The countdown has begun in preparation for the 2012 World Car Awards winners' press conference co-hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International Auto Show on 5 April 2012.   

The 2012 World Car of the Year and the 2012 World Performance Car will be declared at this time.

The top three finalists in all award categories will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 6 March 2012.

A jury of 66 distinguished international automotive journalists selected the following top ten finalists in both categories by secret ballot, based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work. The jury members constitute a balance of representation from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, as well as other parts of the world. All hold significant stature within their own regions and countries.     

The 2012 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following top ten cars, listed in alphabetical order:

Audi A6 Sedan/Avant
Audi Q3
BMW 1 Series
BMW 3 Series
Chevrolet Volt/Opel/Vauxhall Ampera
Citroen DS5
Ford Focus
Land Rover Evoque
Porsche 911
Volkswagen Up!

The 2012 World Performance Car will be chosen from one of these top ten finalists:

Audi RS 3 Sportback
BMW 1 Series M Coupé
BMW M5
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Ferrari FF
Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4
McLaren MP4-12C
Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz C-63 Coupe AMG Black Series
Porsche 911

The jurors' next step is to re-evaluate the top ten cars in both classes, in preparation for a final round of voting in February. They will specifically rate each vehicle in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance.

Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Nissan LEAF in 2011, the Volkswagen Polo in 2010, the Volkswagen Golf in 2009, the Mazda2/Mazda Demio in 2008, the Lexus LS460 in 2007, the BMW 3-Series in 2006, and the Audi A6 in 2005.

Previous World Performance Car winners were the Ferrari 458 Italia in 2011, the Audi R8 V10 in 2010, the Nissan GT-R in 2009, the Audi R8 in 2008, the Audi RS4 in 2007 and the Porsche Cayman S in 2006.