Acura: The TL sport-lux sedan was launched very early in the 2012 year, with a new face looking a little less tweaked and pointy. The TL sedan is expected to be available with a hybrid powertrain, probably in 2012.

Audi: A new Az hatchback now available from Audi joins a new “S” model that debuted in Germany in September.

BMW: A small electric model is due this year. The 1-Series now gets standard USB adaptor, larger standard wheels, rear-center-pass-through, and automatic transmission is now available at no extra cost. The 3-Series is also offering the $1,375 automatic transmission option at no cost, along with a choice of larger wheels and a lower price for the M Sport Package. The 5-Series now has several standard features, including USB adapter, cargo cover, LED headlight rings. Diesel and V-8 models now include tinted windows as standard; while a leather-wrapped, power-operated steering wheel has also been added to the diesel version. Also added to the Premium and Convenience Packages are review camera and navigation system; heated rear seats to the Weather package, automatic high beams, heads-up display, side-view camera to the Technology Package. The Z4 offers the automatic transmission option at no cost and the X6 gets only minor updates: USB adapter standard, and tinted glass and heated front seats added to the option package. Added to the Premium Package will be 4-zone climate control, rear manual sunshades, in addition to rearview camera and nav system.

Buick: The new Regal was introduced, joined by a sportier GS trim level. eAssist technology will be featured in the Regal and LaCrosse for 2012 when equipped with the Ecotec 4-cylinder engine. All-new at Buick is the Verano, a compact luxury sedan, and will compete with Lexus’ IS 250.

Cadillac: The DTS sedan has been discontinued, while the CTS and SRX models get a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine, with 318 horsepower. A new driver-selectable ECo feature gets added to the SRX’s 6-speed automatic transmission to help improve fuel economy.

Chevrolet: The all-new subcompact Sonic joins Chevy for 2012 and will compete with the likes of the Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, among others. Made in the U.S., the Sonic will replace the Aveo. The Camaro will get a racy ZL1 edition added to the moniker. The recently introduced Cruze gets a small boost in fuel economy with its 1.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Minor changes in store for the Malibu which will be redesigned in 2013. Centennial editions are in store for the always favorite Corvette, as Chevrolet celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Chrysler and Dodge: Not much is new here, except more performance added to the brand’s SRT8 models.

Fiat: Introduced in early 2011, the Fiat 500 has taken off quite well. Available in hatchback coupe and roll-back sunroof (Cabriolet), the 500 will soon add a souped-up Abarth edition.

Ford: The ever-popular Focus gets a new look, at long last, as the Mustang as a Boss 302 edition to its lineup. A Laguna Seca version is also available. Mercury bites the dust and Ford and Lincoln carry on the legend.

GMC: The 4-cylinder Terrain engine is now able to accept E85 flex-fuel.

Honda: Civic was redesigned in 2011 as a 2012 model. Coming in the Fall will be a compressed natural gas and GX version. The CR-V crossover was redesigned and debuted in late November. The Accord sedan will arrive in Spring with a new look, and the Ridgeline pickup promises better fuel economy. The subcompact Fit will get a battery-powered version.

Hyundai: Something new is always brewing at Hyundai and spring will see the new redesigned Santa Fe Suv. A redesigned Accent and Genesis sedan debuted as 2012 models in late 2011. The Genesis V-8 version offers a R-spec trim version with a new V-8 5.0-liter engine. The Velostar compact coupe has become very popular among the young set who are anxiously awaiting the turbo version.

Infiniti: New to the lineup will be the JX, a 7-passenger crossover wagon. Arriving probably this spring as a 2013 model, the JX will compete with the very popular Lexus RX SUV. Joining the G convertible will be an IPL or Infiniti Performance Line.

Jaguar: More refinement, performance, economy and fresh design is what’s promised. The new XF Saloon version, XK sports-coupe and flagship XJ debuted in New York in 2011 with sustainable changes, innovations and technical advances. The all-new, state-of-the-art 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine in the XF comes with fuel and emissions improvements, a Saving Intelligent Stop/Start System, more fuel efficiency. For the flagship XJ luxury Saloon, new options and enhancements arrive for 2012, including a Rear Seat Comfort Package with electric redline, lumbar adjustment and massage functions.

