Motor Authority Catches Acura's Next Sporty SUV being Tested

The new Acura is expected to be a sporty crossover to rival the likes of the BMW X6 and Infiniti FX 35
Acura confirmed recently a number of plans to expand its lineup with several all-new models in an attempt to compete with more established tier 1 luxury brands such as its German rivals, which currently offer full range lineups. The upmarket Honda label is limited to a handful of sedans and a pair of SUVs but the next couple of years will be very busy as the company prepares for the launch of a new coupe, a supercar, and according to these spy shots a new crossover as well.

The prototype for the upcoming sporty crossover was first spotted testing at night in California’s Death Valley back in August. The latest shots show the car during the day and reveal an extremely low roofline that starts to descend after the B-pillar. This gives it a coupe-like profile similar to BMW's X6, which will be one of its main rivals.

Acura is yet to reveal any specific details about a new crossover model, however the company’s vice president for corporate planning and logistics, Dan Bonawitz, confirmed recently that Acura’s first all-new model would be launched in 2010 and that it would be followed by the NSX-replacement later that same year.

This means the crossover could feature a V8 engine, which Acura plans to introduce within the next 18 months. The other engine option would likely include the current 3.7L V6. Honda’s Super-Handling AWD system would also likely come as standard.

Source with more pic's;
http://www.motorauthority.com/spy-shots-acura-working-on-bmw-x6-rival.html