The Hyundai Genesis R-Spec and its V-8 engine.
It's easy to get excited about the launch of an all-new car. Fresh sheet metal is like a newborn baby -- it commands attention while the older sibling gets ignored.
Soon, new and redesigned 2012 models -- like the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Veloster, Buick Verano and Chevrolet Sonic -- will fight for your attention.
Other 2012 models, however, feature more stealthy updates that also warrant notice. Automotive technology is advancing at such a rapid clip that some cars and trucks are getting significant enhancements under very familiar skins. These automobiles have improved features, fuel economy and performance, but largely keep their 2011 looks.
Here are a few that shouldn't be ignored. (When available, all prices are the base MSRP and include destination charges.)
Kia Soul
The 2012 Soul ($14,650) is a perfect example of subtle exterior and cabin tweaks that belie big improvements under the hood. It features two new engines, the most significant of which is a 164-horsepower four-cylinder bringing 22 more ponies to the party.
Both manual and automatic transmissions are bumped up to six-speed gearboxes. That makes driving more fun and improves highway fuel economy to 35 mpg. Hip-hop-loving hamsters everywhere will be impressed with the new Microsoft-powered UVO voice-activated infotainment system.
While you're at the Kia showroom, also check out the Forte ($15,950), which replaces four- and five-speed automatics with six-speed units.
Mazda3
The 2012 Mazda3's new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine gets hooked up to new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. That bumps highway fuel economy up to 40 mpg. To keep the grins coming, the 3's exterior and interior get gentle revisions. Like all 2012 vehicles, the Mazda3 (estimated $16,600) gets federally mandated electronic stability control as standard equipment.
The Buick LaCrosse and its eAssist system.
Buick LaCrosse
The sculpted LaCrosse sedan ($30,320) gets a new base engine dubbed eAssist. This mild-hybrid four-cylinder system boosts fuel economy by 25 percent to an impressive 25 city, 36 highway -- as good as some compact cars. Performance fans will like the optional 3.6-liter V-6 that provides a 23-horsepower boost for a total of 303. GM's new IntelliLink uses the driver's smartphone to interface with services like Pandora and Stitcher SmartRadio.
The eAssist powertrain will be optional in the Regal sometime in 2012.
Hyundai Genesis
The 2012 Genesis ($35,050) gets an all-new standard eight-speed transmission. Headlights and taillights get spiffed up, too. The big news, though, is the R-Spec model ($47,350), with its 5.0-liter V-8 pumping out 429 horsepower.
Hyundai also gives its luxury Equus (estimated $58,900) a new powertrain -- the same engine as the R-Spec -- along with an eight-speed gearbox. The iPad owner's manual is a thing of the past, though.
Chrysler 300 Limited and Dodge Charger SXT
The 300 Limited ($31,795) and Charger SXT ($28,320) were new for 2011 but get an important addition for 2012. Standard in all but the very base V-6 models is a new eight-speed transmission, making two very good cars even better.
Replacing a five-speed, the new gearbox makes the 300 and Charger quicker off the line and boosts highway fuel economy to 31 mpg. Chrysler crows that it is the first domestic automaker to offer an eight-speed transmission.
Ford models
For years, truck owners bragged about V-8 power. Now, Ford owners can do the same with half the cylinders. The company's new 2.0-liter, 240-horsepower turbocharged EcoBoost engine is available in the Explorer ($29,990) and Edge ($29,460). A V-6 version also is available for F-150 pickups.
In the Explorer, this means highway gas mileage of 28 mpg, beating the competition in its class by up to 5 mpg. Combine that with seating for seven for a combination worth noticing.
Leave a comment