Like every model year in recent automotive history, the 2012 season began early. Not long after the New Year's holiday in January of 2011, several 2012 models began to trickle into dealerships. Through the spring and into summer, that trickle expanded, slowly but steadily. After all the financial woes of the recent past in the auto industry, the 2012 season has begun with greater enthusiasm - but still on the cautious side, in view of the troubled economy that persists.
Below is a summary of the new and redesigned cars and light trucks that went on sale as early 2012 models, joined by others that are due to appear during autumn. Despite relatively stable gasoline prices lately (though still on the high side), fuel-efficiency remains a prominent theme. Still, surveys continue to demonstrate that Americans have been returning to big cars and largely shunning the fuel-sippers.
Hybrids and electrics have continued to get plenty of attention; but here too, U.S. buyers haven't exactly been scampering to dealerships to snap up each new hybrid or battery-powered model. Last year, Nissan's new fully-electric Leaf drew considerable attention from likely buyers. Chevrolet saw impressive response to its Volt. Now, in mid-2011, interest in both is easing - especially for the Volt, due in large measure to its hefty selling price.
Regardless, a brand-new fully-electric model will reach dealerships this fall: the Mitsubishi i (formerly known as the i-MiEV). Even more electrics are in the works, and plug-in hybrid models aren't too far off. Toyota's plug-in Prius, introduced at a "green" event in September, is expected to arrive at dealerships in summer of 2012.
Acura: Honda's luxury division launch the facelifted TL sport-luxury sedan as a very early 2012 model. Rather than continue what's been the "beaklike" front end that's marked recent Acura models, the 2012 TL has a more conventional appearance. A hybrid-powertrain TL sedan is expected, but not until that model is redesigned, which probably won't be until the 2014 model year.
Audi: A brand-new, shapely and sizable A7 hatchback is the foremost news from this premium German automaker for 2012. New "S" models debuted at the Frankfurt (Germany) motor show in mid-September.
BMW: Foremost news from BMW is the emergence of a small electric model. Details on this and other BMW models will be added later.
Buick: Biggest recent debut from Buick was the new Regal, joined by its sportier GS companion. "Light electrification" technology, dubbed eAssist, will be available on both the Regal and the LaCrosse for 2012, when equipped with an Ecotec four-cylinder engine. An all-new Verano compact luxury sedan joins the lineup for 2012, said to compete against the Lexus IS 250. Buick is one of the "core" brands that remained in the GM fold after the financial crisis and federal "bailout," while others (Pontiac, Hummer, Saab, Saturn) faded away or found new ownership.
Cadillac: No more DTS sedans will be offered by Cadillac, marking the finale for this full-size successor to the old DeVille series. CTS and SRX models get a new 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 318 horsepower. The SRX's six-speed automatic transmission adds a driver-selectable Eco feature to improve fuel economy.
Chevrolet: A brand-new subcompact Sonic joins the lineup this summer, taking the place of the departing Aveo. Sonic is made in the U.S., in contrast to the Korean-built Aveo. New for 2012 is a super-hot ZL1 edition of the retro-styled Camaro. Fuel economy has improved by 2 mpg on the compact Cruze sedan with a 1.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Malibu sedans continue with minor equipment changes, awaiting redesign for the 2013 model year. Centennial Editions of the Corvette will be available, to make the company's 100th birthday.
Chrysler/Dodge: After launching a Chrysler 200 sedan for 2011 to replace the departed Sebring, along with an abundantly redesigned Dodge Durango, Chrysler/Dodge turned toward performance with SRT8 models.
Fiat: Long before Chrysler LLC joined forces with the Italian Fiat organization, small-car fans were eagerly awaiting the arrival of a modern-day version of the Fiat 500 minicar. Introduced early in 2011, as a 2012 model, the Fiat 500 captures the essence of the original, providing a truly fun-to-drive experience as well as an iconic look. A Cabrio edition with a long roll-back sunroof soon joined the original hatchback coupe, and a sporty Abarth model is expected later.
