Day one of the New York International Auto Show saw a number of reveals, mostly updated models of popular sedans and crossovers -- and some concepts -- from the major manufacturers. As always, full coverage of the show can be found at MSN Autos' New York page, here. And now, a quick recap of some of today's biggest stories.

First things first: the Viper is back. Its 8.4-liter V10 engine puts out 40 and 40 more than the previous generation's mill -- that is, horsepower goes up to 640 and torque to 600 lb-ft. It's also wider; lower by 0.8 inch; lighter by about 100 pounds, at 3,320 pounds; and faster, with a top speed of 206 mph. Styling for the 2013 model is evolutionary, which means as menacing and awesome as one would expect, while adding some bling inside and out.



Hyundai unveiled two variants of its 2013 Santa Fe: the 5-seat Sport model and the longer-wheelbase 7-passenger version. Drivers of the 5-passenger version will have the option of a 190 horsepower direct-injected 2.4-liter engine (estimated fuel economy: 33 mpg) or a turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter with 264 horses and 31 mpg highway. The 7-seat Santa Fe gets a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 290 horsepower. Both are products of Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" theme, though there are differences -- notably the wheel styles, the shape of the side windows and the sweep from the B-pillar toward the back.

Chevy rolled out its newest Impala, and this midsize sedan comes with eAssist light-hybrid technology for a promised 35 mpg highway. Three engine options -- all mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission -- are on tap: a range-topping 3.6-liter 303 horsepower V6, and two 4-cylinders putting out 182 horsepower and 195 horsepower, respectively. The new Impala gets some impressive technological bells and whistles, including full-speed adaptive cruise control, radar-sensing automatic braking, and warning systems for blind spot, lane detection and forward collisions. The interior of Chevy's flagship is laid out in a dual-cockpit setting with available ambient lighting and an 8-inch touch-screen, plus a second 4.2-inch screen mounted in the instrument cluster.

Acura unveiled a stately and tech-heavy RLX concept in the Big Apple. As with all Honda concepts, any production model is expected to follow the script closely. Under the hood is a new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The concept boasts Honda's new all-wheel-drive system called the Sport-Hybrid SH-AWD ("hybrid" refers to dual electric motors used to increase handling and output). Compared with the current RL, it's wider, with a wider track and a longer wheelbase, though a similar length. It also weighs less than 4,000 pounds, thanks to generous use of high-strength aluminum in the chassis. The concept is due to become reality within three years.


Now, how about one more look at the new snake?