2012 New York Auto Show: top 10 rides

The good trajectory Acura started by announcing the NSX supercar continues with the RLX Concept. It previews Acura's new top-of-the-line sedan, which will launch at the beginning of 2013. What stands out first is just how big this midsize sedan looks, especially compared with the aging RL it will replace. After bungling vehicle redesigns in recent years, it's nice to see something fresh from Acura that doesn't look weird. The technology underneath the skin is intriguing, too: The car has a 3.5-liter V6 engine and three electric motors that combine to produce 370 horsepower. Acura says the result is V8 power with the efficiency of a 4-cylinder engine, achieving an estimated 30 mpg overall.

Read:  Acura RLX Concept Unveiled in New York

As much as Acura needs to update its RL, Chevrolet desperately needs to replace its largest — and perhaps most boring — sedan, the Impala. Thankfully, that time has come and the replacement looks promising indeed. Take a good look at the styling, because all future Chevy sedans will bear a resemblance. Three engines are available: a V6, a 4-cylinder and a 4-cylinder with eAssist, which is Chevrolet's "mild hybrid" electric motor and battery system. The interior has been jazzed up just as much as the exterior and gets a huge, 8-inch touch screen. The Impala will go on sale in early 2013.

Read:  Redesigned Chevy Impala Debuts in New York

Startup Fisker Automotive said from the outset that it aims to become a mainstream manufacturer, and the new Atlantic Concept is the next step in that long and arduous process. Ostensibly smaller and more affordable than the six-figure Karma, it was designed with a practical interior aimed at young families. The innovative roof design allows more headroom in the rear seat while providing enough rigidity to comply with future rollover safety standards. The production Atlantic will have a next-generation plug-in hybrid system that is similar to the one on the Karma. No word yet on specs, pricing or on-sale date.

View Pictures:  Fisker Atlantic

Hyundai pulled a fast one and unveiled two new Santa Fe models. Both of them look totally different than the current model. The Santa Fe Sport seats five and offers either a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that gets an estimated 33 mpg highway, or a turbocharged 2.0-liter with 264 horsepower that gets an estimated 31 mpg highway. A larger version of the new Santa Fe has a third row and seats seven. It comes with a 290-horsepower V6 engine for added towing capability. The Santa Fe Sport will go on sale this summer. The larger Santa Fe will hit showrooms next January.

Read:  Hyundai Doubles Up on the Santa Fe

This cool-looking concept is a close representation of a new electric car that Infiniti will launch within the next two years. If it does what Infiniti says it will do, it could be a game changer. For one, it's about as long as the G Sedan, so it won't compromise space or practicality like all current EVs do. Furthermore, it should offer impressive acceleration, not just from a standstill, but while cruising at speed, thanks to 240 lb-ft of torque available instantly at all times. It has a compact 24-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. Inside, it will have a twin-display center console with advanced data services. We'll have to wait for more details on the powertrain, but our interest is piqued, to say the least.

Read:  Infiniti Takes the EV Upscale With LE Concept

The most staid sedan Lexus makes gets more sex appeal for 2013. Don't get all excited — it's not that sexy. But it is markedly more attractive and also larger, with noticeably more headroom and legroom. Tweaks such as changing the angle of the steering wheel and adding fluid-filled engine mounts will no doubt make for an exceedingly comfortable, serene ride. Two versions will be offered: The ES 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission; the ES 300h hybrid features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor. A stiffer body structure and tweaks to the steering and suspension should make the car feel more agile.

Read:  Lexus ES 350, 300h Underwhelm in New York

The MKZ may not be the most striking new vehicle on the show floor, but it is without a doubt one of the most important. Lincoln's fate rests squarely on this new midsize premium sedan. It's the first Lincoln designed by a dedicated team that worked exclusively for Lincoln, as opposed to being shared with Ford. The styling is polarizing. The car bristles with the kind of technology needed to compete with German luxury automakers, things such as an adaptive suspension, touch-screen interface, radar cruise control and a huge sliding-glass roof. It will offer three engines: a turbocharged 4-cylinder, a 3.7-liter V6 and a hybrid.

Read:  2013 MKZ Shows Off Lincoln's Fresh Style

The Nissan Altima is consistently one of the best-selling sedans in America. The all-new 2013 model looks to continue that trend with attractive new styling and a blend of efficiency, sportiness and practicality that have made it so popular to date. It will offer a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that should produce an estimated 182 horsepower and get an estimated 38 mph highway. An optional 3.5-liter V6 will put out an estimated 270 horsepower. Both will be paired with a continuously variable transmission. It will go on sale in July starting at $21,500.

Read:  Nissan Altima Gets a Makeover for New York

Boy, was this one worth the wait. The new Viper is even more of a badass than before. Its 8.4-liter V10 engine puts out 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. The body structure of high-strength steel is 50 percent stiffer and 28 pounds lighter than before. The exterior body is 32 percent lighter, thanks to a carbon-fiber hood, roof and rear decklid, and aluminum doors and sills. The interior is a huge step up; the seats are the same as those in a Ferrari. A racing version also debuted and will compete in the American LeMans series.

View Pictures:  2013 SRT Viper

Watch Video:  The Viper Returns

The new Avalon has undergone a drastic change. From the bold double grille and swept-back roofline to the tighter chassis with improved steering and suspension, this full-size sedan was given an amazing makeover, losing 119 pounds in the process. Interior ergonomics look impressive. Full details on its V6 engine and other technology will come later, but we do know it will have paddle shifters and a "sport" mode. The new Avalon proves Toyota is dedicated to building dynamic and enjoyable vehicles, rather than the boring automotive appliances on which it has built its reputation.

Read:  Toyota Redesigns the Avalon for 2013

Watch Video:  Terrafugia's Flying Car

Matthew de Paula wanted to be an automotive journalist ever since reading his first car magazine in grade school. After a brief stint writing about finance, he helped launch ForbesAutos.com and became the site's editor in 2006. Matthew now freelances for various outlets.