2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, GLI essentially the sedan version of the GTI returns to the Jetta lineup for 2012. The GLI ditches the standard Jetta's twist-beam rear axle for a fully independent setup; under the hood is our old familiar favorite, the 200 hp 2 liter turbo four with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic. Styling changes over the base model are subtle, with a slighly different grille and unique wheels.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan gets minor exterior styling changes, an upgraded dashboard (which it badly neededs), and a new 4-cylinder engine option for the US market. The C250 features a 1.8 liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine with a turbocharger that produces 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the C350 gets direct fuel injection and a bump to 302 hp, up from 268.

2012 Mazda5

Mazda has redesigned the Mazda5 minivan and Mazda3 for 2012. The six-seat interior layout is the same, but the Five now gets the 2.5 liter four-cylinder from the Mazda3 as well as more aggressive styling inside and out.

2012 Mazda3

The 2012 Mazda3 gets a restyled front end that tones down the grille's giant grin. Along with the current 2.0 and 2.5 liter engines, the 3 will offer a direct-injected 2-liter engine "called SKYACTIV" good for 167 hp and 28 MPG city/40 MPG highway in automatic form.

2012 Kia Soul

Whe Soul gets revised styling with minor touch-ups to the grille now 2012 Kia Soul, headlights and bumpers. More importantly, the base 1.6 liter engine gets direct fuel injection and a bump to 135 horsepower, while the 2-liter engine is up to 160 horsepower, and all Souls get six-speed transmissions and significantly improved EPA fuel eocnomy figures.

2012 Kia Rio

The Hyundai Accent, The Kia Rio is all new for 2012 and features a direct-injected 1.6 liter engine that can shut itself off at stoplights, just like a hybrid. EPA fuel eocnomy estimates are 30 MPG city/40 MPG highway, and the interior has been vastly improved.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is bringing back the muscle SUV with the Grand Cherokee SRT8, which they say is the best-performing Jeep ever produced. Jeep says the 465 hp 6.4 liter V8 drives the GC SRT8 to 60 in 4.8 seconds; 60-0 braking takes just 116 feet , while all-wheel-drive and a two-mode adaptive suspension helps it pull 0.90g on the skidpad.

If the 510 horsepower in the XKR isn't enough for you for the new 2012 Jaguar XKR-S, then you'll be happy to see the new-for-2012 XKR-S, which pushes the 5-liter supercharged V8 to 550 hp, with a similar 41 lb-ft increase in torque. 0-60 acceleration is 4.2 seconds 0.4 seconds faster than the XKR and the XKR-S has no speed limiter, so it can reach 186 MPH.

2012 Jaguar XF

The 2012 Jaguar XF gets new front-end styling designed to make it look more like the flagship XJ, along with an improved interior and stereo/navigation systems. The high-performance XFR gets a more aggressive look designed to further differentiate it from the standard XF.

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec performance-oriented Genesis R-Spec gets the 5-liter V8 from the Equus tuned up to 420 horsepower (44 more than the Equus), sport-tuned suspension and steering, and 19" alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires (from same tire family as those fitted to the Corvette ZR1). All Genesises (Genisi?) get 8-speed automatic transmissions, and the base V6 gets direct fuel injection which improves both horsepower (now 333) and fuel economy.

2012 Hyundai Accent Sedan

The 2012 Hyundai Accent Sedan, Hyundai's new Accent will no longer be America's cheapest car (prices will start at a still-reasonable $13,205), but like the Sonata and Elantra, it has evolved into a much nicer car than before. The new Accent comes in 4 and 5door versions and includes a full complement of safety hardware as standard. Power comes from a direct-injected engine delivering best-in-class fuel economy (30 MPG city/40 MPG highway).

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

For the press preview, Ford brought us out to the Laguna Seca raceway, where Parnelli Jones won the 1970 Trans Am season opener in the original Boss 302, and invited us to drive some laps in the new $40,995 Boss 302 back-to-back with a BMW M3. The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is not just another limited-edition Mustang with tape strips and a few extra horsepower. This is a serious attempt to re-create the original Boss 302 of 1970 a racing car that you can legally drive on the street.