vertical taillights remain for the next model with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle.

Equipped with more efficient engines compared to the current model, the new CR-V is expected to deliver improved fuel economy.

2012 Honda CR-V previewed with new concep

The CR-V is one of the top-selling SUVs, sold in more than 160 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa.

The new CR-V Concept will be on first public display at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California, in September 2011.

ENDS