The 2012 New York International Auto Show may be one of the last big car coming-out party for the season, but this year is was clearly one of the best.

Festivities started the night before press days with parties like the one Land Rover staged to celebrate their 25 years in America.

When things really got rolling the next morning, the sprawling Javit’s Center played host to more than 30 new introductions. But, none more anticipated than the all-new SRT Viper. This third gen muscle bound V10 sports car stole the show. And, it may even steal a few races as Chrysler also announced the Viper will return to racing in the American Le Mans series GT class.

Chevrolet won over the press corp with an all-new, full-size Impala sedan. This upscale and more efficient front driver makes a fitting flagship for GM’s biggest brand.

Over at arch rival Ford, the spot light was on Lincoln, and the production version of the Fusion-based MKZ luxury sedan. It will battle for buyers with a new, spindle-grilled Lexus ES, again with both V6 and Hybird power.

Not to be left out, Acura showed us this RLX Concept, a bolder, front and all-wheel drive luxury sedan. For a near luxury sedan, this far more striking Avalon bows as the Toyota brand’s all-new flagship.

Nissan was also due for an Altima redo, with a new mid-size four-door also bowing at New York.

There was a lot of action among crossover utilities. The large Buick Enclave gets a mild makeover, as will the Chevrolet Traverse. Hyundai showed an all-new Santa Fe, in both traditional 5-seat, and new, longer 7-seat models. As, Honda did with a nearly ready to sell CrossTour concept.

This Volkswagen Alltrack concept foretells an expected, diesel powered, Passat-based crossover. Their corporate cousins at Porsche showed that brand’s first diesel in this Cayenne SUV.

Subaru added to its utility lineup with the XV Crosstrek. Both the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon add a freshened look and new base powertrain.

BMW announced the subcompact X1 utility will finally go on sale here. New York also was the first venue for a new M6 Convertible. Chief rival Mercedes-Benz also split news between car and utility. The 7-passenger GL ute is all-new; the compact GLK gets a smoother look and more MPGs, and the SL Roadster now adds the V12 AMG treatment.

Speaking of two-seaters, it’s official. Jaguar’s F-Type sports car is on the way.

The only real truck news was an updated Ram 1500 pickup with Pentastar V6 power and a segment first 8-speed automatic transmission.

Fisker announced the Atlantic, their new plug-in hybrid mid-size sedan. While Infiniti took the all-electric route with this Leaf-based Infiniti LE Concept.

But, what about a car that doesn’t even need a road? The Terrafugia Transition flying car caused imaginations to soar.