t appears the Honda/Acura CUV prototype spotted late last month outside the Nurburgring is being created with markets like Russia and the Middle East in mind in addition to North America. Honda is launching Acura in Russia in the near future and Russians are not fleeing SUVs and crossovers the way Americans have been in recent months.

Aimed directly at the BMW X6 and Infiniti FX, the as-yet-unnamed crossover should be about the same size as a Lexus RX. Like the X6, it should have a coupelike greenhouse with a sharply sloping D-pillar and tailgate. Because Acura isn't a global brand, if Honda were to sell it in markets like Western Europe, it would probably be spared the controversial "power-plenum" grille that has become an Acura staple in favor of a grille like that of the Accord, as depicted in the illustration. North America will likely not be as fortunate.

Powertrain options should include the TL's 3.7L V-6 and trick SH-AWD system, with a smaller engine (such as the Accord's 3.5L V-6) possibly available on more entry-level models. The 3.7L engine makes 305 hp in the TL, which is on par with the 300 hp in the X6 xDrive35i and 303 hp in the FX35. Honda's current lack of a V-8, however, puts the 390 hp FX50 and 400 hp X6 xDrive50i well out of reach -- although that may change. Honda recently divulged it has a V-8 under development that's expected to be ready in time for the launch of the next-generation RL early next decade, which should coincide with the arrival of its latest crossover.