As usual, not long after the New Year's festivities in January, a few 2008 models began to trickle onto the market. As spring appeared and summer loomed, that trickle turned into a sizable flow. Naturally, many more arrived as September drew near and edged into autumn.

Here's a summary of the new and redesigned cars and light trucks that are currently on sale as 2008 models, augmented by several that are due to emerge during late fall and winter of 2007.

Acura: Honda's luxury division is expected to introduce a successor to its high-dollar NSX sport car, but no date has been specified as yet. Most likely, the new two-passenger coupe will bear some resemblance to the futuristic-looking Advanced Sports Car Concept that was exhibited at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January 2007. During 2008, Acura is likely to unveil a redesign of its TSX sport sedan.

Audi: After launching a Q7 sport-utility vehicle with gasoline power for 2007, Audi is releasing a diesel-engine version for the coming season. The 3.0-liter Bluetec diesel engine will be shared with Mercedes-Benz.

More noteworthy to enthusiasts is the reappearance of the TT coupe and roadster. After skipping the 2007 model year completely, the TT has been redesigned for 2008 with a fresh appearance. This fall, Audi launch a brand-new A5 "crossover" model, along with a power-packed S5 offshoot.

BMW: A reworked midsize 5-Series sedan led the list of early 2008 entrants from the German automaker. A 300-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 goes into 535i and 535xi (all-wheel-drive) models, and the six-cylinder sedan gets a notable power boost along with 528i nomenclature. Early in 2008, at the small end of the size spectrum, BMW will debut its 1-Series model for the American market. The latest version of the high-performance M3 also is coming soon.

During the 2007 model year, BMW released a 3-Series model with a retractable hardtop rather than the usual fabric convertible top.

Buick: A brand-new Enclave has joined the Buick fold as an early 2008 model. Capable of seating eight, the Enclave is related to GMC's Acadia and the Saturn Outlook. A 275-horsepower V-6 engine works with front-drive or all-wheel drive. Buick also has introduced a performance-oriented version of its LaCrosse sedan, borrowing the Super designation from models of the distant past. In addition to potent V-8 power, the LaCrosse Super gets a set of "portholes" - once a Buick hallmark - on each front fender.

Cadillac: At Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January 2007, Cadillac unveiled the next-generation CTS sedan. All-wheel drive is available. Developing 304 horsepower, the CTS's V-6 engine runs on regular-grade gasoline. Inside, upholstery stitching is said to be inspired by premium leather goods. Exterior designer Hoon Kim suggested that the CTS is "show-car technology in a production car," adding that "vertical design elements sure scream Cadillac."

Cadillac also has given its bigger STS sedan a major makeover, though that model is destined for extinction before too long.

Chevrolet: Major redesigning of the midsize Malibu sedan for 2008 gives it increased dimensions and greater passenger space. Three trim levels are offered as the 2008 Malibu emerges late in 2007. A hybrid-powertrain version will go on sale later.

Chevrolet continues to get publicity for the hybrid (gasoline/electric) Volt that debuted at Detroit's auto show in January 2007, even though the required battery technology did not yet exist. Production is expected at some point, but definitely not as a 2008 or 2009 model. If and when the Volt does come to pass, it will differ from other hybrid models. Rather than propelling the car, the small gasoline engine will be used to recharge the battery. General Motors has claimed that if the real-world Volt coupe is driven fewer than 40 miles per day and plugged into an electrical outlet at night, it could operate using little or no gasoline.

A Tahoe full-size sport-utility vehicle with 2-Mode Hybrid powertrain arrives this fall, similar to the GMC Yukon 2-Mode Hybrid. Enthusiasts, meanwhile, are awaiting the arrival of the revived Camaro that toured auto shows in concept form. That one should emerge before the Volt.

Chrysler/Dodge: Apart from the sale of the long-lived company to a private-equity firm in May 2007, minivans are the biggest news from Chrysler. Redesigned for 2008, the Chrysler Town & Country and equivalent Dodge Caravan claim 35 "new and improved features." A one-touch power-folding third-row seat is available, and the powertrain switches to a six-speed automatic transmission. Swiveling second-row seats are a new option. In the optional dual DVD entertainment system, two different movies may be viewed. Second-row windows in the sliding doors are claimed to move farther downward than any other rival's. Three engines are available, topped by a 4.0-liter V-6.

