Auto News 5

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.

Months in Fleet: 3
Miles to Date: 8283

With carbon-fiber components, an aluminum chassis, a hybrid drivetrain, and stunning aluminum body work, the Jaguar C-X16 concept is one of the most dramatic debuts at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. The official word is that the C-X16 is simply a way for Jaguar to demonstrate its future design and technology plans, but there are strong hints this car may make it to production. "The C-X16 is our compelling vision for a 21st century Jaguar sports car," said Jaguar global brand director Adrian Hallmark. "It delivers an irresistible proposition on both emotional and rational levels."

Six months ago, you would have found me in a crazier place in my life: I was living in the thick of the college experience and my days were filled with running to class in slippers, feverishly updating my resume, and cramming for final exams. Flash forward to today, and the situation is much different: I'm a 21-year-old college graduate, I have a steady job, and I have leases on a sensible apartment and a sensible mid-size sedan. I've reached a point of relative stability, which is nice, but as I drove home from the grocery store a few weeks ago, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'm getting...boring.

Along with the miniscule Urban Concepts, Audi is unwrapping the electric-powered A2 concept -- which previews a forthcoming subcompact model -- at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.