Honda CR-V concept officially unveiled [video]

Production model debuts later this year

Honda has unveiled the CR-V concept at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California.

Designed to preview the production model, which was revealed in yesterday's patent filing, the crossover has familiar styling which has been tweaked for a more aggressive appearance. Notable highlights include a three-bar grille, vertical taillights and five-spoke alloy wheels.

There's no word on engine or interior specifications, but Honda says the cabin is "all-new" with a "more accommodating and spacious design."

The 2012 CR-V production version will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, in November, and go on sale shortly thereafter.

Source: Honda

2012 Honda CR-V Concept Makes World Debut

Concept version of upcoming production model reveals dynamic, new look

The 2012 Honda CR-V Concept made its public debut at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, Calif., today, and introduced the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V. The 2012 CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States by the end of the year and will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

"The 2012 CR-V Concept strongly hints at the more dynamic and refined look of the upcoming model," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "As the best-selling SUV in each of the past four years, the 2012 CR-V promises to build on its highly successful formula with even more style, innovative features and higher fuel economy."

The CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction for the top-selling1 SUV in the United States. Compared to the current-generation CR-V, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumper's smooth-flowing lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

The CR-V's signature vertical rear taillights remain for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. The CR-V Concept's large 5-spoke machined alloy wheels and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability.

The all-new 2012 CR-V will improve upon the current model in a variety of ways, and will feature a more fuel-efficient engine and reduced body weight. In addition to all-new exterior styling, the 2012 CR-V will have an all-new interior with a more accommodating and spacious design.

Currently in the fifth year of its model cycle, the CR-V continues to sell at a record pace. The 2011 CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power & Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS), where it finished second to the Honda Element in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V is sold globally in more than 160 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-V is manufactured in Ohio at the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., using domestic and globally sourced parts. The East Liberty Auto Plant earned a Silver Award for outstanding quality in the recently released J.D. Power 2011 Initial Quality Study. The 2012 CR-V Concept will be at the Orange County International Auto Show from September 22 to 25 in the Honda display.

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 RobERob RobERob
Oversized grill, bigger, bulbous front overhang, tiresome cookie cutter design. This needs to be NSX'd (as in rethought, delayed for further development, or canceled). Could easily be confused with a Ford Explorer. Still missing the old Honda.
September 22, 2011 2:07 pm
 pzigly pzigly
Is Honda getting bored? I think they are trying to challenge themselves. They think to themselves we always sell our crap for more evpensive than everyone else because its reliable. Lets see what happens when we make ugly A$$ acura TL's and make our crossovers hidious and see if people still buy them.
September 22, 2011 2:35 pm
 VTEC VTEC
Acura TL's are very successful even to this day with the 2009-present model. The style is unlike anything else in it's class (very futuristic, aggressive and polarizing to a positive degree), the overall drive, features, tech and cost is best in class. i wouldn't knock it at all, A LOT of people have them.
September 22, 2011 3:47 pm
 pzigly pzigly
I know a lot of people have them but that new v-stlye looks ugly as hell and the rear looks just as bad. Im not saying its a bad car. It just looks ugly compared to the previous TL.
September 22, 2011 3:50 pm
 VTEC VTEC
i thought the same thing when i was coming off of my 2008 Acura TL Type-S to a 2011 Acura TL SH-AWD, and trust me, the style grows on you.
September 22, 2011 3:56 pm
 pzigly pzigly
hey i thought i would get used to it also, but everytime i see it in the street, i think to myself what were they thinking lol. its too flashy, only cadillac knows how to design a car with a ruler ;)
September 22, 2011 8:29 pm
 pzigly pzigly
And how is the TL best in its class? Are you forgetting the g37 and the 3 series? no one ever mentions thee TL when those 2 get a comparison.
September 22, 2011 10:16 pm
 shaahinmt shaahinmt
these cars are just not the "thing to buy" anymore. with recent spikes in fuel prices and the industry wide push to get more efficient its time to say goodbye to the giants.
September 22, 2011 6:36 pm
 arnold812 arnold812
VTEC.... What are you talking about? Acura TL sales are very poor. Since 2009 the sales of the new TL are no where near where Honda wants it to be and no where near the previous generation sales number.
September 22, 2011 8:35 pm
 pzigly pzigly
thats what i thought too cuz i dont see them on the road as much as the older body style, but i didnt have any proof so i didnt want to look foolish :P
September 22, 2011 10:13 pm
 motorfan28 motorfan28
one word....UGLY. The car better come standard with front park sensors with that big overhang of a front and a decent reverse camera for that fat rear.
September 23, 2011 12:20 am
 benzboy benzboy
I think I have seen this car before or something very similar, oh the Kia Sportage, just not as good.
September 23, 2011 1:16 am
 GTurbo GTurbo
Honda need to start building EXCITING cars again! Acura is non-existent in Europe and that is not cool. At least Infiniti has put that right two years ago in the UK market and are quietly building substantial cars with BMW-esque quality. Where's the new age NSX? Acura's purpose-built product placement supercar coupe in forthcoming movie, The Avengers (starring Robert Downey Jr), should actually be made to make same statement Lexus made with the LFA! Toyota's already made a stunning FT-86 medium sportcar and I won't rule out a future Supra either. Infiniti actually want their own version of Godzilla (Nissan R35 GTR) to happen and what's Honda/Acura doing? Exactly!
September 23, 2011 4:44 am
 ovyd ovyd
I don't know, to me it looks much better than the existing CR-V model.
September 23, 2011 1:42 pm
 ispano6 ispano6
will definitely be trading in my 2nd gen for this when it comes into production. The design is perfect, please leave it as it is. If you don't like the design, the RAV4 FMC also looks really nice. Design is a matter of taste - if your tastes lie more with japanese design that is understated and conservative, Toyota and Honda are a good choice. If you want something that is sportier looking and lighter, Kia Sportage is a nice looking small CUV. It is, however, much smaller than the CR-V, especially interior and head room.
September 26, 2011 12:07 pm