Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Kate Upton has been awarded the prestigious title of 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover girl.

TMZ learned that a few of the issues arrived early to a gas station in Michigan … and the pics are already making the rounds at breakneck speed.  Check out the cover after the jump…Props to @willdefries for the heads up.

S.I. was originally scheduled to announce the cover girl and reveal the cover shot at an event tonight … but now, the cat is out of the bag.

TMZ called S.I. about the early release … but reps for the mag had no comment.

–TMZ