Wrapped in camouflage head-to-toe, we photographed the 2013 Toyota Rav4 earlier today. But even covered, these photos show the next RAV4 is going to change quite a bit from its current form and move closer to the crossover mainstream.

When the Toyota RAV4 first went on sale in 1996 (read: History of the Crossover), it was a quirky little SUV powered by a tiny four-cylinder engine. Each successive generation of the RAV4, however, has grown larger and heavier. Today, even a third row of seats is available. The next iteration of the crossover, however, will need to compete with the new Ford Kuga, the Mazda CX-5, as well as the venerable, updated-for-2012 Honda CR-V. That means it will need to retain a roomy cabin and deliver the fuel economy buyers expect.

Based on these spy photos, don’t be surprised if the new RAV4 arrives on a modified version of the current model’s platform. That’s because in addition to some drastic stylistic changes, it looks like a size increase may be in store for the 2013 as well. Although most of the car in the photos is covered up, the sweeping roofline and fast windshield make it clear that the new RAV4 will abandon its off-road pretensions and embrace its crossover roots. More...

From our photographers at the ‘Ring:

At its launch in late 2009 Lexus confirmed that its over-the-top supercar, the two-seat, V10-powered LFA, would be limited to just 500 units in total and that the cars would be painstakingly assembled at the rate of just 20 per month. At that rate, production of the LFA is slated to end in December of this year.

While Lexus has never mentioned that it was planning any more versions of the LFA beyond the regular model and track-focused Nürburgring edition, it being one of the automaker’s greatest achievements means it deserves a proper send out. That farewell may just come in the form of an extreme ‘Final Edition’ model.

A mysterious Lexus prototype sporting manufacturer plates has been spotted racing around the Nürburgring. On initial glance it looks just like the previous Nürburgring Edition but a closer inspection reveals some new elements that suggest this is an even wilder version. More...

Even in heavy camouflage, it’s obvious this is the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado, due for the 2014 model year. We didn’t get a peek under the hood, but sources tell us to expect a small-block V8 with improved fuel economy and greater horsepower. Just at a glance, the revised 2014 Chevrolet Silverado appears to have an even roomier interior. More details as they come in.

Photos: Jeremy Kupfer for Brenda Priddy & Company

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Chevrolet.com Official Site - 2013 Chevy Silverado

Chevy Silverado 1500 Pickup Truck Model Overview

We’ve seen the concept, but here are the very first photos of an Acura RLX prototype on the road! Actually, this went right from an enclosed transporter into a secure garage—but we managed to snap a couple of distant photos before the RLX was tucked away for the night. Its testing partner this week happens to be a BMW 535i.

Acura’s soon-to-be newest flagship debuted in “concept” form at this year’s New York Auto Show, and will likely reach dealerships in early 2013 as a 2014 model.

This prototype is sporting Acura’s “Jewel Eye” LED dual-stacked high-intensity headlamps, which will surely become the RLX’s signature.

Although car companies don’t usually talk about future products—even when concepts are introduced—the Acura RLX press release tends to spill the beans regarding powerplants: A 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC V6 and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission to produce over 370 horsepower and offer 30 mpg city and highway (in the concept model), but Acura also mentions a 310-horsepower front-wheel drive version.

Read more in the Acura RLX intro press release below. In the meantime, we’ll be staking out the garage!

Brenda Priddy & Company

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Aston Martin will reportedly launch six new models over the coming six years, with most being evolutionary successors to existing models in the Aston line-up. Some though are all new, and—the most important of these new models—the successor to the DB9, will reportedly arrive in 2013.

As our exclusive spy photos show, styling will to be traditional Aston, with elements of the Rapide to appear also: the new headlights and the bumper-mounted number plate, for example.

All else about the Aston Martin DB9 replacement is unknown. It is believed to be in development under the codename Project VH500, but it remains to be seen whether it will continue with the DB9 name, or jump up to DB10 or DB11.

Brenda Priddy & Company

Here are the first images of the real 2014 Porsche Macan, an all-new SUV from the German automaker, which has been described as having sporty valences and a coupe-like body style.

Porsche is moving ahead at blistering speed with development of the 2014 Macan, and it appears they’re right on schedule.

The Porsche Macan is riding on a platform shared with the Audi Q5 and upcoming Audi Q6—a fact that is clearly demonstrated by the very Audi-like wheels on this test vehicle. The differences will obviously come in the luxury department, and in the fact that the Macan will offer a sportier ride than the Q5.

The headlights, taillights and that fake chrome strip towards the rear of the doors are actually stickers—Porsche’s clever camouflage.

Besides the size—as compared to the Cayenne—the Porsche Macan stands out with a larger center grille, no creases on the hood, a sloped back and longer overhangs.

The 2014 Porsche Macan will also reportedly be powered by the first Porsche four-cylinder engine since the 968 was phased out in 1995.

Brenda Priddy & Company