From Geneva, Switzerland to Frankfurt, Germany across the pond to Detroit, Michigan—Motor City—right here in the United States, automotive manufacturers clamor annually to showcase their latest models. We’ve put together a sampling of some of the 2012 vehicles that are sure to delight. Whether you’re looking for a new car that’s as good on gas as it is affordable, you’re looking to find a vehicle that will cradle you in luxury or you’re in the market for a new exotic, we’ve got you covered.
Economy
With soaring gas prices, it’s no wonder that consumers are shopping around for economical vehicles that are lighter on the wallet to purchase and to gas up.
Mitsubishi Eclipse GS
Engine: MIVEC OR MIVEC V6
Power: 162 hp(265 hp with V6)
Torque: 123 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg (highway)
Base Price: $19,499
Truly a sleek ride with an exotic flair, the 2012 three-door Eclipse, with its inspired racing design, is sure to turn heads. It features a black-out roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate®Audio System and special-edition trim. Bluetooth technology allows for hands-free technology and the 3.3-inch rearview backup camera comes standard on the GS Sport, SE and GT models. The Eclipse also features active stability control, a rigid unibody chassis and anti-lock brakes.
Hyundai Veloster
Engine: 1.6L GDI 4-cyl
Power: 138 hp
Torque: 123 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg (highway)
Base Price: TBD
The newly introduced Hyundai Veloster has got 24/7 connectivity on its brain. Built-in features like hands-free texting and music uploading and playing features via USB provide the ultimate social driving experience. With a double-scooped aggressive front end, LED headlight accents and a trick third-side passenger door, the Veloster has a completely modern style. The gas mileage mimics that of a hybrid so you’ll get a fun and affordable ride, featuring an EcoShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, a wide rear stance and a sport-tuned suspension.
Kia Sportage SX
Engine: 2.0L
Power: 260 hp
Torque: 269-lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg (highway)
Base Price: $25,795
This is a high-performance compact-utility vehicle (CUV) powered by a turbocharged, direct-injection engine. Featuring a six-speed automatic transmission, this CUV’s got a sport-tuned suspension with tauter shock and struct-valving, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhausts and a signature SX grille. Special upholstery packages including leather seats are available. This model is being touted for providing a well-controlled ride, which could be attributed in part to the electric power steering, which includes a magnetized sense of center.
Nissan Versa
Engine: 1.6L
Power: 109 hp
Torque: 107 ft-lb
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg (highway)
Base Price: $10,990
Truly an economy vehicle in price and fuel efficiency, the 2012 Nissan Versa features a 5-speed manual transmission or Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) and 15-inch wheels with P185/65R15 all-season tires. It also comes with many standard features, including an AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio input jack, air conditioning and a trip computer that displays average and current miles per gallon and the distance to empty. It’s got ample legroom in the back and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat that allows for easy transport through the trunk for long, narrow cargo.
Luxury
Luxury is always in style and the 2012 models in this class deliver on comfort, performance and the upgrades you’ve come to expect in luxury car design.
Lexus LS
Engine: 4.6L V8
Power: 380 hp
Torque: 350 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg (city & highway)
Base Price: TBD
The LS 460 seeks to give other luxury brands a run for its money, with an eight-speed automatic transmission for superb engine performance. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and qualifies for ULEV II low-emissions standards. The ultra-long wheel base model comes in around $85,000, whereas the standard LS 460 is priced around $70,000. The LS features voice-activated HDD navigation, executive-class seating—one of the nicest interiors in its class—Bluetooth® and USB audio support, XM Radio, as well as many other features you’d expect from Lexus.
BMW M5
Engine: 6.2L V8
Power: 552 hp
Torque: 501 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg (highway; estimated)
Base Price: TBD
The 2012 M5, BMW’s most powerful road car to date, has subtle styling elements giving the vehicle a purposeful appearance. Key changes to the exterior include a more detailed bumper, as well as large air ducts that are set low to provide the engine and radiator with ample cooling air, and a small trunk-lid spoiler. The rear bumper has been amped up, too, to house a diffuser element that draws hot air away. The hood, doors and front wings are made out of aluminum. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds (a 0.3 improvement from earlier models) and, according to BMW consumes fuel at 30 percent less than the earlier models.
