AutoWeek Editors Honor the Best of the 2010 North American International Auto Show

DETROIT--The AutoWeek editorial staff announced today its 2010 North American International Auto Show Editors’ Choice Award winners.

“In the end, the VW, designed exclusively for the U.S. market, took the top concept award. We were struck with how finished, how polished, the car looked considering it was a concept. It looked very close to production ready. That it was also a hybrid was a bonus.”

For more than a decade, the AutoWeek editors have walked the show floors in Detroit, Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo, selecting winners in four categories: Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Fun and Most Significant.

The 2010 AutoWeek Editors’ Choice Award winners for the Best of Detroit are:

BEST IN SHOW: Audi E-tron

“This was almost a unanimous decision,” said AutoWeek editor Wes Raynal. “This is a concept, yes, but we loved the car’s size and proportions. We are looking for versions of this car to come in the future in the form of a small, sporty two-seater from Audi. And that is something we really look forward to driving.” As we said in our Dec. 28 issue, the E-Tron “has the potential to be the fastest and most beautiful production EV the world has ever seen.”

Other Finalists Considered: Audi A8, Cadillac XTS Platinum concept

BEST CONCEPT: Volkswagen NCC

“There were many worthy concepts,” Raynal said. “In the end, the VW, designed exclusively for the U.S. market, took the top concept award. We were struck with how finished, how polished, the car looked considering it was a concept. It looked very close to production ready. That it was also a hybrid was a bonus.”

Others Finalists Considered: Buick Regal GS, Chevrolet Aveo RS, Mini Beachcomber

MOST SIGNIFICANT: Ford Focus

"This was a unanimous vote, one of the few in the history of the AutoWeek award,” Raynal said. “This car gives Ford and Focus fans their car back. By that we mean enthusiasts have been crying for the European Focus for years and we’re finally getting our wish. It will be on sale in 2011, powered by a sporty four cylinder engine mated to a DSG transmission, and we can’t wait to drive it.”

Other Finalists Considered: Honda CR Z, Audi E-tron, Cadillac XTS

MOST FUN: Mini Beachcomber

“Huge tires, no doors, no roof: Sounds like fun to us! The 2010 North American International Auto Show’s Most fun car, the Mini Beachcomber, harkens back to the Mini Moke. The Beachcomber also provides significant clues to the appearance, size, interior layout and mechanical makeup of Mini’s upcoming SUV. But wait, there’s more: The all wheel drive system in the concept will lead to Mini’s first production system, and portends an entry in to the FIA World Rally Championship."

Other Finalists Considered: Honda CR-Z, Cadillac CTS V Coupe, Mustang GT, Mercedes-Benz E Class convertible

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

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