The hottest luxury cars of 2012
The interior of a 2012 Audi A6. Credit: Handout
The focus on fuel efficiency that has swept across the automotive world has touched the luxury segment, a bastion of high-powered engines. That's beginning to change, as a number of redesigned luxury models are available with four-cylinder power for 2012. There are also a few new hybrids. A selection of new luxury cars is listed below.
| Hot Luxury Cars for 2012 | |||
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| All cars are listed in alphabetical order and from the 2012 model year. | |||
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$41,700 - $49,900
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| Just a few years ago, the A6 midsize luxury sedan was available with a V-8 engine, but versions of the redesigned 2012 model make do with half as many cylinders as a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder joins the lineup.
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$59,250
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| Luxury automakers are somewhat infatuated with four-door cars that look like coupes, and Audi is the latest manufacturer to join the fray with the A7. Its coupe-like profile is convincing, but a large hatch gives it a surprising amount of practicality.
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$83,000 - $90,500
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| There's still power to be had in the luxury segment, and the redesigned 650i is a case in point. Available in coupe or convertible form, the 650i has a 400-horsepower, twin-turbo V-8 engine, and enthusiasts will appreciate the available six-speed manual transmission.
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$34,450
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| Buick hasn't had a reputation for performance cars in years, but the Regal GS aims to change that. It's powered by a 270-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder that works with a six-speed manual transmission to achieve a zero-to-60-mph estimate of 6.7 seconds.
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$53,700
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| Infiniti's first hybrid, the M35h offers both performance — its gas/electric drivetrain makes a combined 360 hp — and fuel efficiency, as it gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined driving, which is better than some compact cars.
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$43,145 - $44,145
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| Traditionally a maker or big off-road-ready SUVs, Land Rover's new Range Rover Evoque is something entirely different — it's a small crossover designed to appeal to new customers. It features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is available in two- or four-door form.
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$71,300 - $94,900
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| Now in its second generation, Mercedes' coupe-like four-door, the CLS-Class, features all-new styling and a range of forced-induction V-8 engines that are smaller and more efficient than the preceding V-8s but get better gas mileage.
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 | Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | $54,800 | |
| Featuring a new face that makes it look like Mercedes' SLS AMG gull-wing supercar, the SLK-Class roadster gains a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for 2012. Driver-controlled tinting of the optional panoramic roof is available.
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