It’s no secret that the Dodge Durango will be offered with an 8-speed automatic transmission for the 2014 model year, but in addition to the new transmission and improved MPG, the Durango will undergo a facelift and will be sporting new front and rear fascias, and a updated grille (clearly shown in these photos). More...

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 found a group of Alfa mules today, and among the mix was at least one 2014 Chrysler 100—complete with the Chrysler grille bolted on the mule.  

Riding on the same platform as the new Dodge Dart, this new 5-door hatchback Chrysler 100 will compete with the likes of the (recently recalled) Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus.

Economically priced under $20,000—yet with hints of luxury and premium features—the Chrysler 100 will be a bit less sporty, while more refined than its Dodge Dart cousin. And apparently the non-compete clause requires the 2014 Chrysler 100 to be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, with no manual offered.

Photos: Todd Rankin for Brenda Priddy & Company

Chrysler.com - Official Site

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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