Our editors pick their top 5 debuts from the 2012 New York Auto Show

2012 New York Auto Show Top Picks

Truth be told, the New York International Auto Show is the smallest of the three major automobile shows in North America, with Detroit being the largest and Los Angeles following second.

Though, because New York is still a major player in the industry, there were still plenty of shiny and new things on four-wheels to drool over. And in this post, the editors of egmCarTech share their personal top five favorite debuts from the 2012 New York International Auto Show, with the list succeeding from most favored to somewhat favored.

Check out our 2012 New York Auto Show Recap.

Check out our top picks after the jump.

2012 New York Auto Show Top Picks

Omar Rana – Editor-in-Chief:

  1. 2013 SRT Viper: For me, the 2013 SRT Viper is by far the most important debut of the 2012 New York Auto Show. Besides the more obvious reasons, the new SRT Viper attracted most of the press’ attention out of any other debut at the show, bar-none. In a world of hybrids, electric-cars, and turbocharged engines, the SRT Viper showed up with a massive 640-hp 8.4 liter V8. Simply put, I can’t wait to drive it.
  2. 2014 Chevrolet Impala: The new 2014 Chevrolet Impala has been totally redesigned inside and out for the 2014 model year and is ready to take on an already increasingly difficult list of already-outstanding competitors. After spending some time sitting in the new Impala, you can tell that the model is light-years ahead of the outgoing model in terms of quality and technology. The exterior reminds me of a mixture between the Honda Accord at the front and Hyundai at the rear.
  3. 2013 Nissan Altima: The 2013 Nissan Altima is certainly something to check out at this year’s New York Auto Show. Showing up with resemblances of a baby Maxima, the new Altima is a major upgrade from the outgoing model with a completely new exterior and interior design. Nissan particularly stepped up the game in the interior technology department. Recently, the Toyota Camry outsold the Altima, U.S.’s no. 2 selling car, by 9,045 units so far in 2012 – well, I’m pretty certain Nissan can change that with the new Altima.
  4. 2013 Lincoln MKZ: The new Lincoln MKZ wasn’t going to make my top 5 until I realized how important the model is for the brand’s revamping period. Lincoln is pretty certain that the new MKZ will help bring Lincoln to the top-tier luxury brand. Sales begin later this year with a V6, 4-cylinder EcoBoost, and hybrid variant, though the hybrid will join the lineup later. The new MKZ features a world’s first with one of the widest-opening retractable glass roofs currently on the market.
  5. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG: Do I even have to explain? 630-hp from a V12 twin-turbo will make some outstanding music from the exhaust.

2012 New York Auto Show Top Picks

Alexandra Koken – Editor:

  1. 2013 SRT Viper: Powered by an 8.4-liter V10, the new Viper doesn’t only pack impressive power, but also a features a dead-sexy redesign that still maintains its distinctly Viper characteristics. At 640-hp, and a lighter weight then its predecessor, the SRT-branded model managed to stand out from the crowd of new releases, helping to make it the most relevant debut of this auto show.
  2. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG: After all the buzz surrounding this model before its world premiere, it’s safe to say the 2013 SL65 AMG lived up to its hype. The SL65 AMG gets a 0-62-mph time of 4-seconds flat from the 630-hp its V12 biturbo produces, while still managing a 17 percent gain in fuel economy. As attractive as it is fast, the SL65 AMG was well designed, both inside and out.-“t”.
  3. 2013 Shelby 1000 – The 1000 may not be any different on the outside then the Mustang it’s originally based off of, but it remains notable on power alone. The 1,100-hp model is so incredibly powerful, it needed a 950-hp variant to offer something street legal. Plus, the release of this $200,000 limited-production version also marks Shelby’s 50th anniversary.
  4. 2013 Nissan Altima – Always a popular sedan, Nissan gave its next-generation a pretty nice overhaul, completely different from the current model. Between the fresh update, two solid engine options and an interior filled with new technology, the 2013 Nissan Altima is, without question, a hot competitor in its segment.
  5. 2013 Toyota Avalon – While it may not be the most sought-after in its class, Toyota gave the next-generation Avalon a dramatic and much-needed update. The new design is an absolute success, both inside and out, and Toyota didn’t leave out the chassis upgrades, either.

2012 New York Auto Show Top Picks

Chris Chin – Editor:

  1. Tied: 2013 SRT Viper/2013 BMW M6. I know, this is cheating. But Mopar’s head honcho is back, donning an “EFF YOU GREENPEACE” 8.4L V10. Dare I say it, but I think this will make the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 completely irrelevant. And the BMW M6? Well, it’s an M6. It’s just going to be brilliant. Why? It’s an M6, that’s all that needs to be said. And consider this: the last Viper retailed at just north of $93,000 large, while the M6 Coupe went for about $100,000—in other words, I sense a competition on the horizon.
  2. Mazda Takeri Concept: Basically a preview of the most overlooked car in its class, the Mazda6. The last generation’s design stayed true to the concept’s original shape, and the brand has a history of doing that. With the way the Takeri looks, need I say more? And being a Mazda, it will be excellent to drive.
  3. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe: It really seems like every time Hyundai updates a model, it just gets better and better looking. No more anonymous Veracruz as this Santa Fe jumps on the seven-seater bandwagon. Every Hyundai has genuinely been a surprise for me and I expect it to be no different with this one. Keep it coming!
  4. 2014 Chevrolet Impala: Gone are the offensively inoffensive looks of the ancient W-Body Impala. In fact, it just looks bloody brilliant, making the aesthetic argument in this class outrageously difficult. Though Chevy still needs some polishing with driving dynamics and communication. If they’re reading, see this: PLEASE DON’T MAKE A HAM OF THE WAY THIS THING DRIVES!
  5. Infiniti LE Concept: The luxury subsidiary of the brand that brought us the first plug-in EV gives their take on an affordable luxury EV. Even though EV’s still make my traditional sides cringe, after having a go in their M-Hybrid, I have no doubt that Infiniti may make the first affordable, fun-to-drive luxury EV.