2011 Model Year Overview

Take the time to click through a few recent automotive headlines and it quickly becomes clear that, by and large, the auto industry has survived the meltdown of 2009.The first quarter of 2010 saw automakers such as Ford, Hyundai, Subaru and even recall-riddled Toyota post double-digit sales increases for the first time in more than a year. Behind the larger success stories, other automakers are reporting increased dealer traffic, something that was unthinkable a few months ago.

All of that good news breeds optimism, and as a result we're beginning to see a wave of new models just on the horizon. Domestic automakers such as Chevrolet and Ford are slated to release eagerly awaited vehicles such as the Volt and Fiesta, respectively, within the next few months, while Nissan is looking to introduce its all-electric Leaf. The trend of high-quality small cars and technology-laden fuel savers will be continuing in 2011, and that's good news for consumers everywhere.

To give you a more complete look at all the latest vehicles coming down the pike, here's a comprehensive overview, listed by automaker, of what's new and what's been slightly modified or "refreshed" for the 2011 model year.

Acura

Since abandoning its quest for a V8, rear-wheel-drive platform and leaving the mighty NSX-successor to rot in the land of the never-produced, Acura may seem to have lost its way. The former leader of affordable luxury in America has been eclipsed by the likes of Lexus, Infiniti and even Cadillac in both styling and emotion. That's not to say there's nothing to look forward to from Honda's luxury wing. Quality-oriented families can rejoice in the addition of the new TSX wagon, for starters.

WHAT'S NEW . . .

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon
Manufacturers are hoping that wagons will soon gain traction in America as a stylish alternative to SUVs and minivans, and Acura is looking to capitalize on the trend with its TSX Sport Wagon. The company brought over the European-market Honda Accord Wagon, bolted on an Acura fascia and called it a day — but that's a good thing. Power is likely to come from the company's 2.4-liter 204-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.
Availability: Falll 2010
Price: Around $32,000

Read:  Acura TSX Sport Wagon Debuts in New York

WHAT'S BEEN REFRESHED . . .

2011 Acura TSX
Earlier in the year, Acura made quite a bit of noise about the possibility of a hybrid TSX. The company hasn't mentioned any details since those first reports surfaced in January 2010, but at the time Acura seemed confident that the fuel-saver version would be on the street by 2011. Given Honda's experience with integrated motor assist, a hybrid TSX shouldn't be too much of a stretch.
Availability: Early 2011?
Price: Around $33,000

Compare: Acura TSX vs. Infiniti G37

Aston Martin

Last year was a busy one for Aston Martin. After launching the Rapide sedan and the One-77 , this relatively small carmaker should have modest offerings in 2011. That said, the company will introduce its smallest and most fuel-efficient vehicle, called the Cygnet. The pint-sized Aston Martin isn't what you'd expect from the high-end automaker.

WHAT'S NEW . . .

2011 Aston Martin Cygnet
Based on the lowly Toyota iQ micro, the 2011 Aston Martin Cygnet is what would happen if you turned the company's engineers loose on your daily driver. The interior has been swaddled in hand-crafted amenities and the car now boasts very Aston front and rear fascias. Unfortunately the performance remains the same. Expect a tiny 1.3-liter engine with around 100 horsepower to be at the heart of the car.
Availability: Early 2010?
Price: Around $33,000

Read:  More on the Aston Martin Cygnet

2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Aston Martin has been kind enough to give American buyers something to look forward to next year — it has decided to sell the V12 Vantage in the United States. Using a 6.0-liter V12 engine with 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, the car will be available as a Carbon Black edition exclusively in the US. Expect all the joy of the V8 Vantage with the punch of four extra cylinders.
Availability: Late 2010
Price: Starts at $119,500

Review: Aston Martin V12 Vantage

WHAT'S BEEN REFRESHED . . .

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
The V8 Vantage roadster is beginning to get a bit long in the tooth. In order to keep the car as fresh as can be, Aston Martin's engineers have set about giving it a solid refresh. New headlights and carbon-fiber ground effects will likely be the stars of the show, though new wheel packages are expected to surface as well.
Availability: Late 2010
Price: $150,000

Audi

Like most manufacturers, Audi is still getting back on its feet after the global sales ice age of 2009. As a result, we likely won't see a lot of new metal from the German manufacturer in 2011, with one big exception. If our sources are to be believed, American buyers may finally get their hands on a piece of forbidden fruit: the RS5. There's also some indication that an all-new A7 Sportback may surface to do battle with the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo.

WHAT'S NEW . . .

