LOS ANGELES, April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The automotive industry, after another month of record sales, is poised for a big showing at the New York International Auto Show next week, according to Total Car Score, the automotive research and vehicle comparison website.

A number of significant new models are set to be revealed in New York this week, from a variety of manufacturers and across all segments. Karl Brauer, editor in chief of Total Car Score, says the number of big reveals in popular consumer segments is due to the unleashing of consumer buying power.

"March auto sales are expected to be the highest since 2007," said Brauer. "The industry is confronting a marketplace where consumers have passed the 'must buy' stage for car owners needing a replacement vehicle. Consumer behavior confirms many new car sales are buyers seeking a vehicle change purely out of aspiration. In other words they want -- rather than need -- a new car."

"The vibrancy we sensed at the Detroit show in January is real and it's growing," added Brauer. "Alongside mainstream sedans such as the Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Impala, we'll be seeing super-luxury models like the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 and pure exotic cars like the SRT Viper, which is being brought out of retirement by an emerging Chrysler-Fiat parent company."

Total Car Score's most anticipated reveals and trends to look for at the show include:

Sedans and Wagons

"There are some important sedans being unveiled in New York," said Brauer. "Chevy is releasing its tenth generation Impala for 2014 with an all-new design, and Toyota will likely unveil a replacement for the Avalon. The 2013 Altima, a critical model for Nissan, will be all new as well."

Vehicles to watch for:
•2014 Chevrolet Impala
•Toyota Avalon full-size sedan replacement
•2013 Nissan Altima

SUVs and Crossovers

"The Subaru XV has already been introduced in Europe," said Brauer. "It's a souped-up version of the Impreza with aggressive styling and increased ride height for crossover buyers."

Vehicles to watch for:
•2013 Honda Crosstour
•2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
•2013 Toyota Venza
•2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Luxury and Exotic Vehicles

"There's still a strong market for large and luxurious SUVs, so the all-new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will be another important unveil," said Brauer. "It's also great to have a new Viper back on the show floor. When it ceased production two years ago nobody knew if we'd ever see another one, but I think Sergio Marchionne really liked that nameplate and he wasn't going to let it fade away under his watch."

Vehicles to watch for:
•2013 Acura RL
•2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
•2013 BMW X1
•2013 Buick Enclave
•2013 Lexus ES
•2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC
•2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
•2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
•2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63/65 AMG (SL65 AMG Trim)
•2013 SRT Viper
•(model year unclear) BMW M6

"The diversity and sheer volume of all-new cars being unveiled at the New York Auto Show demonstrates a level of confidence and prosperity the industry has been missing for several years," said Brauer.

About Total Car Score
TotalCarScore.com is an automotive research and comparison website that establishes a new industry- wide standard for ranking every car, truck, van and SUV/crossover on the market. TotalCarScore.com evaluates and ranks cars according to an aggregate score based on the most trusted automotive authorities available. The site also features original content, reviews and insights from a veteran automotive journalism and data team. For more information, please go to www.totalcarscore.com.