[derrado]

2010 NACOTY Contenders Announced!
Several GM products make the list..
www.gminsidenews.com
June 24, 2009

DETROIT — The so-called "long list" of candidates for the 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year was revealed late Monday. It is noteworthy for its lack of Chrysler vehicles and its even division among automakers from Japan, Europe and the U.S. The list includes three Korean vehicles, including the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the Kia Forte and the Kia Soul — and even includes an offering from Suzuki, the Kizashi.

The 37 vehicles on the slate include 12 offerings from Japan, 11 offerings from Europe, 11 offerings from the U.S. and three offerings from Korea.

The 2010 North American Car of the Year candidates are: the Audi S4, BMW Z4, BMW 335d, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid, Ford Mustang/GT500, Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO, Honda Insight, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Kia Forte, Kia Soul, Lexus HS 250h, Lotus Evora, Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3, Mercedes E-Class, Nissan Cube, Nissan 370Z, Porsche Panamera, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf/Golf TDI.

The 2010 North American Truck of the year candidates are: the Acura ZDX, BMW X5 xDrive35d, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, GMC Terrain, Honda Crosstour (name to be officially announced/confirmed later, the organizers of the event note), Land Rover LR4, Lincoln MKT, Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner and Volvo XC60.

Rest of article here:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=151107

Frankly, looking at the TOTY line-up... GM is a shoo-in. The ZDX and Crosstour are unlikely to create excitement, the Transit Connect is innovative but not as efficient or as fresh as it could be, the MKT is a lesser being to its Flex platform-mate, the LR4 is a cautious revision, the X5 xDrive35d brings very little of anything new to the table, the Outback is dull, the XC60 isn't best in class and the 4Runner is going to be a traditional SUV at a time when they aren't too popular.

Which leaves Equinox, Terrain and SRX. Judging by the positive reviews of the Equinox and its best in-class fuel economy and high-quality interior, I think the nod will go to it. The Terrain is a similar car but I can imagine they'll pick the higher-volume Chevy. The SRX, despite mgescuro's criticism, has received nothing but positive reviews (even for its performance and handling) so it is also a likely bet. In the end though, I think I'd put money on the Equinox.

As for NACOTY, well, that's a competitive line-up. It's easier to say what isn't likely to win: S4, Z4, 335d, 5-GT, CTS Sport Wagon, Mustang, Genesis Coupe (not when the sedan won last year), Forte, Soul, HS250h, Evora, Mazda3, E-Class, Cube, Panamera, Legacy, Kizashi.

That leaves LaCrosse, Camaro, Fusion, Taurus, Insight, 370Z, Prius and Golf. They're all certainly formidable... Who knows which one will make it. Mark my words, though, it'll be one of 'em.