Time was that new car models were introduced in September, with great fanfare at the local dealership. You knew that buying a car then meant you were getting something built in the summer, but it was still the next’s year’s model. That often counted for something when trade-in time came, simply because everybody handled things in the same way.

Well, that whole program has long since been lost and, with it, any comforting degree of certainty about exactly what you’re buying these days. Consider that, at the moment, some dealers have brand new 2010 model year stock on their lots, while calendar year 2011 has just arrived. Meanwhile, one Detroit OEM is introducing its “new” 2011 models, while another is starting to build a 2012 version in just a few days.

The 2011 Camaro convertible will be arriving in dealer showrooms next month. If this seems like old news… well, it is. The hype over the convertible has been going on for months now. The final preview will be next week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, so what should we talk about now?

Just in time, it seems that some Chevrolet dealer has released information about scheduled changes for the 2012 Camaro, which is likely to be in dealerships by mid-summer. While there’s a lot that can change between now and then, let’s have a look at what the current thinking is.

A new exterior treatment will be available for the 2SS and 2LT models – Carbon Flash Metallic paint, also called Black Granite, is anticipated to be a premium finish, in line with the current Synergy Green and Inferno Orange Metallic selections.

Camaro SS coupes (1SS and 2SS) will gain a new special ride and handling suspension, while a 45th Anniversary appearance package will become available on 2SS and 2LT models only. A new rear view camera option will show up for all SS and LT models, and three new versions of 20-inch wheels are coming in 2012.

So, the 2012 color palette looks like this; Carbon Flash, Silver Ice, Summit White, Black, Red Jewel, Cyber Gray, Victory Red, Rally Yellow, Inferno Orange and Imperial Blue. Notably absent from the leaked information is any mention of interior changes, including GPS options. Well, there’s plenty of time yet to add and make other changes to the list before the 2012 model comes out… uh, this year? Yeah, I think so.

Otherwise, let’s see what else is new. The April edition of my favorite magazine should be in the mail box today…