Ford: A redesigned compact Focus went on sale as an early 2012 model. Also coming for 2012 is a Boss 302 edition of the Mustang, fitted with the traditional small-block V-8 engine. A racetrack-ready Laguna Seca variant also will be offered. Ford Motor Company's Mercury brand, a companion to Fords since 1939, faded out of the picture during 2011.
GMC: GM's truck division is among the brands that hung on, when Pontiac, Hummer, Saturn, and Saab departed from the fold. Information on 2012 models will be added later. GMC's four-cylinder Terrain engine can now have E85 (flex-fuel) capability.
Honda: Early in 2011, the long-lived Civic went on sale in redesigned form, as a 2012 model. Unwanted publicity arrived in summer, as Consumer Reports gave the Civic a seriously unfavorable review. (Tirekicking Today disagrees emphatically, as seen in our latest review.) A Civic running on compressed natural gas (CNG) will debut this fall, succeeding the GX version from the prior Civic generation.
A redesigned CR-V crossover model is due in November, promising more cargo space. Honda's midsize Accord sedan is due for a redesign, but that one won't arrive until spring of 2012. For 2012, the Ridgeline pickup will likely yield better gas mileage. Honda claims the 2012 Pilot, in addition to sporting a new look, achieves an EPA estimate of 25 mpg on the highway with two-wheel drive - the highest rating for an eight-passenger SUV. A battery-powered version of the subcompact Fit is in the works, but plans for a hybrid have evaporated. Honda announced in summer 2011 that it would be building a new plant in Mexico to produce a subcompact model, starting in 2014.
Hyundai: This South Korean automaker has been busy during 2011, launching a set of 2012 models. They include a redesigned Accent subcompact and facelifted Genesis sedan, which, in R-Spec trim, can have a newly available 5.0-liter V-8 engine rather than the usual V-6. Out this fall is the brand-new Veloster sporty compact coupe, with a nearly-hidden rear door only on the passenger side. Hyundai has been promoting the 40-mpg EPA fuel-economy rating of several of its models.
Infiniti: Nissan's luxury division is unveiling a JX seven-passenger crossover wagon, ready to compete against the Lexus RX. Sales aren't likely to begin before spring of 2012, as a 2013 model. Infiniti also has announced an IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) of its G convertible, but as a 2013 model that will arrive in spring of 2012.
Jaguar: Information on 2012 models will be added later.
Jeep: Following the debut of the substantially redesigned Grand Cherokee for 2011, Chrysler's Jeep division turned to an SRT8 high-performance edition. The 2012 Wrangler get a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine, with 40-percent higher horsepower and claimed fuel economy of up to 21 mpg. Wrangler's new five-speed automatic transmission is shared with the Grand Cherokee.
Kia: This fall, a redesigned Rio subcompact will reach dealerships. Kia's 2012 Soud can have a new 2.0-liter engine rated at 164 horsepower (up 22), or a 1.6-liter that delivers 138 hp (up 16). Soul will be among the first vehicles in its segment to offer new Idle Stop and Go technology, to enhance fuel economy.
Land Rover: An all-new Range Rover Evoque goes on sale this fall, billed as the lightest and most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever produced. At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Land Rover will display a DC100 concept that's considered a modern interpretation of the old Defender model, which has had something of a cult following since its departure from the lineup.
Lexus: Toyota's luxury division launched a CT 200h hybrid model this summer. A redesigned GS sedan is likely to appear early in 2012.
Lincoln: New integrated "spotter" mirrors are installed on the 2012 Lincoln Navigator SUV, helping the driver to see vehicles in the "blind spot." Otherwise, Lincoln's five-model lineup continues without major changes.
Mazda: Skyactiv is Mazda's term for new fuel-efficient vehicles, which fall somewhere between hybrid and battery power. The Skyactiv system will debut in the redesigned Mazda3 sedan this fall. Early in 2011, Mazda issued a redesigned second-generation Mazda5 as a 2012 model, again equipped with three-row seating and sliding side doors. The Mazda5's four-cylinder engine grew from 2.3 to 2.5 liters, now developing 157 horsepower.