Dodge: After dropping the Avenger badge several years ago, that model designation has returned on a new midsize sedan, intended to replace the departed Stratus. Sharing its structure with Chrysler's Sebring, the Avenger debuted as an early 2008 model in four trim levels - including an R/T AWD (all-wheel-drive) edition. Two V-6 engines and a four-cylinder are available.

No 2007 Dodge Vipers went on sale, but the burly sports car is back for 2008 with a whopping 600 horsepower - 90 more than in 2006. Dodge also has reworked its Dakota pickup, which promises the longest and largest cargo bed in its class. The Dakota's available V-8 engine gains 60 horsepower (now 290), and can run on an ethanol/gasoline blend. In Dodge's commercial-truck class, the Ram lineup is adding new heavy-duty 4500- and 5500-series models.

Dodge's SRT performance division has added a special model to the compact Caliber lineup: an SRT-4, with a turbocharged engine and dash-mounted boost gauge. Early in 2008, a brand-new Journey SUV will debut.

Ford: Name changes are among the highlights from Ford, as the former Ford Five Hundred sedan becomes the revived-for-2008 Taurus. At the same time, the Ford Freestyle now is called the Ford Taurus X. As part of the transformation, engines have gained 60 horsepower.

Ford's compact Escape sport-utility vehicle was modestly redesigned for release as an early 2008 model, with reduced pricing as well as freshened styling. A Hybrid version is available again. Curtain-type airbags and side-impact airbags now are standard.

For the first time, Ford's compact Focus - freshly redesigned - comes in a coupe body style, with a trunk. Ford is promoting it connection with Microsoft, making a new Sync communication/entertainment system available in the Focus. By year's end, Sync will be offered in a dozen Ford models.

GMC: Not much is new from GMC, except for a new 2-Mode Hybrid version of the full-size Yukon sport-utility vehicle.

Honda: For 2008, Honda has added a coupe body style to its Accord lineup. First seen in concept form at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January, the coupe featured a rakish stance and "fast" roofline. Senior vice-president John Mendel advised that the concept was "an accurate representation of the next [production] Accord coupe." A newly available 3.5-liter V-6 engine develops 268 horsepower (up 24), but two four-cylinder engines are offered.

At the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2007, Honda unveiled its latest fuel-cell vehicle. Small numbers of the FCX Clarity sedan are supposed to get into the hands of regular motorists during 2008.

Hyundai: In spring of 2007, the South Korean automaker launched a brand-new Veracruz sport-utility vehicle - but as a late 2007 model rather than a 2008. Hyundai also intends to entry the luxury-sedan market during the 2008 season, with a brand-new Genesis model. The 2009 Sonata is likely to emerge early in the model year, perhaps with a reworked interior.

Infiniti: Nissan's luxury division unveiled a redesigned G35 sedan last year. This season, it's a reworked coupe - now named G37 because of its enlarged engine. Infiniti's full-size QX56 sport-utility vehicle shows a freshened appearance for 2008, inside as well as out. This fall, Infiniti has introduced a brand-new EX35 "crossover" wagon, which first appeared at the New York Auto Show in April.

Jaguar: A new XF sedan will replace the departing S-Type, sometime during the 2008 season.

Jeep: Two brand-new models (Compass and Patriot) debuted for 2007, along with a redesigned Wrangler, so Jeep is taking it easier for the 2008 model year. Biggest news is the reworked compact Liberty sport-utility vehicle.

Kia: Kia's brand-new Rondo crossover wagon debuted early in 2007, but as a 2007 model. Next up for Kia will be the Soul, which first appeared in show-car form and will be a 2009 vehicle. Kia also intends to launch a new Borrego model during 2008.

Land Rover: Land Rover's smallest sport-utility vehicle, the Freelander, didn't last too long in the lineup. The latest entry from the British motor-vehicle maker is a compact called the LR2, with styling cues that emphasize kindship with the larger LR3 model. Seating five, the 2008 LR2 comes in a single trim level and holds an inline six-cylinder engine.

