This year we're going to see some fabulous, mouth-watering new metal reach showrooms, from the new BMW 3-Series to the open-topped McLaren MP4-12C. in between there'll be new models from Lexus, Porsche, Subaru and Mercedes, all of which are set to be achingly desirable. Read on to see what you should be saving up for.

Audi RS4
The last Audi RS4 was the first mid-size performance Audi to outgun the mighty BMW M3, and the next model - which is rumoured to use technology from the Audi RS 5 - should be even better.

Audi S6 Avant
With a thumping 4-litre turbocharged V8 engine powering all four wheels, the S6 Avant promises to be another class-leading performance estate from Audi.

BMW 3 Series saloon
The benchmark for what a mid-sized executive saloon should be and do, the next BMW 3 Series is one of the most eagerly-awaited cars of 2012. A hybrid version will arrive in 2012, and a staggering 24 versions of the 3 Series will emit less than 120g/km of CO2.

BMW 3 Series Touring
Like the 3 Series in saloon trim, the Touring is tipped to lead the class when it goes on sale later in 2012.

Chevrolet Camaro
With movie star looks and a 6.2-litre V8 engine, the Camaro has plenty of appeal. Early drives have revealed it to be a pure muscle car - fast in a straight line, but left wanting through the bends.

Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster coupe enters a market dominated by the Volkswagen Scirocco, Renault Megane Coupe and recently-launched Vauxhall Astra GTC, but is said to be easier for four passengers to use and will significantly undercut the rivals' list prices.

Jaguar XF Sport Brake
Rumoured to make its debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2012, the estate version of the Jaguar XF will rival the forthcoming BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C Class estate. It should continue Jaguar's design brilliance, and a hot XF R version is said to be in the pipeline.

Lexus GS
The current Lexus GS is getting long in the tooth, but alongide the Infiniti M, it's the only car in its class to offer a hybrid option. The all-new Lexus GS is said to be more fun to drive, and you can bet Lexus will continue to push its petrol-electric technology as a diesel is unlikely to be offered.

Mazda CX-5
Competing against the Land Rover Freelander and Volkswagen Tiguan, the Mazda CX-5 is the car maker's take on compact 4x4s. It's low slung with space for five and is expected to find favour with young buyers. Engineers have managed to limit CO2 emissions from the 2.2-litre diesel engine to less than 120g/km meaning it should be cheap to run.

McLaren MP4-12C Convertible
The McLaren MP4-12C Convertible is set to be the new supercar of 2012. It'll retain the coupe's double-ton top speed and awesome scissor doors. The carbon fibre machine will attract a significant premium over the coupe's £168,500 price tag.

Mercedes A-Class
The 2012 Mercedes A-Class hatchback will tone down the MPV looks of the current model, and will offer small, powerful engines in a quest to reduce emissions and running costs.

Mercedes B-Class
A busy year for the German marque kicks off with the Mercedes B-Class MPV. It's more practical, nicer to drive and better looking than the original B-Class, but the ride is firm and it lacks the innovative interior that's so important in this class.

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Mercedes C63 Coupe Black Series
The ultimate incarnation of the Mercedes C-Class coupe won't appeal to everyone - it's a race car with numberplates, and has performance to match. Its 6.2-litre V8 develops 510bhp, but with far less weight than the standard car, it'll reach 62mph in four seconds. Just a handful will be sold at around £100,000 each.

Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake
Following from the Shooting Brake concept at 2010's Beijing motor show, the Mercedes CLS range will expand to offer a more practical alternative to the saloon version and Audi A7. Plus it will be more attractive than the BMW 5 Series GT.

Mercedes M-Class
Class-leading economy, emissions as low as 158g/km and a range of up to 930 miles on a single tank, the new Mercedes M-Class promises to be a compelling choice for 4x4 buyers. The M-Class will rival the BMW X5 and Range Rover.

Mercedes S-Class
The Mercedes S-Class range will grow to include short- and long-wheelbase saloons, a coupe replacing the CL and a convertible. Like all S Classes, it will brim with new technology to keep the occupants safer and more comfortable.

Mercedes SL
Made entirely from aluminium for the first time, the new lightweight Mercedes SL will be more comfortable, quieter and innovative than ever. Clever technology that turns the footwells into bass loudspeakers promises to offer an excellent sound from the audio system.

Porsche Boxster
The new Porsche Boxster will have familiar styling, but will offer more space for passengers and luggage. Engines will be smaller than the current car, and rumours suggest a 2.5-litre four cylinder is waiting in the wings.

Porsche Cayman
Expected to launch shortly after the Boxster, the new Porsche Cayman will be powered by revised versions of the current engines, but will feature fuel-saving stop-start systems before more frugal engines become available.

Subaru BRZ
Developed alongside the Toyota GT 86, the Subaru BRZ takes the company's knowledge of building powerful 'boxer' engines and blends it with Toyota's ability to make great-handling rear-wheel drive sportscars.

Toyota GT 86
Another take on the Toyota-Subaru sportscar is the GT 86. It will pack a 197bhp 2-litre engine in its lightweight chassis and offer space for four inside. Expect a seven-second 0-62mph time and a 145mph top speed.