2011 Model Year Preview

Here's a look at the new and refreshed cars, trucks and SUVs coming down the pike in the next year or so.

By James Tate of MSN Autos









2011 Preview Index

• Ferrari - Mazda
• Mercedes-Benz - Volvo

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 over the horizon. Domestic automakers such as Chevrolet and Ford are slated to release hotly anticipated vehicles such as the Volt and Fiesta, respectively, within the next 18 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 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 . . .
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2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon




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 204-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Availability: Late fall 2010
Price: Around $32,000
Read: Acura TSX Sport Wagon Debuts in New York
WHAT'S BEEN REFRESHED . . .
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Acura TSX V6 (2010 model shown)





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 . . .
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Aston Martin Cygnet





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: Mid 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's 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 . . .
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Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster (2010 model shown)





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 . . .
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The new Audi A7 Sportback will be based on Audi's Sportback Concept.





2012 Audi A7 Sportback
Audi has been remarkably quiet regarding whether or not we can expect to see its all-new A7 Sportback next year. If it does rear its head in 2011, expect a low-slung, sculpted design along with a range of Audi engines. That means buyers could choose from a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with around 300 horsepower and a 4.2-liter V8, both coupled to the company's quattro all-wheel-drive system. There is some hope that a turbodiesel option will also be available.
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

Click to enlarge picture
2011 Audi A8




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 (i.e., 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 2011
Price: Around $75,000
Read: First Drive - 2011 Audi A8
WHAT'S BEEN REFRESHED . . .
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Audi Q7 (2010 model shown)





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 six-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 . . .
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2011 Bentley Mulsanne




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: Fall 2010
Price: $300,000
Read: Bentley Mulsanne Debuts at the Pebble Beach Concours
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 jumped 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 dealers right now.
WHAT'S NEW . . .
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BMW X1




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
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2011 BMW 5-Series





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 I6 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 will be available in early 2011, starting at $122,875.)
Availability: On sale now
Price: $70,150
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2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7




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 . . .
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BMW X5 (2010 model shown)





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 I6 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: Summer 2010
Price: Starts at $47,600

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 . . .
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2011 Buick Regal




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: August 2010
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 . . .
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2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe




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 next year. The long-awaited CTS Coupe will be hitting showrooms in a big way. The car will initially boast the same 304 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine as the sedan, though later the company plans to offer the same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 found in the CTS-V.
Availability: Summer 2010
Price: Around $37,000
WHAT'S BEEN REFRESHED . . .
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2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon




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 . . .
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2011 Chevrolet Cruze




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: Late 2010
Price: Around $15,000
Read: Chevrolet Cruze Eco Debuts in New York
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 304-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and the 426 horsepower 6.2-liter V8.
Availability: Spring 2011
Price: Around $24,000
Read: Pony Car Throwdown

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2011 Chevrolet Volt




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 impressive EV range should make it appealing to green-minded buyers.
Availability: Fall 2010
Price: $40,000
Video: Test Driving the Chevrolet Volt
WHAT'S BEEN REFRESHED . . .
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2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon




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 . . .
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Chrysler 300 SRT-8 (2010 model shown)





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 anxious to see exactly where their tax dollars from the automotive bailout went.
WHAT'S NEW . . .
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Dodge Charger SRT8 (2010 model shown)





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 CAFE 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

 

I'll give my 2 cents on the GM divisions....

Cadillac - Is and has been going in the right direction sometime, they hit a home run with the escalade and the CTS and are improving upon that with the Coupe and Wagon Versions....they just have to make a better bigger car (DTS/STS wasn't such knock outs) but all in all, leave them alone and let them keep doing there thing!

Buick - They need to reimage themselves towards younger buyers, get some of the performance market that was lost with Pontiac dieing....they look to be going in the right direction with the Regal....and The Regal GS garnered more talk at the NYIAS then any Buick in a long time, it was nice to see a Performance Buick with Sport Race Seats, Brembro Brakes, and a lil turbo under the hood again...They need to really refreshen the Lucerne, but the Lacrosse, Regal, and Enclave look to be a great step in the right direction....who knows perhaps one day a Grand National will return, and I think that would be just the "hype" that Buick needs to show it is commited to focusing on a younger crowd that it needs....

GMC - The truck guys always seemed to be left alone from the coorporate big wigs, and I think there in lies there success...again great job just leave them alone to do there thing...although I wouldn't mind seeing a Maloo R8 come here with a GMC badge from Australia....

Chevy- Corvette - Great Car BUT needs a MUCH better interior!

Cruze, another step in the right direction, BUT needs an ss version, the turbo SS Cobolt was touted as a great handling car by many import lovers, so hopefully they can do the same with the Cruze.

Impala - Needs to be refreshed or replaced with the Commodore/ G8 !

Volt - More of a hype car then an actual big seller IMO

Camaro - You either love it or you hate it....but they are updateing the interior this year and plan to change it to the Alpha platform in years to come to make the car lighter so it can compete with the new Mustang, a fast and needed improvement, nice to see GM react and make changes on the fly to stay competitive...

Also would be nice for GM to come out with another surprise car to wow the masses and not leave it all up to the Camaro....a Chevelle, would be nice, of course Monte Carlo would be super as well as an el camino (Aformentioned Maloo) or Grand National would be nice....

My 2 cents...lol,
Joe

 

Hi `Joe,
Thanks for your post/input and all your contributions to our
Monte Carlo Family.
We always enjoy reading/seeing your posts.
Great post on the pro's of GM 4-Sure...
Thanks

 

I didnt see a 2011 Gremlin. I guess i'll have to wait till next year.

 

..Hi Mod J.J.,
Below is information on the past/future of the Gremlin.
I thought you and some members would enjoy reading.



by David Braybrooke
The AMC Gremlin has become quite a collectible as far as cars go as they are fast becoming scarce in number. Designed by
read more

Plus click the below link
http://www.helium.com/items/266054-amc-gremlin

 

First Test: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
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Click above if you want to read more on the new Caddy Coupe CTS V