The ever-alert team at Carparazzi snapped these night shots of what is reportedly an upcoming new crossover SUV being developed by Honda under the Acura banner. Suggestions are the premium Honda brand is developing its own interpretation of the BMW X6 "Sports Activity Coupe" -- a decent-size AWD that aims at being more car-like on the road than any other SUV so far.

These photos taken in the US desert indicate that the stupendously disguised test mule is indeed quite low-slung, with suggestions of a heavily-sloping rearward roofline not well concealed by the dummy, upright tailgate area. Honda is obviously keen to deceive as much as possible.

Honda has tried to fool the eye at the front too, but it's possible to see sleek, teardrop-style headlight lenses beneath the camouflage, although the aspect of the grille is open to speculation.

Up back it's harder to decipher but it is possible, on the trailer-toting test car, to discern a couple of tailpipe outlets in the bumper. The profile view -- once your eye removes the deceptive camouflage -- shows pretty clearly that the roofline will drop quite sharply from the laid back windscreen to the back, maybe more so than the BMW X6, giving even more credibility to the SUV/Coupe concept. And check out the size of the wheels...

Given the extent of the disguise, it's hard to speculate when the new crossover might see the light of day. Let's suggest next year's Detroit show?

-- with Carparazzi

To comment on this article click here