2012 Audi A7 Sportback
The all new Audi A7 Sportback combines the upscale appeal of the A8 sedan with the style of the A5 Sportback, which is only available in Europe. Inside and out, it features design details that reward the driver and his or her passengers. While built on the same chassis architecture as the A4, S4, A5 and S5, the A7 actually has a longer wheelbase (114.7 inches) and wider track (64.5 inches front, 64.1 inches rear). There will be only one engine available in the U.S. (unless you count the S7): Audi's gasoline-fueled, supercharged and direct-injected 3.0-liter V6. It will be rated at 295 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.
Availability: Mid 2011
Price: Around $56,000

Read: Audi A7 Sportback Concept debuts in Detroit, 2009.

2011 Audi RS5
Starting next year, American buyers will finally be able to get their hands on a very lustworthy piece of Audi hardware: the RS5. European buyers have been able to snap up this 444-horsepower V8 coupe for some time now. Once the car does hit our shores, don't expect it to be either plentiful or cheap. The company has already made it clear that it will import only a limited number of RS5s, and that each of them will be loaded to the gills with go-fast and luxury options.
Availability: Fall 2011
Price: Around $75,000

2011 Audi A8
It's been a long time — seven years, to be exact — since Audi re-examined its range-topping A8. But this fall, the German automaker is treating its flagship to a complete makeover. The all-new Audi A8 will retain its legendary strengths — an elegant interior and standard all-wheel drive — but will get a little bigger, add a host of new electronic gadgets and sport a clean, strikingly muscular exterior.
Availability: Fall 2010
Price: Around $75,000

Read:  First Drive - 2011 Audi A8

WHAT'S BEEN REFRESHED . . .

2011 Audi Q7
Until now, the big news about the Q7 was the big SUV's efficient TDI V6 engine. Buyers looking for a little extra power at the cost of a few miles per gallon can now look forward to a 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged V6. The engine is the most powerful 6-cylinder in the Audi parts bin and should give the vehicle up to 333 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque when it arrives on dealer lots later this year.
Availability: Late 2010
Price: Starts at $46,900

2011 Audi TT
Now that Audi has decided to turn its stable into a squadron of bona fide BMW-fighters, the company's roadster is getting some love from engineers and brass alike. The car's new styling falls into the evolutionary camp instead of rewriting what it means to be a TT, though a good bit more power is available from the entry-level turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Expect around 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Availability: Fall 2010
Price: $38,000

Bentley

They say that pesky little things like recessions don't influence luxury car sales. Tell that to Bentley and other uberluxury brands that took a bath over the past two years. But don't worry, that hasn't stopped the luxury carmaker from starting a discreet grudge match against rival Rolls-Royce. The two are set to tangle in a big way with the all-new Bentley Mulsanne and the equally minty Rolls-Royce Phantom. Careful, someone's sport coat might get wrinkled.

WHAT'S NEW . . .

2011 Bentley Mulsanne
Bentley has traditionally been all about larger-than-life luxury, and the newest addition to the family isn't about to let anyone down. Named after the infamous turn at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mulsanne packs a twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 engine with 505 horsepower and a dizzying 752 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed transmission. The company says each car takes nine days to produce, thanks largely to the amount of hand-built coachwork in the cabin.
Availability: On sale now
Price: $300,000

Read:  Bentley Mulsanne Debuts at the Pebble Beach Concours

2011 Bentley Continental GTC Supersports Convertible
Bentley is laying claim to the title of the world's fastest 4-seat convertible with its Continental GTC Supersports. With 621 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged W12 engine, the car can dart to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and is capable of hitting 202 mph on the top end. A ZF 6-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, and the interior has been worked over with the usual smattering of Supersports amenities, including carbon-fiber bucket seats and unique cabin trim.
Availability: On sale now
Price: Around $300,000

Flash Drive - Bentley Continental Supersports

BMW

BMW is hard at work saving gas. After eschewing both hybrids and electric vehicles in favor of clean-diesel engines for years, the German automaker has dived into the battery-powered world headfirst. Consumers may have to wait awhile before seeing any of those models on the streets, though. In the meantime, a new CUV and a wave of refreshed models are hitting dealerships right now.

WHAT'S NEW . . .