Toyota Avalon
Engine: 3.5L V6
Power: 268 hp
Torque: 248 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg (highway)
Base Price: $33,500
The 2012 Toyota Avalon is a full-size, four-door sedan that comfortably seats six. Available in the XL, Touring, XLS and Limited models, the Avalon comes equipped with front-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 Avalon has been given a facelift, too, with changes to its front bumper, the headlights and grille. It also dons a new tint on its taillights. You’ll be cruising in style on 17-inch tires and enjoying keyless start and wipers that can sense the rain. The leather seats and wood grain trim provide the interior with the luxurious look and feel all luxury vehicles crave. The 2012 Avalon comes with Bluetooth® hands-free phone and music streaming to subscription-based XM satellite radio.
Volvo S60 T5
Engine: 5-cyl turbocharged
Power: 250 hp
Torque: 266 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg (highway)
Base Price: $30,975
Featuring state-of-the-art pedestrian detecting technology, the all-new Volvo S60 offers three different turbo-charged engines with varying ranges of horsepower and torque. Touted as Volvo’s most dynamic car ever, the S60 features two chassis settings, adding driving support with advanced stability control. With a six-speed, geartronic transmission, the S60 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
Exotic
Take a ride on the wild side in one of these lean, mean, 2012 racing machines.
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
Engine: 60˚ V12
Power: 700 hp
Torque: 509 lb-ft
Top speed: 217 mph
Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds
Base Price: $379,700 Lamborghini’s new flagship model is aptly named after a bull, bred by the Don Celestino Cuardi Vides family, that in October 1993 entered into battle at the Saragossa Arena, earning the “Trofeo de la Peña La Madroñera” for the outstanding courage exhibited during the fight. Like the Aventador, this Lamborghini is a force to be reckoned with, featuring a 700 hp V-12 engine and the highest power-to-weight ratio of all cars in its class. Seemingly a jump in terms of design and technology, the Aventador maintains Lamborghini’s brand value: uncompromising performance.
Aston Martin Virage
Engine: 6.0L V12
Power: 490 hp
Torque: 420 lb-ft
Top speed: 186 mph
Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds
Base Price: TBD
The Virage, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is sandwiched between the DBS and ultra-sporty DB9 Aston Martin models. The rear-wheel drive 2+2 Virage coupe’s V12 engine is pushed back from the car’s front end to provide a 50-50 weight balance. With a ZF automatic transmission and paddle shifters, made of magnesium and leather, drivers have more control over the gears. The Virage also uses an active damping system with stiffness settings that a computer controls based on the driver’s patterns. Donning Aston Martin’s iconic grille, the Virage’s body looks like its made out of one sheet of aluminum.
McLaren MP4-12C
Engine: 3.8L V8 twin turbo
Power: 592 hp
Torque: 493 lb-ft
Top speed: 205 mph
Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds
Base Price: $225,000
McLaren, which gained notoriety on the Formula 1 (F1) racing scene, strives to produce massive horsepower without high carbon dioxide emissions and the MP4-12C’s 7-speed transmission derived from F1 technology for superb cornering and faster gear changes doesn’t disappoint. Engineers minimized the weight of the racing machine by using a carbon monocell chassis comprised of composite material. The design is narrow, which lightens its load, and features aluminum brake hubs. Also, the exhaust pipes have been redesigned and the radiators have been mounted close to the engine to save weight in tubing. The two seats are in close proximity to each other, saving more weight and space; thus, producing a tighter center of gravity. Telematics—navigation and radio displays—are provided on a 7-inch screen.
Jaguar XKR-S
Engine: 5.0L V8
Power: 550 hp
Torque: 502 lb-ft
Top speed: 186mph
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds
Base Price: $132,875
You guessed it, the “S” stands for supercharged. The 2012 Jaguar XKR-S can cruise at a top speed of 186 miles per hour. Great detail has been paid to its chassis, which includes a 0.4-inch reduction in ride height, new aluminum steering knuckle and revised styling to the rear suspension. With adrenaline-pumping performance, driver-focused technologies and an assertive and sporty design, this Jag’s lightweight, forged 20-inch wheels are a half-inch wider in the rear. The interior on this bold new Jag also features carbon-fiber effect leather seats.
