Mario Kart 7 Will be Released on December 4, 2011

While carrying on from the traditional Mario Kart gameplay, Mario Kart 7 introduces multiple new gameplay features. The game features several new playable characters, which are Wiggler, Queen Bee, Lakitu and Metal Mario, as well as the option to play as a Mii, but it has lost some characters, such as the baby characters, Toadette, Funky Kong, Bowser Jr, Dry Bones, Dry Bowser and Waluigi. Players are able to customize their vehicles, choosing from various frames which range in weight, a selection of tires which affect a kart's handling on certain surfaces and a choice of hanggliders and parachutes, which allow players to glide through the air after hitting certain ramps, collecting coins in midair or finding new routes that can only be reached in midair. Players can also drive underwater for the first time, offering various routes through each course. The game will also feature new weapons, such as the Fire Flower, the Super Leaf and Lucky 7, a roulette item. The game can also be played in an optional first-person mode which utilises gyroscopic controls. Returning features include coins from Super Mario Kart, which, instead of increasing a player's speed and defence, it is the key to winning new parts for your kart's customisation, and the trick system from Mario Kart Wii returns, which lets players earn boost by performing tricks in the air. The game will feature online multiplayer for up to eight players, and will also make use of StreetPass and Spotpass functionality, allowing players to download ghost data from other players.

Source: Mario Kart 7 - Wikipedia