2013 Ford Escape unveiled; SUV will be built in Louisville

Today at High Gear Media most of our editorial staff is reporting from the floor of the Los AngelesAuto Show, attending press previews and seeing some upcoming models for the first time. But plenty of news has already been breaking, including details regarding the all-new 2013 FordEscape, 2013 Cadillac XTS, and 2013 Toyota Prius C. Catch up on these, then stay put for the highlights, details, and more debuts from the Los Angeles show.

The high-pressure direct-fuel-injection 2.0-liter SkyActiv engine plays a big role in fuel economy, too,and Mazda has spent a significant amount of time and money developing a powerplant that is both fuel-efficient and rewarding to drive.

The outgoing generation of the Ford Escape leaves the compact sport utility vehicle market with a unique legacy of combating the stigma of taller automobiles. Adopting the Escape Hybrid in 2005, Ford even bested Toyota by producing a compact utility product capable of fuel economy in the low 30 mile per gallon range. Revealed on the 2011 Detroit North American International Auto Show concept car called the Vertrek (a vehicle pictured above believed to strongly suggest the styling direction for the 2013 model year replacement for the Escape), Ford Motor Company is prepared to launch crossover vehicles deeper across their trail; changing conventional thoughts.

Pricing and other important details will have to wait, but I think there's enough here to get your mom excited.

There's a lot to like about the 2013 Ford Escape, and we'll be curious to see what the sales numbers look like when the crossover hits dealers early next year. The "old" model is selling better than ever, so the all-new Escape has serious shoes to fill. Be sure to scroll through our attached high-res image gallery to see the Escape from all angles, and follow the jump for the official press blast. We'll have more impressions live from the LA Auto Show later today.