The new Cirrus SR22 for 2012 has an additional seat for a total of five occupants, and an on-board satellite telephone system that allows voice and text messaging in flight and worldwide weather radar coverage.
The airframe, engine, and avionics are unchanged from previous versions.
Cirrus is offering “60/40 FlexSeating” in back that allows more room for rear-seat passengers and reclines slightly. The company also has an option for an additional set of seatbelts that allows two children and an adult to share the rear seats. Unlike other options that typically add weight, the new seating system is 10 pounds lighter than the one it replaces.
The “Global Connect” satellite phone system operates on the Iridium network and adds $14,900 to the price of a new SR22. During a demonstration flight at AOPA headquarters in December, AOPA staff tested the text messaging capabilities. 
The same keypad used for programming the GPS is used for typing and sending text messages. Matt Bergwall of Cirrus explained that the option was added in part because of the company’s customers who are not pilots and want to remain connected while en route on business or other travel.
New aircraft prices this year range from $449,900 for a base model SR22 with a Garmin G1000-based Perspective avionics suite, and a two-year warranty to $709,900 for a turbocharged SR22T with a “carbon” trim package, air conditioning or ice protection, built-in oxygen, and Perspective panel. (Base model 2012 SR22Ts are priced at $544,900.) 
The price for new SR20s is set at $289,900 for airplanes that include Perspective panels with two 10-inch screens.
Other Cirrus options for 2012 include 12-inch screens with dual AHRS, ESP (Electronic Stability and Protection) for $39,900; known ice system for $31,900; “carbon” or "platinum" trim package for $17,900; yaw damper for $14,900; and built-in oxygen system for $10,900.
AOPA ePublishing staff
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