Autoweek Reveals 2013 NAIAS Editors’ Choice Award Winners

Corvette takes tops honors; Hyundai, Ford and Audi are also recognized

DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While crowds ogled the new 2014 Corvette Stingray, Autoweek editors made it the unanimous choice to receive Best in Show honors. Other standouts pushed the limits of automotive design, passion and creativity to earn the editors' votes for Most Significant, Best Concept and Most Fun vehicles at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

“On rare occasions, at least one car premieres at an auto show that absorbs all the light and air in the building, that takes our breath away, and it takes every one of our editors’ votes without debate”

“Sometimes choosing a favorite is difficult, other times it’s easy. When Autoweek’s editors gathered to pick a winner from the North American International Auto Show, it was easy,” said Editor Wes Raynal. “A new Corvette comes but once every eight years. This was that year and the new Corvette was a stunner. The car was the talk of Detroit and the talk of car passionate people around the world. It was the cover boy of media and, easily, by unanimous vote, took our Best in Show honors.”

The Autoweek Editors’ Choice Award winners from the 2013 North American International Auto Show are:

Best in Show: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
“On rare occasions, at least one car premieres at an auto show that absorbs all the light and air in the building, that takes our breath away, and it takes every one of our editors’ votes without debate,” said Raynal. “The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is that car.”
Others considered: None

Best Concept: Hyundai HCD-14
The HCD-14, the latest in Hyundai’s long line of concept cars, could eventually become the next Genesis sedan in production guise—and that would take the Korean automaker to another level of sophistication in styling as well as technological prowess.

“You look at this elegant sedan and say, ‘That’s a Hyundai?’ This is a gorgeous concept car,” said Davey G. Johnson, senior online editor.
“It’s big, comfortable and luxurious,” said Mark Vaughn, senior editor. “It’s old money.”
Others considered: BMW 4, Ford Atlas

Most Significant: Ford Atlas concept
Look past the Atlas concept’s obvious truck styling for the real story of aerodynamic improvements and weight-saving high-strength steel parts.

“When the Atlas arrives as the 2015 Ford F-150 pickup, it will be a game-changer in terms of fuel economy in the segment,” said Bob Gritzinger, executive editor. “And if aluminum replaces steel as is rumored, the significance of the Atlas grows astronomically.”
Others considered: Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel, Lincoln MKC concept

Most Fun: Audi RS7 Sportback
Superior performance and styling usually catch our attention when it comes to contenders for our Most Fun award. While the unusual Corvette LS9-powered Destino collaboration from Henrik Fisker and Bob Lutz turned our heads, and the Mercedes E63 AMG’s 3.5-second 0-60-mph time will snap them back, ultimately it was the Audi RS7’s combination of panache and power that earned our nod.

“Twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8, 560 hp, quattro all-wheel drive, and a 3.7-second 0-60-mph time,” said Germany correspondent Greg Kable. “And it looks great.”
Others considered: Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, VL Destino

For more information on the Editors’ Choice Awards, and extensive Detroit auto show coverage, visit autoweek.com/section/detroit.