2012 New York Auto Show: Best (And Worst) In Show

SRT's Viper was the star of the 2012 New York Auto Show.

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he 2012 New York International Auto Show marks the final show of the 2011-2012 auto-show season, and it's wrapping up as we type. Before we hit the airport, let's take a brief look at our favorite vehicles from the show.

2013 SRT Viper

SRT Viper: The reborn snake was the star of the show, and for good reason. Six-hundred-forty horsepower, 600 lb-ft of torque, and a launch-control feature that makes it easier to rip off consistent 0-60 times? Yes, please. And let's not forget the gorgeous body. Oh, and the car finally has a real interior. Perhaps the only flaw of the Viper is that we can't afford one.

Mazda TAKERI Concept

Mazda TAKERI Concept: No one is talking about this car, but we saw it up close and really like its styling. This matters, because this car is meant to replace the Mazda 6 mid-size sedan. The first 6 was a good-looking car that was fun to drive, while the current one got boring, much like the partier who succumbed to middle age. A new look could be the jolt the car needs.

2013 Toyota Avalon

Toyota Avalon: Maybe this is damning with faint praise, but the next Avalon looks so much more engaging than the car it replaces that it's astounding. We liked Chevy's 2014 Impala a lot too, but we more surprised by the Avalon. We're not saying that it gets our pulse racing, but it at least shows that Toyota understands that bland and boring can only go so far. Between this car and the Scion FR-S, we're seeing some passion from the brand. Finally.

And now, the worst:

Honda Crosstour Concept

Honda CrossTour Concept: Honda took a pointless car, made it even more unattractive, added a new transmission, and called it a day. What has happened to the Honda we used to know?

Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar: We love the idea of a two-seat F-Type, but calling a press conference just to show a video of a camouflaged car struck just struck as odd. We'll feel better when we actually see the car.

2013 Lexus ES

Lexus: We understand that ES buyers are stylistically conservative, and that Lexus is taking an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude. That being said, this same brand took a risk with the 2013 GS, and parent Toyota similarly took a chance with the Avalon. So it's annoying that the next ES stays bland and doesn't even appear to change that much. In theory the car will be more fun to drive, and we like the addition of a hybrid model, but we'd like to see some of the same aggression that Lexus showed with the GS. Maybe we'll change our minds when we drive it, but until then, we're a tad disappointed.