With 2012 just days away from ending, we can only hope that 2013 will have as many exciting new cars as this year did.  Here is a gallery of 22 cars that made a good first impression.  Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

This is without question the Ferrari 458 Spider’s arch rival, and with 625hp it is 55hp more powerful than the Italian drop-top.

The McLaren MP4-12C Spider also comes with a retractable hard top, and may be operated at speeds of up to 30km/h (19mph).  The twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine sends its power and 600 Nm of torque through a seven-speed SSG dual-clutch transmission, enabling the 1,474kg (DIN weight) Spider to get from 0-62mph in 3.1 sec (the same as the 12C coupe) and reach a top speed of 204mph (329km/h) – 3mph less than its coupe sibling.

MotorTrend is one of the first magazines to post a video driving the 2013 Shelby GT500, and with 662hp from its supercharged 5.8-litre V8 engine, it looks set to take the muscle car crown.

With more than 100 lbs shed off the front axle thanks to the use of an aluminum engine block, additon of new tyres and other minor updates, the Shelby GT500 seems to have transformed to an even better tool of driving pleasure.  Inside Line have had the chance to drive the new Shelby, burn some rubber, and err... shout.

America's lead Muscle car has been given a few updates for the 2011 model year. Although thinner stripes and new wheels might be the elements that standout in terms of exterior differences, there are enough technical modifications made to expect a completely different animal to the 2010 GT 500.

The biggest change comes in the form of using an aluminium engine block which has its roots on the engine found the Ford GT supercar.  The new 5.4l supercharged V8 features an improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps.  The use of an aluminium block means that the Shelby has been saved of 102 lbs, which Ford claims to have also improved the fuel economy figures, now 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city, up 1mpg for each figure meaning that it wont be subject to a gas guzzler tax.

Power is rated at a Ford GT matching 550 hp, while torque is 510 lb ft.  The Shelby also comes with an optional SVT performance package which includes; a nice new set of Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2 performance tyres, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio, and stiffer springs.

SVT engineers have carried over the stabilty control system from the 2010 model - AdvanceTrac - but they have gotten rid of the hydraulic steering system and replaced it with an elctronic unit called EPAS (Electronic Power Assist Steering).

In terms of noise/refinement, Ford have added additional sound absorbing and deadening materials in order to reduces road noise, while also promising more enjoyment from the exhaust note.  The 2011 model comes with an aggressive 2.75inch sports exhaust system (see video below to hear it) which has played its part in the 10 extra ponies over the 2010 model GT500.

Ford have really added an extra level of excitement in the world of muscle cars, now if only Chevrolet would do the same with its Camaro. A modern day Z28 would be very nice indeed.