2011 BMW X1
Built on the 3-Series platform, the X1 is the newest addition to BMW's stable of high-riding utility vehicles. Once the CUV arrives here in the United States, expect it to come in both two- and all-wheel drive. Reports say BMW will first offer the X1 with the company's workhorse 3.0-liter inline six, which generates 258 horsepower. Eventually, other options may surface.
Availability: Mid 2011
Price: Around $33,000

Read:  X1 Coming to America

2011 BMW 335is
As a rule, BMW hasn't created special, lustworthy models just for the U.S. That's set to change for 2011, though. The company has bestowed a new "is" version of the 335 on American shores, and the result is a whole lot of performance at a budget price. The car features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that has been massaged to produce 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Engineers also equipped the vehicle with a standard M-suspension, so buyers can look forward to solid track manners.
Availability: On sale now
Price: $50,525

Read:  First Drive - BMW 335is

2011 BMW 5-Series Sedan
The BMW 5-Series has gone through yet another generation change for 2011, and the result is a car that attempts to toe the luxury performance line a bit better than the 2010 car. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine delivers a healthy 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque in base trim, while a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 dishes out the goods higher up the option list. Look for new styling, too.
Availability: On sale now
Price: Starts at $49,600

Read:  First Drive - 2011 BMW 5-Series

2011 BMW 740i/Li
It's been a long time since BMW has bestowed the 7-Series with an inline 6-cylinder engine, but that's exactly what the company has done for 2011. The new 740 and 740Li will come standard with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 315 horsepower, in order to improve the model's fuel efficiency. The move should help the car retain its performance figures while helping to reduce BMW's environmental impact. In an environmentally uncomfortable coincidence, a 500-horsepower Alpina B7 variant is now available, starting at $122,875.
Availability: On sale now
Price: $70,150

2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7
In 2011, BMW will continue its foray into hybrid drivetrains with the all-new ActiveHybrid 7. The company partnered with rival Mercedes-Benz on the development of the car's hybrid system, and the result is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine and an electric motor good for 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The giant car manages 20 mpg combined while maintaining premium performance figures.
Availability: On sale now
Price: $102,300

Bing: BMW ActiveHybrid

WHAT'S BEEN REFRESHED . . .

2011 BMW X5
BMW is attempting to shake the dust off its X5 by offering the SUV with a slew of new engine choices. The base X5 xDrive35i is equipped with a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine with 305 horsepower, while the X5 xDrive50i boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with a somewhat ridiculous 407 horsepower. Both engines are now mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Availability: On sale now
Price: Starts at $47,600

Review: 2011 BMW X5

Buick

Parent company General Motors is keen on reinventing Buick, and the brand is set to build on the success of 2010 models such as the LaCrosse and Enclave with a handful of new creations for 2011. Expect to see a new side of Buick as the company attempts to go after a much younger audience for the first time in years. The result may very well be an entry-level luxury brand capable of competing in a market dominated by Japanese automakers.

WHAT'S NEW . . .

2011 Buick Regal
At the front lines of GM's efforts to convince buyers that this isn't the Buick of old is the all-new Regal. Based largely on the Opel Insignia, the Americanized version will initially get its power from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Soon thereafter, GM plans to introduce a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder option with 220 horsepower and a 6-speed manual transmission. That's right — a manual in a Buick.
Availability: On sale now
Price: Around $26,000

Compare: Buick Regal vs. Mazda Mazda6 vs. Honda Accord

Cadillac

Cadillac is on quite a roll — something it hasn't experienced since the late '60s. Its "do-no-wrong" streak of styling and performance is on par with some of the best manufacturers from Germany, and 2011 doesn't look to break the trend. With the addition of the attractive CTS Coupe and powerful CTS-V Sport Wagon, Cadillac showrooms won't be a bad place to spend time next year.

WHAT'S NEW . . .

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
Cadillac hasn't produced a coupe since the Coupe Deville sauntered off into the sunset back in 1993, but that's set to change. The long-awaited CTS Coupe is hitting showrooms in a big way. The car will initially boast the same 3.6-liter 304 horsepower V6 engine as the sedan, though later the company plans to offer the same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 found in the CTS-V sedan.
Availability: On sale now
Price: $38,165

WHAT'S BEEN REFRESHED . . .

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon
Cadillac has finally decided to give the lovely CTS Sport Wagon a shot of adrenaline. The company will offer the long-roof with the same menacing supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine found in the CTS-V sedan, which means 556 horsepower will be on tap, as well as a slew of brake, suspension and interior upgrades.
Availability: Late 2010
Price: Around $65,000

View Pictures:  Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

Compare: Cadillac CTS-V vs. BMW M5 vs. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Chevrolet

Chevrolet is set to continue building momentum in 2011. The company is still fighting hard to overcome the stigma of bankruptcy and massive government intervention, though a fresh wave of products is doing much to improve the brand's image. Vehicles such as the Camaro, Malibu and Equinox are selling better than the company's forecast, and models such as the upcoming Cruze are set to join that trend.

WHAT'S NEW . . .

