Here is a little break down to help put into perspective.
Mustang: next gen isn't due out until 2015 model, which means you are looking at seeing it probably summer 2014. What we know: about 300lbs lighter with only minor tweaks to the motor if anything. Also a more European style to it. Slightly smaller but roughly the same dimensions.
Camaro: next gen also not due until roughly 2015 model year. Chevy is also looking to put the car on a diet both in weight and size. Undoubtedly it will be competitive with the Mustang. Should use the new LT1 motor Chevy is putting in the Vette rumored to have a base hp of 450. Only time will tell
Cuda: The challenger is on it's way out and being replaced by the Hemi Cuda. Supposed to get similar body cues of the current challenger but like the other two cars mentioned will drop in both size and weight. No conformation on motor but should be in the 400+ area like the others
Subaru STI: Next gen due for 2014 model year so we should be seeing something soon and it should be on dealer lots buy the mid-end of 2013. Rumored to separate from the Impreza line it's shared it's entire life but in doing so make it a better sports sedan/coupe. Whether that means a completely new chasis or only the body who knows. And yes, coupe is not a typo. It's rumored that it may have a coupe or two door option or possibly 3-door hatch. Motor is rumored to still stay around the 300hp range but weight of the car should drop. The rumors have been flying for about a year now and with the car due out soon the Suby enthusiasts are chomping at the bit.
Next Gen Z: last but not least our beloved Z. No real news or rumors from Nissan. Considering the Z usually comes out 1year after the G series we are probably looking at a new Z for 2015. This means that like the 3 muscle cars we probably won't see anything new for a while. Is it possible Nissan will tweak the motor for a bit of hp for the 2014 model? Sure, they've done it before. Still, for a complete re-freash we still have a bit more time to go.
In summary, aside from the Subaru, we have roughly 6mo to 1 year before we have an idea of what the next gen Z/mustang/Camaro/Cuda will bring and probably closer to 1.5 years before they are on dealer lots. If you consider that most of the time there are dealer mark ups on new models you could theorize that it will be 2-3 years from now before you can get into one of these new cars for less than MSRP. That's quite a long time if you ask me. Buy your Z now and just enjoy as it will be a while before you can get into one of the next gen cars.
As for 2012 vs. 2013, the biggest difference is the front bumper. You have to decide which you like first. The only other consideration is depreciation. The 2012 is already a year old despite being brand new. That means the moment you drive it off the lot it is worth much less than if you bought the 2013. From a financial perspective I would be pushing for 5k under invoice on the 2012. As for the 2013, considering it's the end of the year and dealers are wanting to move cars, as well as the fact that it's winter and it's the slowest time for selling sports car. I would be shooting for 1k under invoice on the 2013.
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