GearCulture

2012 hasn’t even come yet but 2013 Ford Escape ($23,000 and up) has already been getting a lot of attention. The new Escape isn’t a mere re-issue with slight modifications of the previous year’s model; it gets a total makeover sans its standard rectangular structure. It now sports a rather sleeker look as it employs the compact exterior of Ford’s 2012 Focus. Aesthetics aside, the 2013 Ford Escape has geared-up its engines. Of course, it houses a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder which generates 168 horsepower and 167 ft-lb of torque; but it now boasts of an all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 173 hp and 177 lb-ft and the impressive 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 237 hp and 250 lb-ft. Those enhancements are complemented by a six-speed automatic transmission and a 2.0-liter underhood. The models are generally front-wheel drive, but also available are all-wheel drive models. There are more remarkable improvements to Ford’s latest release; we’ll come to know about these by next year.

With a very sporty and agressive styling that'll easily turn heads, who cares if the Surf by Fisker ($TBA) is a station wagon. Designed for the people who live an active, environmentally conscious lifestyle, the Surf combines performance, luxury, and style with utility, and economy. Any if the Surf is anything like it's sedan counterpart, the Karma, expect to see 400+ horses under the hood that can go from 0 to 60 in just 5.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 120 mph.

Flat group, the owner of Maserati teams up with chrysler to venture in the SUV market. The Maserati Kubang ($TBA) features a V8 Ferrari engine with 450 horses, an eight-speed automatic transmission and an underbody borrowed from the Jeep Grand Cherokee and a styling that's completely Italian and unmistakably Maserati. And thanks to the partnership with Chrysler, the Kubang will be manufactured in Detroit making this Italian ride an american-made vehicle. USA!

A bigger Mini has finally arrived. The newest member of the Mini family, the Mini Countryman ($24,000 and up), sometimes called the Mini Crossover, is the roomier, beefier and tougher alternative to the Mini Cooper. The Countryman comes standard with ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, more agressive front fascia, five doors, higher ground clearance, an available 41 cubic-foot cargo area, tons of options and more.

Sure, it may not be the best looker in the family, but the Nissan Juke ($TBA) combines SUV toughness with sports car styling. This rugged vehicle will be available with three engine options including a turbo charger, six-speed manual or CVT with sport setting, as well as front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.

The Volkswagen Toureg ($TBA) makes a come back to provide better mpg and value for 2011. The Toureg will include a new third-row seating, standard eight-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive, 6.5-inch touch screen, Bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, and Lane and Side Assist. Along with a ligher and sportier redesign, the Toureg will also be offered in a hybrid powertrain that runs up to 30 mph on electicity alone.

Tailgating can be a harrowing business without the proper gear or equipment. Dubbed as the ultimate tailgating vehicle, the Toyota Midnight Rider Tundra Tailgater ($TBA) has you covered. This vehicle is built with a slide-out tailgate that's equipped with a infrared BBQ grill, beer tap, ice chest, 42-inch HDTV and Kicker sound system.

Aimed squarely at BMW's X6, Acura announced the release of their new four-door sports utility sedan with a striking coupe-like styling. The Acura ZDX ($TBA) will deliver sports sedan performance with its powerful, 300 horsepower 3.7-liter all-aluminum VTEC V6 mated to an all-new, paddle-shifted six-speed automatic transmission. The ZDX will also feature Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for outstanding handling and cornering capabilities in all-weather conditions.

BMW raised the bar, again with the new X6 M ($TBA). Fitted with a newly-developed 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the uber SUV outputs 555hp at 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 500 lb-ft to power from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. The X6 M features a Dynamic Performance Control system, xDrive AWD and a 6-speed M Sports Automatic transmission, capable of full automatic as well as M driving mode.

Get the benefits of an SUV without the drawbacks in the Audi A4 Allroad Quattro ($TBA). The compact and efficient wagon is more capable of getting around on and off the road with an all-wheel-drive system that features a standard 40/60 percent front/rear torque split and a special offroad detection technology that adjust ESP based on surface consistency. The rugged A4 is offered in a variety of gas and diesel engines from 170hp 2.0 liter TFSI to a 240hp 3.0 liter TDI and sits on 17-inch alloys shod in 225/55 tires. [source]