Lexus: After launching an abundantly redesigned full-size LS 460 sedan for 2007, Toyota's luxury division started the 2008 season a little early with a hybrid-powertrain version called the LS 600h L. Priced at $104,000, the hybrid sedan went on sale this summer. Freshened styling is evident on Lexus's RX 350 midsize sport-utility vehicle, also placed on sale as an early 2008 model.

Late this year, Lexus launches a new version of its LX full-size sport-utiity vehicle, with a 5.7-liter V-8 rather than the prior 4.7-liter. Later, a next-generation of the compact IS, called the IS-F, is expected to emerge.

Lincoln: Half of Lincoln's vehicles now employ three-character model names, so a new MKS model is expected to join the existing MKZ sedan and MKX crossover wagon. Looking even further ahead, analysts believe the days of the big Lincoln Town Car may be numbered.

Mercedes-Benz: Most automakers are holding back on diesel engines, despite the fact that "cleaner" diesel fuel now is available in the U.S. Mercedes-Benz, however, is gradually adding diesel models to its American lineup. The Vision GL 420 Bluetec wagon, which will be sold in all 50 states, holds a 290-horsepower engine that delivers a 515 pound-feet torque wallop. Mercedes's full-sized S-Class luxury sedan can have 4Matic all-wheel drive for the first time.

Mercedes-Benz also has released new versions of its GL-Class and ML-Class models, with a new 5.5-liter V-8 engine.

Mercury: On sale as an early 2008 model, the compact Mariner SUV got refreshed styling and additional standard features. Regular and Hybrid models are on sale. As before, the Mariner is closely related to Ford's Escape.

Like its Ford sister division, Mercury has renamed an existing model for 2008. Rather than being called the Montego, as before, the latest version of this sedan revived the old Sable nameplate.

Mini: Moderately reworked Minis emerged during the 2007 model year, so nothing dramatic was on tap for 2008. However, the extended-length Clubman model that has appeared at auto shows in concept form is expected to become reality early in 2008.

Mitsubishi: Launched as an early 2008 model, the compact 2008 Lancer is built on the same platform as the recently-redesigned Outlander crossover wagon. More than 50 "all-new features" went into the latest Lancer, said Hiroshi Harunari, president/CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, at Detroit's auto show in January. A new 2.0-liter engine develops 152 horsepower (up 26 percent). Mitsubishi offers a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the Lancer.

During the 2008 model year, a reworked performance-packed Lancer Evolution also will debut, along with a reworked Outlander SUV.

Nissan: Initially, trucks were the big news for Nissan in 2008, along with a coupe version of the midsize Altima. Early in 2008, though, the eagerly-awaited high-performance GT-R, derived from the Japanese-market Skyline, is due to arrive. Meanwhile, the Altima coupe shares only one body panel (the hood) with its sedan counterpart. The Pathfinder SUV is newly available with V-8 power, and the full-size Titan pickup adds new long-bed models.

Late summer brought a brand-new Nissan Rogue crossover wagon, promising carlike qualities to attract youthful customers. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine drives Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can be fitted with paddle shifters and all-wheel drive. Next comes a redesigned Murano crossover/SUV, as a 2009 model.

Pontiac: Introduced at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, Pontiac's new G8 sport sedan will go on sale early next year as a 2008 model. An available 6.0-liter V-8 engine will generate more than 360 horsepower, while the base V-6 produces 261 horsepower. A redesigned compact Vibe wagon, again related to Toyota's Matrix, also is expected during 2008.

Porsche: Redesigned as an early 2008 model, the Cayenne sport-utility vehicle gained a more powerful V-6 engine. The 4.8-liter Turbo V-8 now develops 500 horsepower, while yielding greater gas mileage than its predecessor, according to Porsche. To the surprise of some observers, Porsche is developing a hybrid (gasoline/electric) powertrain for a near-future model.

Rolls-Royce: Joining the mammoth Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan is a new convertible - a successor to the Corniche models of the past. Evolved from the 100EX experimental convertible that appeared at auto shows, the Phantom Drophead Coupe can accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 5.7 seconds.