Mercedes-Benz: During summer of 2011, Mercedes-Benz released a redesigned M-Class sport-utility vehicle, featuring a fresh appearance and new features, including heated seats and a power liftgate. Gasoline and diesel versions are offered. Reacting to complaints from reviewers over many years (including Tirekicking Today, Mercedes-Benz has repositioned the cruise-control stalk, to avoid confusion with the turn-signal lever. A redesigned C-Class also debuts for the 2012 model year.
Mini: Information on 2012 Mini Coopers will be available later. In August 2011, the two-millionth modern-day Mini was built at the factory in Oxford, England.
Mitsubishi: After making several prototypes of the i-MiEV electric car available to journalists over the past several years, Mitsubishi is about ready to release the production version, newly named the Mitsubishi i electric. Meanwhile, production of the long-lived Eclipse coupe and convertible has ceased.
Nissan: A redesigned subcompact Versa sedan went on sale this summer, on a new global platform with a new 1.6-liter engine. However, the Versa hatchback is carrying on its prior form until it, too, gets a redesign, almost certainly for 2013. Meanwhile, Nissan's large Maxima sedan earns a freshening for 2012.
Porsche: Completely redesigned for its seventh generation, Porsche's legendary 911 Carrera is 3.9 inches longer in wheelbase, with reduced overall height and an aluminum-steel composite body weighing about 100 pounds less than before.
Scion: Biggest news from Toyota's youth division is the debut of the iQ minicar, which had previously been seen only in concept form. Seating just rhree occupants, the iQ gets a 1.3-liter engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), along with 11 airbags. Early reports suggest that the iQ has a truly tight 13-foot turning circle, which would make it one of the most maneuverable autos on the market. Wheelbase of the iQ is said to be about a foot shorter than that of the Fiat 500 minicar. Scion also plans to add an FR-S sport coupe, with an engine borrowed from Subaru, likely in spring of 2012.
Smart: Information on 2011 smart fortwo models will be added later.
Subaru: This fall, a redesigned Impreza compact will be ready for sale in November at Subaru dealerships. Pricing is unchanged from 2011, starting at $17,495. A new 2.0-liter "boxer" engine gets projected fuel economy of 27-mpg city/38-mpg highway.
Suzuki: Information on 2012 Suzuki products will be added later.
Toyota: The venerable Japanese-brand automaker has redesigned its still-popular Camry sedan for 2012. Toyota calls it "bold, sophisticated," but some critics have faulted the design for timidity. (Similar criticism has befallen prior-generation Camry models as well.) As before, three powertrain choices will be offered, promising greater fuel economy (up to 25-mpg city/35-mpg highway for the four-cylinder, and 43-mpg city/39-mpg highway for the Hybrid). A subcompact version of the Prius, dubbed Prius C, is likely to appear in spring of 2012. This fall, yet another Prius variant, the taller-profile Prius V, should be ready to go on sale. Also coming soon, but probably not until summer of 2012, is Toyota's new plug-in hybrid model.
Volkswagen: Way back in 1998, Volkswagen unveiled the production version of its New Beetle, fully modern but reminiscent of the old air-cooled Beetles of the 1950s to 1970s. Now, for 2012, a redesigned Beetle is on its way, losing the "New" prefix and featuring a profile that's closer to the original. Convertible and TDI (diesel) Beetles arrive in summer of 2012. Meanwhile, Volkswagen has released a redesigned Passat sedan, including a TDI (diesel) edition that earns a 43-mpg highway fuel-economy rating. See our for details and driving impressions.
Volvo: Now owned by a Chinese company, the still-Swedish automaker has issued an R-Design edition of its midsize S60 sedan.
Additional information and details, as well as additional photos, will be posted soon. Please check often for regular updates to What's New, continuing through the 2012 model year.
