Review Car

New Cars of 2012

The second quarter of 2012 is underway and auto enthusiasts have plenty of new models to review and compare. Some automakers are testing the market with 2013 models of their concept cars. Some are over-the-top with their innovative new designs while others are the same rock-steady models with updates and sleeker lines.

A number of flashy cars priced under $50,000 are being rolled out this year, amid great fanfare among the automotive community. Each one is expected to go on sale in the next 18 months. With each new introduction the anticipation level ratchets up a notch or two.

No doubt those with money to burn and a driving desire to own one will waste no time signing on the dotted line and driving one home off the showroom floor.

If you’re one of them, research and compare car insurance rates first to find how much your premiums will be. Entering your ZIP code online can give you a clear picture of how much it will cost to insure one of these vehicles.

Excitement on Wheels

In January the public got its first look at the Ford Focus ST, and in February the Mitsubishi Evo XI was unveiled. In March the Toyota Prius C was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Every few weeks a new car is introduced.

April heralds the arrival of the Chevy Camaro ZL1, a muscle car with a supercharged V-8 engine with 580 horsepower. The sticker price is $54,995 but the more affordable Camaro SS will sell for $31,930. The ZL1 selling points are getting the attention of the car crowd.Also in April the two-door Mini Paceman goes on display. Mini has its work cut out marketing this model, which is basically a two-door version of the Countryman. The Mini Paceman is similar to the Mini Cooper, only larger and with four-wheel drive.

More Innovation to Come

The following cars will be released in coming months:

Dodge Dart

In July the public will get it first look at the Dodge Dart, totally redesigned from earlier models. This compact sedan is expected to give serious competition to Chevy’s Sonic and Cruze models, the Ford Fiesta and Focus and the Hyundai Accent. The sticker price begins in the low $16,000 range and it has some outstanding features:

• The Dart’s heavy Italian influence is seen in its Alfa Romeo Giuletta platform with its solid steel body.
• It’s equipped with multi link independent rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and MacPherson front struts.
• Some models will come with manual transmission. Others will be equipped with double clutch “manumatic.”

Cadillac ATS

The Cadillac ATS is also expected to make its debut in July. Some experts say Cadillac is trying to mimic BMW, but Cadillac hopes to overtake BMW with its own version of a concept car. The new 3,400-pound Caddy is a lighter, more powerful car than previous models.

• Its two-liter four-cylinder engine has 270 hp and 260 pounds per foot of torque. That’s more power under the hood than the BMW 328i.
• Its V-6 engine has 320 hp, exceeding the BMW’s 300 hp engine.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

In October the Ford Shelby GT500 is scheduled to arrive. The Shelby is expected to top even the popular Camaro ZL1 with its powerful V-8 engine. Plus, the Shelby Mustang surpasses the Camaro in torque but weighs 200 pounds less. With all the options the sticker price could be in excess of $70,000.

• With its high-performance engine the Ford Shelby can hit 200 mph.
• It has an optional performance package including a Torsen limited slip, electronic adjustable dampers and a track package combining rear differential, transmission and engine oil coolers.

Planned for the Showroom Floor

This fall expect the Ford Fiesta ST, and late this year the Corvette C7 will arrive. Topping it all off will be the BMW i3 Electric City Car, scheduled to arrive in early 2013.

Ford Fiesta ST

The good thing about the Ford Fiesta ST is that changes were made to the body to improve the cooling system. The drawback is that it might only come as a three-door hatchback. Ford tried unsuccessfully to squeeze the Focus ST two-liter engine into the Fiesta but modifications need to be made before it hits the showroom floor. The price is expected to be in the low $20,000 range.

• Compared to the upscale feel of the new Ford Focus, the Fiesta will have a sportier feel to it.
• The Fiesta will have better suspension than before and maybe Recaro seats.
• It will come equipped with 17-inch wheels, dual exhaust and performance tires.
• Under the hood it will have a direct-injection, 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

Chevy Corvette C7

Over the past 13 years the Corvette hasn’t changed much and its looks have become dated, but expect a new look for the C7. This $50,000 car is already being compared to the more expensive Ferrari.

• The C7 will have split rear windows and an updated interior.
• Its performance will remain unchanged but it will have between 400 and 450 hp.
• To improve fuel economy GM will lower the car’s displacement and make it lighter.

BMW i3 Electric City Car

BMW says its $35,000 i3 will get 100 mph and have a 99-mile range before it needs recharging. The automaker is planning a magnetic field charging system similar to the system found in cell phone charging pads and wireless laptops.

• The i3 will have a rear-mounted electric motor and batteries mounted on the floor.
• The trunk will be in the front, like the early Volkswagen Beetles.
• The car’s maximum speed will be 100 mph and its electric engine will provide enough kick to equal 150 hp.

The car crowd is getting its first look at these up-and-coming new concept cars of the future.

In the auto industry “new” means more expensive and higher insurance premiums. Be sure to compare the cheapest car insurance rates online by entering your ZIP code and driving information to get a true feel how much one of these cars will really cost.