Saab: For 2008, the Swedish automaker has given its 9-3 series a substantial reworking. An all-wheel-drive version will arrive at some later point.

Saturn: After launching a batch of new and revised models for 2007, Saturn hasn't finished yet. For the 2008 model year, a redesigned Vue sport-utility vehicle has debuted, with an available hybrid powertrain. Late in 2007, Saturn will release its totally-new Astra compact hatchback, which is related to the 2007.5 Opel Astra sold in Europe. Saturn continues to offer a Green Line Hybrid version of its Aura sedan, which first appeared late in the 2007 model year.

Scion: Americans inevitably seem to want things bigger, and Toyota's youth-oriented Scion division has complied by redesigning its boxy little xB with abundantly enlarged dimensions and a more powerful engine. Measuring a foot longer and three inches wider, the 2008 xB flaunts a substantially different shape than its quirky predecessor. The engine develops an additional 55 horsepower.

Joining the xB is a brand-new xD crossover vehicle. Claiming "aggressive styling," the xD is built on the Toyota Yaris sedan platform. The tachometer and speedometer sit in a concentric-circle gauge. Buyers get few choices: only the transmission and body color.

Smart: Finally, the "smart" car is getting ready for release in the U.S. market. Fortwo models of the mini-sized two-seater, seen virtually everywhere in Europe and elsewhere in the world, went on sale in Canada in 2006. At that time, the only ones that actually found American buyers were modified and marketed by the Zap organization. But now, Mercedes-Benz is launching the smart officially, revised a bit to suit American tastes. Sales will be handled by the Roger Penske organization, rather than directly from Mercedes-Benz. Coupes and Cabriolets (convertibles) have a three-cylinder engine, with a sequential manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive.

Subaru: Ready for sale in mid-2007, the wholly redesigned 2008 Tribeca has taken the place of the slow-selling B9 Tribeca that debuted as a 2006 model. Styling has changed markedly, led by a more conventional grille than the B9 Tribeca exhibited. Visibility has improved, helped by larger rear quarter windows. A rear-vision camera is available, with superimposed lines that are intended to make parallel parking easier. Tribeca may be either a five- or a seven-passenger vehicle. Enlarged to 3.6-liter displacement, the horizontally-opposed six-cylinder now runs on regular-grade gasoline. Rated at 256 horsepower, it produces 247 pound-feet of torque.

At the Detroit show in January, Subaru unveiled mildly-modified 2008 versions of its Legacy and Outback series. Paddle shifters available for the automatic transmission include a "blipping" control for more effective gear changes under demanding conditions. Restyling of the Outback has given it a "more distinctive look," said executive vice-president Tom Doll, with a new grille that "signifies the rugged adventure" of driving a Subaru.

Suzuki: A sedan version of the subcompact SX4, inititally offered only as a hatchback, has gone on sale as a 2008 model.

Toyota: Highlander takes the lead among 2008 Toyota models, with a redesign that includes - as before - a hybrid-powertrain edition. Four inches longer and three inches wider than the prior generation, built on an all-new platform, the 2008 Highlander "moves away from traditional SUV styling cues," said general manager Don Esmond at the Chicago Auto Show. Second-row seats slide fore and aft, and recline up to 14 degrees. A third-row bench is standard. Seven airbags are installed, including a driver's knee airbag and three-row side curtains.

Engine output from the 3.5-liter V-6 has grown by 55 horsepower, to 270. The gasoline-engine Highlander went on sale in July, to be followed two months in autumn by the Hybrid offshoot. Upgraded Hybrid Synergy Drive adds a full-electric mode. Early in 2008, a redesigned Matrix wagon will emerge. Toyota also has redesigned its Land Cruiser full-size SUV, as well as the Sequoia.

Volkswagen: Sometime in 2008, Volkswagen will launch a brand-new Tiguan crossover wagon.

Volvo: Already on sale for some time in Europe, Volvo's compact C30 sport hatchback was released into the U.S. market this past summer as a 2008 model. Seating four in a snug but sporty cockpit, the C30 signals a departure for Volvo in America. During the fall, Volvo launched a reworked version of its XC70 crossover model, which straddles a line between wagon and sport-utility vehicle.

Please check often for regular updates to What's New.