Jeep: In 2011, Jeep redesigned its Grand Cherokee, and Jeep added an SRT8 high-performance edition. The 2012 Wrangler sports a new engine: 3.6-liter V-6 which provides 40-percent more horsepower and an increase in fuel economy of up to 21 mpg. Wrangler also sports a new five-speed automatic transmission which it shares with the Grand Cherokee.

Kia: Look for a redesigned Rio subcompact coming in fall. Kia’s 2012 Soud is rumored to be equipped with either a new 2.0-liter engine rated at 164 horsepower (up 22), or a 1.6-liter that delivers 138 hp (up 16). The ever-popular and fun to drive Kia Soul will have the honor of being one of the first vehicles in its class to offer new Idle Stop and Go technology, which offers an increase in fuel economy.

Land Rover: All new for Land Rover is the Range Rover Evoque, one of the lightest and most fuel-efficient Range Rover’s ever produced. At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Land Rover will display a DC100 concept, a modern version resembling the Defender model. Look for this vehicle, if produced, to be popular.

Lexus: New for Lexus is the CT 200h hybrid model, to be introduced this summer. A redesigned GS sedan will most likely be introduced early in 2012.

Lincoln: Integrated “spotter” mirrors are new for 2012 on the Lincoln Navigator SUV. These special mirrors make it easier for drivers to see those often invisible cars in one’s blind spot.

Mazda: Mazda’s new fuel-efficient vehicles named Skyactiv, will debut; a cross between hybrid and battery power. The Skyactiv system will makes its debut in the redesigned Mazda3 sedan in fall 2012.  Mazda introduced a redesigned second-generation 2012 Mazda5 in early 2011,equipped with three-row seating and sliding side doors. The Mazda5’s four-cylinder engine, now a 2.5 liter, offers157 horsepower.

Mercedes-Benz: Released in the summer of 2011, was a redesigned M-Class SUV, with a restyled appearance and new features; among them heated seats and power liftgate. Also available are gasoline and diesel versions of the M-Class SUV. A redesigned C-Class will also debut this year.

Mini:. In August 2011, the two-millionth modern-day Mini was built at the factory in Oxford, England.

Mitsubishi:  The Mitsubishi i-electric car is here, while the once popular sports car, the Eclipse was discontinued.

Nissan: Nissan redesigned their subcompact Versa sedan, introduced this summer, complete with a new global platform and 1.6-liter engine. The Maxima sedan also gets a freshening up for the 2012 model year.

Porsche: Completely redesigned in its seventh generation, Porsche’s 911 Carrera is now 3.9 inches longer in wheelbase, with reduced overall height and an aluminum-steel composite body weighing about 100 pounds lighter.

Scion: The iQ minicar makes its debut for 2012;a three-seater, the iQ sports a 1.3-liter engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). And for those who might be worried about its diminutive size, the iQ comes with 11 airbags. The wheelbase of the iQ is rumored to be a foot shorter than that of the Fiat 500. Scion also plans to add an FR-S sport coupe (in combination with Subaru’s new BRZ).

Subaru: Impreza gets redesigned for 2012 and will appear in the fall of 2012, and offered with 2011 pricing ($17,495). A new 2.0-liter “boxer” engine gets projected fuel economy of 27-mpg city/38-mpg highway.

Suzuki: This journalist wishes Suzuki would bring some of their models to the U.S., namely, the Swift and Splash. For the meantime, a special edition Grand Vitara was introduced for 2012 (see review on WWW site), and rumor has it, the Kizashi sport sedan may get more power.

Toyota: The ever-popular Camry sedan has been redesigned for 2012. Although not terribly different, the Camry still manages to appeal to the masses. Three powertrain choices are offered, as is better 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 called the Prius C appeared in spring and for fall, Toyota plans to introduced the Prius V. Toyota’s new plug-in hybrid model is promised for summer 2012.

Volkswagen: Introduced this year is a final redesign of the popular Beetle. With an elongated look and changed headlights, the 2012 Beetle is aimed at bringing in more male drivers. Convertible and TDI (diesel) Beetles arrived this summer. The Passat sedan has also been redesigned and includes a TDI (diesel) edition (43-mpg highway rating).