Recently, the ever-vigilant motorheads at Jalopnik managed to catch the 2011 Ford Explorer test mule attempting to anonymously cruise the streets of Michigan. Unlike spy photos that have surfaced of other “redesigned” future models from Ford (here’s to looking at you, 2010 Mustang), the 2011 Ford Explorer appears to be quite a drastic departure in design from the current generation - which is causing us faint digestive discomfort.

Photo Source: LeftLaneNews.com

Recently, the 2010 Chevy Equinox, was spotted taking its next-gen wheels for a spin. Perfectly situated between the Traverse SUV and Malibu sedan in Chevy’s model line-up, the crossover utility Equinox is scheduled to hit dealer showrooms in early 2009. While no formal plans have been confirmed as to its official debut to the scrutinizing public, judging by the lack of any significant camouflage in this most recent batch of spy photos, the 2010 Equinox will most likely make an official appearance in January at the Detroit Auto Show.
Full gallery after the jump

Yesterday, the guys at Jalopnik managed to get their hands on some exclusive photographs taken by the espionage experts at KGP photography of a 2011 Ford Explorer test mule tooling around the streets of Michigan. While the drastically redesigned body might be quite shocking to those accustomed to the current generation Explorer, you can’t say Ford didn’t warn you. Earlier this year, Ford debuted the Ford Explorer American concept and revealed their plans to base the next-generation Ford Explorer off the Ford Taurus platform.

Now usually, this would be the part where I analyze the new Explorer’s unappealing, misshapen, inexplicably irritating exterior aesthetic and derisively question the intelligence of Ford’s design team. However, because test mules are rarely accurate representations of the final production model, I’m willing to extend Ford the benefit of the doubt and trust that - contrary to the visual evidence that sits before me - the 2011 Ford Explorer will not be another fruity little crossover aimed at breeders.

Check out the spy shots after the jump

Earlier this week, Volvo revealed their goal to begin selling diesel hybrid vehicles in both the European and U.S. markets by 2012, signalling the unofficial end of Volvo’s famed V8. In light of that news, a renewed emphasis has been placed on the Volvo XC60’s impending debut in April, as it will most likely carry with it two turbo diesel variants. Released in Europe in 2008, the 2009 Volvo XC60 will hit North American dealer showrooms in April of ‘09 and offer direct competition to other similar luxury crossovers like the BMW X3 and the Acura RDX.

As of today, the only model that has been confirmed for introduction in the U.S. is the Volvo XC60 T6 AWD. Unlike its two diesel cousins, the XC60 D5 and 2.4D, the XC60 T6 AWD is standard gasoline dependent, yet still boasts an impressive fuel consumption average of 33 mpg city/27 mpg hwy (est). Under the hood, the surprisingly fuel efficient XC60 carries a 3.0L I6 engine mated with a 6-speed Geartronic transmission, producing 285 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Not nearly as powerful, the XC60’s diesel options, the D5 AWD and the 2.4D AWD, are available with either a 6-sp Geartronic or manual transmission and only produce an average of 185-hp/295 lb-ft of torque and 163-hp/251 lb-ft of torque, respectively. Marginally less gas thirsty than the T6 AWD, however, both diesel engines consume an estimated 22 mpg city/35 mpg hwy (Geartronic), 24 mpg city/38 mpg hwy (manual).

Full XC60 photo gallery after the jump

When preview photos dropped days ahead of the Paris showing, I’ll admit my initial enthusiasm for the BMW X1 Concept was slightly lacking. Seeing the X1 Concept in the flesh didn’t do much by way of changing my attitude, but it did reassure me that while the exterior design isn’t exactly the most renegade piece of engineering, BMW has remained true to its trademark styling. Built on the BMW 3-series platform, the BMW X1 Concept borrows the five-door styling of the BMW 1-series, the front grill work of the BMW 7-series, and the ubiquitous SUV design of the BMW X3.

Bottom line: Sometimes change isn’t necessarily a good thing [for further reference, see: Chevy Orlando], and if the BMW X1 Concept ever makes it to production, it has the potential to fare very well as an entry-level crossover/SUV.

Full gallery after jump

Codenamed GMT168, the new Saab 9-4X is intended to kick off Saab’s highly anticipated aesthetic overhaul with its introduction in 2010. Until recently, photos of the 2010 Saab 9-4X were limited to heavily camouflaged spy shots, but Brenda Priddy and her team of espionage experts managed to score some stills of the new 9-4X showing some skin.

Check out the undressed 9-4X after jump

Beating the Ford Kuga to the American punch, Chevy has announced plans to unveil their new crossover SUV, the Chevy Orlando, at the Paris auto show next month. The 7-seater multi-purpose vehicle is part of Chevy’s attempt at shifting with the growing trend, namely, growing young families who need the space, but resist buying a minivan like a cat avoids water. Chevy spokeswoman Nancy Libby explained to Auto News, “Chevrolet is looking at all its options to meet the needs of buyers…We’re looking at what works in markets around the world.”

Ford is expected to phase out the Escape SUV within the next decade, and when they do, talk from the top suggests they might usher in a new Lincoln model to replace it. Ford’s product development chief, Derrick Kuzak, admitted Ford is seriously considering adding a C-segment vehicle to the Lincoln line-up, most likely basing if off the Ford Kuga XUV currently sold abroad. Kuzak also hinted that the European small car the Ford Ka might be included in the American invasion, a prospect we are notably less than enthusiastic about.

2009 Dodge Journey

Featuring all the ambiguous family-crossover-vehicle styling of the Chrysler Avenger, the 2009 Dodge Journey is the newest and most unexciting addition to the family. Sitting on Chrysler’s Global-D platform, the new Journey offers yet another alternative to buyers in denial of their need for a minivan. Standardized to seat 5 with the option to accommodate an additional 2, the Journey’s rear passenger layout is decidedly kid-friendly. Theater seating serves as a precautionary offensive maneuver against the inevitable “Mo-om, tell Mikey to keep his arm on his side of the car!” while rear doors that open at a 90-degree angle provide ample room for swiftly and efficiently locating the offending child to backhand.

2010 Lincoln MKT

On Friday, Ford gave the official green light for production of the 2010 Lincoln MKT, Ford Motor Company’s luxury crossover vehicle. Developed under the codename “D472″, the Lincoln MKT was originally introduced in January at the 2008 North American International Auto Show as a Ford Taurus/Lincoln MKS/Volvo S80 inspired concept vehicle. In the fall of 2009, the Lincoln MKT vision will become a reality when 2010 models hit dealer floors.