Cadillac Adds New Touring Package to 2012 CTS Lineup

Components typically reserved for Cadillac’s exclusive and expensive V club are now a bit more accessible to 2012 CTS buyers. Features usually found in V-trim Cadillacs are newly available on 2012 CTS models through a Touring Package.

Available on coupes, sedans and wagons, the CTS Touring Package includes equipment like Recaro seats, suede seat and steering-wheel inserts, high-intensity-discharge headlamps and specific V-themed spoiler and wheels.

Dodge Caliber, Dodge Nitro, Ford Ranger Officially Dead

The oft-forgotten Dodge Caliber and Dodge Nitro are officially dead; both vehicles ceased production this month. The old, but still popular, Ford Ranger compact pickup has also ended production, according to PickupTrucks.com.

The 2012 Caliber officially kicked the bucket this past Friday. The Caliber, which was produced at Chrysler Belvidere Assembly in Illinois, will be replaced by the 2013 Dodge Dart. The new compact sedan will go into production at the plant in August or September. In preparation for the Dart, the plant got a $600 million upgrade.

New Luxurious Trim Joins Chrysler 300 Lineup

The refreshed-for-2011 Chrysler 300 sedan earned major points for its much-improved interior. For 2012, Chrysler is adding even more premium materials and upping the fancy factor of its flagship sedan.

Chrysler is adding a new top-line trim level to the 300, called the Luxury Series. It joins the Limited, 300C, S series and high-performance SRT8. It features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and instrument panel, Nappa leather seats and armrests, 12-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, die-cast paddle shifters and a cabin accented with hand-sanded matte wood trim. Exterior upgrades include platinum chrome mirror caps and door handles and a platinum chrome mesh grille. Rear-wheel-drive versions ride on 20-inch painted aluminum wheels; all-wheel-drive models use 19s.

Year-End Deal Reality Check: Infiniti

Just because the Christmas shopping season is over, doesn't mean the deals are. The end of the year can be a great time to buy a new car. Infiniti's Limited Engagement sale is back this year, enticing new-car shoppers with low financing on new 2011 and 2012 vehicles.

Well-qualified buyers can purchase select 2012 Infiniti cars and SUVs and take advantage of 1.9% or 2.9% financing. The former is offered for between 36 and 60 months, and latter is offered for 72 months. Vehicles that qualify for the deal include 2012 versions of the Infiniti G25 sedan, G37 sedan, M sedan (including the M37, M Hybrid and M56), FX and QX56. The offer excludes the 2012 Infiniti G IPL.

In an effort to clear 2011 vehicles off the lots, Infiniti dealers are also offering the financing special on 2011 G37 coupes and convertibles and the EX35 SUV. For example, you can buy a 2011 G37 coupe starting at $37,150 (excluding destination charges) and get 1.9% financing for 60 months. These offers end Jan. 3.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Priced at $25,850

For the 2012 model year, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid edges up only $55 from 2011 pricing and now comes standard with Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, for a starting price of $25,850. That price excludes a $760 destination fee, which is $10 more than last year's fee.

The only new addition to the Sonata Hybrid is Blue Link, which is Hyundai's OnStar competitor. Blue Link is now standard across the entire 2012 Sonata lineup. The Sonata Hybrid gets a complementary six months of service of the Assurance Package and three months of the Essentials & Guidance Package — the same as the regular Sonata.

A new Leather Package is available for $1,500. Previously, leather upholstery was available only in the all-encompassing Ultimate Package. The $5,000 package included a panoramic sunroof, navigation system and an upgraded stereo. The Ultimate Package is still available, but it now costs $5,500 for 2012.

Hyundai hasn't yet announced an on-sale date for the 2012 Sonata Hybrid.

Year-End Deal Reality Check: Subaru

Many major retailers are parading their best deals to boost year-end sales, and automakers are no exception. This means the year’s end can be one of the best times to buy a new car, and if it’s a Subaru, donate to charity as well.

