It's a challenge for anyone to keep up with the constantly changing roster of cars on dealership lots. For car lovers it's an even tougher task, because beyond knowing that a certain model exists, you need to know where it fits in the automotive firmament. That's why we've gathered every new model due by the first half of 2012 and categorized them, not alphabetically or by some government-defined size class, but by their relevance to buyers, enthusiasts, and the companies that build them. Some cars thrust automakers into new segments, while others drive just like last year's model. Some cars protect the sanctity of the manual transmission, while others advance performance with the latest technology. Some cars address rising fuel-economy standards, while others disguise obscene speed in stealthy sheetmetal. Here are the 85 new arrivals shaping the automotive world for 2012.
BRAND EXPANDERS
These new models don't merely replace an existing car, they move their automakers into new segments.
Land Rover Range Rover EvoqueDon't be surprised if Land Rover's softest four-wheeler becomes its best-selling vehicle. The Evoque opens the Range Rover marque to new customers with its lower price, eye-catching style, and on-road predilection. Available in two- or four-door trim, the Evoque uses unibody construction and a 240-hp, direct-injected, turbocharged four-cylinder supplied by Ford. The Evoque doesn't offer a low range, locking differentials, or an air-sprung suspension, but Land Rover's signature Terrain Response system adapts the traction control, stability control, hill-start assist, hill-descent assist, and throttle response for specific conditions.
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