New York City skyline

New York City skyline

While the opening press day of any auto show is typically the biggest and busiest, the second day at this week’s 2012 New York Show managed to have quite the number of new and exciting concept and product reveals to keep us entertained.   

While flashy luxury and sports models dominated the first press day, it was family vehicles and pickups that were the highlight on day two.

Some of things we saw were significantly more fuel-efficient Ram pickups, radically-designed Toyota Avalons--yes, Avalons--and an all-new Infiniti electric luxury sedan, among many others.

And while the lighter schedule of the second day didn't quite bring the overflow of reveals, it did give our team of editors a chance to liaise with the many officials to bring you some insider info coming over the following weeks.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights on day two at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

2013 Ram 1500, 2012 New York Auto Show

2013 Ram 1500, 2012 New York Auto Show

2013 Ram 1500: It may not look all that different from the previous model-year pickup, but the 2013 Ram 1500 has received some significant upgrades, including improved power and mileage. The biggest change is the introduction of a lighter yet stronger frame underpinning all models. Combine this with its new Pentastar V-6 engine, rated at 305 horsepower, and eight-speed automatic transmission, and you have quite an efficient package. However, the engineers didn’t stop there. They also added a long list of efficiency-minded improvements like grille shutters, a thermal management system and even an engine start-stop system. Of course, the Ram pickup still comes with a Hemi for all those V-8 lovers.

2013 Toyota Avalon

2013 Toyota Avalon

2013 Toyota Avalon: Toyota told us it was bringing something bold to New York but no one would have guessed that it would have been an Avalon, one of the most unappealing models to any person under the age of 50. Thankfully, Toyota has now unveiled a dramatic new design for its full-size sedan, which is set to go on sale this summer and benefits from an aggressive coupe-like profile, flared wheel arches, and a wide, gaping mouth. Toyota has said very little about the powertrains in the new Avalon, but we suspect since it's still built alongside the Camry, that the familiar 3.5-liter V-6 with 268 horsepower and six-speed automatic will be fitted.

2014 Jaguar F-Type teaser

2014 Jaguar F-Type teaser

2014 Jaguar F-Type: Jaguar has made little secret of the fact that it is planning to launch a new sports car positioned below its XK and aimed squarely at the Porsche Boxster and Audi TT. In New York the automaker confirmed that the new sports car won’t be called the XE but rather it will revive the F-Type name last used on a concept car from the year 2000. The new F-Type, which will be launched as a soft-top convertible initially, will hit showrooms in the summer of 2013 with a range of gasoline engines including one brand new unit. This unit is expected to be a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 375 horsepower and previewed in last year’s stunning C-X16 concept car.

2013 Cadillac SRX

2013 Cadillac SRX

2013 Cadillac SRX: While it may not look all that different from the 2012 model, Cadillac’s updated 2013 SRX has enough new features to make it worthy of mentioning here. Visually, not much has changed, although there are some new LED-lit fender vents and a revised grille with new upper and lower louvers. Inside, the changes are more dramatic and are highlighted by the addition of Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system, which gives owners easy access to navigation, climate, phone and audio controls. There’s still only one engine, the 3.6-liter V-6, and it’s still rated at 308 horsepower for 2013.

2012 Infiniti LE Concept

2012 Infiniti LE Concept

2012 Infiniti LE Concept: Infiniti has confirmed that it will launch a new electric sedan in about two years. In New York the automaker gave a preview of this new sedan with the LE Concept. Based around Nissan Leaf running-gear, the LE Concept is described as a production-intent design, which means many of its features, including styling, will carry over to the production model. It’s all-electric powertrain consists of a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery housed in the floor and which powers a motor rated at 134 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission and charging of the batteries can be done wirelessly via a special induction coil.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Mitsubishi used the backdrop of the 2012 New York Auto Show to unveil a facelifted version of its compact Outlander Sport crossover. The vehicle gets updated front and rear styling, which is most noticeable in the new bumpers and revised grille. Side sills are now blacked out to tie in to the lower front and rear fascias, and 18-inch alloy wheels come standard across the model range. Two new colors, White Pearl and Quick Silver, are also available for 2013. No changes have been made to the engines but calibration of the Continuously Variable Transmission is enhanced, yielding better acceleration and smoother simulated shifting.

2013 BMW X1, 2012 New York Auto Show

2013 BMW X1, 2012 New York Auto Show

2013 BMW X1: BMW’s entry-level crossover, the X1, has finally been confirmed for the U.S. market after years of sales overseas. In New York BMW unveiled the facelifted version that will reach showrooms this fall as a 2013 model. Under the hood of the U.S.-market X1, you'll find two options: the 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in 28i models (available in sDrive rear-wheel-drive form, or xDrive all-wheel drive); and the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder in the 300-horsepower xDrive35i. Both engines are paired with an automatic gearbox, start-stop technology, and brake energy regeneration. All X1s are built in BMW’s plant in Leipzig, Germany.

2013 Honda Crosstour Concept: Just as it did at January’s 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Honda used this week’s 2012 New York Auto Show to preview one of its future models with a thinly-veiled concept version. In this case the vehicle is the 2013 Honda Crosstour, which goes on sale this fall with two different engine options and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive configurations. The Crosstour Concept on show in New York didn’t reveal its interior but Honda says we can expect more luxurious trim materials, an 8-inch color display, keyless ignition, and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on V-6 models.

2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport

2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport

2013 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport: For the U.S. market Lexus has announced a new RX 350 F-Sport model. The vehicle is similar to the RX 450h F-Sport model announced for Europe and the rest of the world last month but it promises to be more than just a trim package. While output remains the same 270 horsepower found in other RX 350 models, the RX 350 F-Sport benefits from a full suspension retuning that promises to deliver superior handling. All RX 350 F-Sport models feature all-wheel drive; an eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters; an F-Sport tuned suspension; a unique front bumper and grille; 19-inch wheels finished in Dark Graphite and interior enhancements to distinguish them from regular models. First sales start this summer.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class, 2012 New York Auto Show

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class, 2012 New York Auto Show

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class: The New York Auto Show this year seemed to be the place for automakers to unveil new facelifts, with Mercedes-Benz among the many automakers unveiling only slightly updated models at the show. One of these was the new 2013 GLK Class, which has been improved visually but also comes with a new GLK250 BlueTEC option. This model is powered by Mercedes’ latest 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel rated at 190 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The regular GLK350 powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 with 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque is still available. Both models come with a seven-speed automatic and ECO engine stop-start function, and customers will still be able to choose from standard rear-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive.

2013 Buick Enclave

2013 Buick Enclave

2013 Buick Enclave: Buick has implemented a subtle facelift for its top-selling Enclave crossover, giving it “evolutionary” changes to its exterior and interior styling, but also adding more luxury amenities and materials, along with features designed to boost occupant safety. On top of this, the 2013 Enclave gets new front and rear dampers that better blend comfort and handling. Even the six-speed automatic transmission has been revised for better shift feel and driveability, adding to the Enclave’s sedan-like driving feel. Look for the 2013 Buick Enclave to hit dealerships this fall.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Subaru’s XV crossover that we saw at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show last September will be called the XV Crosstrek when it goes on sale in the U.S. later this year. Based on the Impreza platform, the XV Crosstrek delivers all the capability that most people need, while still offering up fuel economy of 33 mpg.Motivation comes from a 2.0-liter, boxer four-cylinder engine good for 148 horsepower, mated to either a six-speed manual or a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Of course, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system comes standard.

That ends our live coverage of the 2012 New York Auto Show, but remember to visit our dedicated show page to view any stories you may have missed.