Subaru’s offer includes a good deal for buyers and a chance to do a little good for others. Its "Share the Love" event means qualified buyers can get zero-percent financing, pay no money down on most 2012 Subaru vehicles and the automaker will make a charitable donation in the buyer’s name.

After making your new-car purchase, Subaru will donate $250 to your choice of four charities. The organizations include American Forests, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Meals on Wheels and the Special Olympics. So far, Subaru has given almost $15 million to the charities during the last three years.

The zero-percent offer is good on all Subaru vehicles except the redesigned Impreza, though WRX models qualify for zero-percent financing. Instead, qualified Impreza shoppers can take advantage of a 1.9% financing deal. The 2012 Impreza starts at $17,495, excluding a $750 destination charge. Share the Love cannot be combined with any other offers and ends Jan. 3, 2012.

Year-End Deal Reality Check: Volkswagen

So, Santa isn't bringing you a new car for the holidays, and the wife's Christmas present probably has nothing to do with a giant bow in your garage. Maybe it's time to be your own Santa. The end of the year really is one of the best times to buy or lease a new car. We'll be highlighting some of the best deals before the clock hits midnight Dec. 31.

Volkswagen's incentives program revolves around the number zero.

Its 0/0/0/0 deal means qualified lessees can drive home select 2012 Volkswagens for no money down, no money due at signing, no security deposit and the first month's payment is also waived. The deal excludes applicable title, tax, options and dealer fees, however.

All gas-powered 2012 models qualify including the new Passat and Beetle; TDI clean-diesel vehicles are excluded from the offer. One lease example is a 2012 Jetta S with a manual transmission for $219 a month for 36 months.

While the nationwide offer ends Jan. 3, expect dealers to make their best deals before the new year.

2013 Lexus GS 350 Priced at $46,900

The redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 maintains the same pricing as its predecessor, starting at $46,900, excluding an $875 destination fee, according to Lexus. That compares favorably to a similarly equipped 2012 BMW 535 i ($52,250), though a 2012 Cadillac CTS with performance trim ($42,290) and 2012 Audi A6 ($41,700) are less expensive. The 2013 Lexus GS 450h hybrid goes on sale later next spring; its price hasn’t been announced yet.

2013 Lexus GS Review

The GS 350 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, a moonroof, dual exhaust and side-mirror-mounted turn indicators. In the cabin, the model comes standard with a passive entry system, push-button start, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, a padded instrument panel, 10-way power driver and passenger seats and an 8-inch multimedia screen.

2012 Honda Crosstour to Get Four-Cylinder

The 2012 Honda Crosstour (Honda dropped the “Accord” moniker from the nameplate for 2012) has been on sale since last summer, but now the automaker is adding a more fuel-efficient powertrain to its lineup.

One of the few V-6-only Hondas available, the Crosstour can now be equipped with a 192-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The motor will be available on EX and EX-L trims, just like the 271-hp V-6 powertrain. The four-cylinder is capable of 21/29 mpg city/highway and 24 mpg combined. That compares favorably to the front-wheel-drive V-6 Crosstour, which gets 18/27 mpg and 21 mpg combined. The four-cylinder is only available with front-wheel drive, while the V-6 has an all-wheel-drive option.

Tesla Model S Gets Official Price of $57,400

As the Tesla Model S prepares to go on sale later next year, the car company has reaffirmed its previous pricing strategy. The sedan will start at $57,400, though the first models available will be the Model S Signature trim, which will start at $95,400. All models are eligible for a maximum $7,500 tax credit if you meet a tax liability of at least that amount.

While all vehicles are powered by the same electric motor, the battery capacity will vary depending on what you’re willing to pay. The standard 40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery allows the Model S to go 160 miles when traveling at average speeds of 55 mph. There are also 60-kWh and 85-kWh batteries with ranges of 230 and 300 miles, respectively. Each increase in battery size increases the price by $10,000 — so $67,400 and $77,400, respectively.