Auto shows are always a bit chaotic, with press releases and product announcements popping up faster than most people can keep track of them. Some were underwhelming, some were amazing, and some were completely unexpected. Which ones were the best? And out of all of the cars revealed at the show, which ones are the most deserving of recognition?

Here we have the seven cars that really knocked our socks off, counting down to the car that is Autos Cheat Sheet’s “Best in Show” for the 2015 New York Auto Show. Better luck next year, GMC Terrain.

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7. Mercedes-AMG G65

If you have to ask why anyone would willingly spend more than $200,000 on an SUV that isn’t all that far removed from its farm truck roots, then the G65 probably isn’t for you. If you’re the kind of person who is frustrated that Mercedes has yet to offer a V12 option on its G-Class in the United States, then the G65 may be for you.

It’s ridiculous in a way that doesn’t make any logical sense but yet is still purely awesome. After all, a twin-turbo V12 makes every car better, and this one makes 621 horsepower as well as 738 pound-feet of torque. Take that, Land Rover.

6. Chevrolet Malibu

While the Malibu used to be incredibly popular, the last few generations haven’t been nearly as successful. General Motors is hoping that the latest Malibu will be the key to unlocking midsize sales success outside of commercial fleets. With a more distinctive style, a redesigned interior, and new fuel-efficient options, it looks like the new Malibu has a shot.

If anything, though, it at least got people talking, especially about the hybrid version that gets a reported 47 miles per gallon overall. That’s a lot of miles per gallon.

5. Mclaren 570S

The McLaren 570S might not be affordable in the same way that the Mazda Miata is affordable, but compared to previous McLarens, it’s significantly more affordable. But relative affordability doesn’t necessarily mean that the 570S has lost what makes McLarens special.

It still has the show-stopping good looks that are guaranteed to draw attention at every gas station, and nothing with more than 500 horsepower is ever slow. Expect the McLaren 570S to give the Porsche 911 Turbo a serious run for its money. Now, to just figure out how to come up with $185,000…

4. Porsche Boxster Spyder

Coming on the heels of the Porsche Cayman GT4, the Boxster Spyder offers a similar take, this time sans roof. With 375 horsepower, it hits 60 miles per hour in a few ticks over four seconds, but it’s also lighter, lower, and packs bigger brakes.

Plus, unlike the Cayman GT4, you can drop the cloth top and enjoy the wind blowing through your hair while driving what may be the perfect sports car. Just make sure you can swing the more than $80,000 price tag before you start salivating over the Boxster Spyder too much.

3. Cadillac CT6

The look of the CT6 came as no surprise, but the full-size luxury sedan from Cadillac was still big news. Now with headquarters in New York, Cadillac chose its new home to showcase the sedan that’s aimed squarely at taking down its German rivals like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes S-Class.

It’s doubtful that Cadillac expected to have to compete with Lincoln for the American luxury sedan spotlight, but even with unexpected competition, the Cadillac CT6 still managed to get a lot of attention. It’s going to take a lot more than attention to compete with the Mercedes S-Class, but Cadillac looks like it’s ready for the fight.

2. Honda Civic

Another near-total surprise, Honda wowed attendees with not just the reveal of an all-new Honda Civic but also with the announcement that the Civic Type R is headed for the United States as well. Rumors had been swirling that the Type R might make its was Stateside in some form or another, but nobody expected the 10th generation Civic to depart so wildly from the look of its predecessor.

It’s definitely still a Honda, but it’s also a much bolder design than we’ve come to expect from the company lately. Competitors like Hyundai and Toyota better watch out, because it looks like the next Civic is going to be very good.

1. Lincoln Continental

If it weren’t for the discovery a few days before the show of a not-yet-complete webpage that hinted at the existence of a future Continental concept, Lincoln’s reveal at the New York Auto Show would have been a complete surprise. Even so, it was still almost a complete surprise. As the first unique Lincoln product in years, it’s gotten everyone talking, including one Bentley designer who is convinced that Lincoln ripped him off.

Whether or not the design was a ripoff, there are a lot worse cars out there to copy than the Bentley, and it’s hard to deny that the Continental doesn’t look good. With a thoroughly modern cabin and plenty of nods to the company’s past, the Continental really does have the potential to save Lincoln. At the very least, it won the New York Auto Show.

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