Honda's CR-V crossover is almost ready for its Los Angeles Auto Show unveiling, but that hasn't stopped Honda from publishing a few shots of the upcoming SUV to its Japanese site as a little preview.
From the looks of it, the Honda CR-V follows the same formula as most other Honda concepts that have come before it: it looks almost exactly like the CR-V Concept, which was unveiled earlier this year. Honda hasn't pulled any punches on redesigning the tried-and-true crossover, either: it gets a bolder three-bar front grille and similar vertical tail lamps, with a slightly sleeker look thanks to a bolder character line on the doors and a set of triangular rear windows.
Underhood, it's business as usual: Automotive News reports that base models will have a 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine making 175 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, while higher-trim models will get a new 2.5-liter L-4 with 201 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
Beneath the sheetmetal, the CR-V is reportedly based on a completely new platform that promises improvements like improved interior space, a lower load floor, and a lower overall height. The platform will continue to support both front- and all-wheel-drive variants.
Production of the new 2012 CR-V is already underway at Honda's plants in East Liberty, Ohio, and El Salto Jalisco, Mexico.The automaker's facility in Alliston, Ontario, is expected to start cranking out the new model in early 2012.
How long until we see the production-ready vehicle in the flesh? Not long: it's coming to next month's Los Angeles Auto Show, and should make its way to showrooms shortly thereafter.