2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet is hoping to turn over a new leaf in the compact world with the 2011 Cruze. Where cars such as the Cavalier and Cobalt couldn't stand against the likes of Honda's Civic, this new compact is inexpensive, efficient and stylish — all the things Civic enthusiasts want. Chevrolet is offering the Cruze with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with 138 horsepower. Both engines will be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Availability: On sale now
Price: Around $15,000

Read:  Chevrolet Cruze First Drive

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Until now, buyers of the Chevrolet Camaro had to take their muscle car as a hardtop only. For 2011, GM's engineers are set to introduce the new convertible version to take on the comparable Ford Mustang Convertible. Expect the engine program to mirror that of the standard Camaro, including the 3.6-liter 304-horsepower V6 and the 6.2-liter 426 horsepower V8.
Availability: Spring 2011
Price: Around $30,000

Read:  Pony Car Throwdown

2011 Chevrolet Volt
General Motors is doing its best to bring the world's first viable extended-range hybrid to market with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Capable of cruising up to 40 miles on all-electric power, the Volt uses a small internal combustion engine to take care of any range-anxiety woes past that distance. GM has a lot riding on the Volt, including years of research and millions of dollars in development costs, but the low cost to charge and the impressive EV range should make it appealing to "green"-minded buyers.
Availability: Fall 2010
Price: $40,000

First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Video: Test Driving the Chevrolet Volt

WHAT'S BEEN REFRESHED . . .

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Chevrolet is also taking the time to breathe a little life into its Corvette Z06. The car will continue to produce 505 horsepower from the same mammoth 7.0-liter V8 engine, though some of the car's vital details have changed. GM has blessed the sports car with a free-flowing exhaust, and buyers can now opt for a Z07 package that will introduce features such as carbon-ceramic brakes, 20-spoke wheels and magnetic selective ride control.
Availability: Fall 2010
Price: $74,285

Read: Latest Chevrolet Corvette Reviews

Chrysler

While General Motors is beginning to show signs of life after dragging itself through Chapter 11, Chrysler is taking a little longer to heal. The company isn't parading the same flurry of new models as its Detroit-based counterpart. Instead, Chrysler is limping along with many of the same products that have been in showrooms for the past two years, relying heavily on incentives until a fresh wave of Fiat-based cars can come to save the day.

WHAT'S NEW . . .

2011 Chrysler 200
This sedan is essentially an extensive redesign, inside and out, of the Sebring. It will offer a choice of two gasoline engines: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Both engines will be available with a 6-speed automatic transmission; the 4-cylinder gets a standard 4-speed automatic. Rated at 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the Pentastar should provide more than enough grunt for this mid-size luxury sedan, and a 6-speed auto 'box should make for relatively respectable fuel economy numbers, too.
Availability: Late 2010
Price: TBA

2011 Chrysler 300
Chrysler is hoping to get the company back on the right track by with an all-new 300. Expect to see massive improvements in terms of interior quality and fuel efficiency. That means one of Detroit's thirstiest models may topple the 30 mpg mark for the first time. For fans of the now-iconic styling of the 300, the base lines will likely stay on, with the addition of a new rear end and other style cues.
Availability: Late 2010
Price: Around $28,000

Compare: Chrysler 300 vs. Toyota Avalon vs. Ford Taurus

Dodge

Dodge is still reeling from a significant cash crunch caused by Chrysler's bout with bankruptcy. (And we're still reeling from the alliterative aspects of the former sentence. -Ed.) As a result, we won't be seeing too many new models roll through the factory doors anytime soon. The company does have one significant addition to the showroom, though: the 2011 Charger. Dodge has a lot riding on its remade sedan, and Americans are eager to see exactly where their tax dollars from the automotive bailout went.

WHAT'S NEW . . .

2011 Dodge Charger
Dodge is keeping its lips sealed as far as details go about the next-generation Charger, but we're guaranteed the car will top government standards for fuel consumption and emissions. That's thanks partly to a new 8-speed transmission that should make the most out of the company's efficient new Pentastar V6 engine. The car will continue to be rear-wheel-drive, and odds are that a few performance variations will likely hang around to help the Charger live up to its iconic name.
Availability: Late 2010
Price: Around $26,000

2011 Dodge Durango
The Durango nameplate has returned to the Dodge stable, and in a big way. The newly -imagined crossover carries three rows of seating, aggressive styling and a 7,800-pound towing capacity when equipped with the optional 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Durango is also available with a 3.6-liter V6. Dodge hasn't released specific output for either power plant yet. Similarly, there's no indication of what to expect in terms of fuel economy. We're guessing close to 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway in V6 trim.
Availability: Late 2010
Price: Around $29,000

MODEL YEAR OVERVIEW INDEX

Acura - Dodge
Ferrari - Mazda
Mercedes-Benz - Volvo