2010 NACOTY Contenders Announced!

[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.

[zete]

I think the TOTY will be the Equinox. It's simply surprised all the reviewers with things like the active sound dampening, etc. Plus, it's fuel efficient and yet roomy.

As for NACOTY, that's a tougher one. I'd say it'll be one of the following: Lacrosse, Prius or Taurus. The Lacrosse because it's a reset for Buick and they may feel Buick should get the nod because the Enclave didn't win TOTY way back when. The Taurus might win because it's a proper reset of that car, plus the SHO does the Taurus SHO justice which will only do it favours. The Prius is a long shot, but there mostly because some might feel it's finally starting to look more mainstream. Plus, it is the eco-car most people want and that will put it in the top 3 in my books.

All I know is that the 2011 Car of the Year from everybody will be the Volt.

[XCR440SP]

I think Taurus will win car of the year. Huge changes, best in class and something for everyones taste be it price oriented SE buyers or performance with the SHO.

As to truck I think it should be Transit Connect since it is the most market changing vehicle and no one has offered anything like it before. However, it is also a niche vehicle and I don't know that a commercial vehicle can (or should) win this award so I'd have to give the nod to the 'Nox.

[FierySolstice]

It will be the Taurus and the Equinox. Why don't they have a crossover of the year category? Most of the vehicles in that category aren't even trucks.

[ZR2BlaZeR2]

I agree with the Taurus for for NACOTY. I think because of what the Taurus once was, and now its a sort of return to form for Ford.

But you never know what the agendas are with things like this.

X2 on the Equinox as well.

[civilzues]

Tauras
SRX (well maybe Nox, but still....)

[miami86]

Originally Posted by zete

I think the TOTY will be the Equinox. It's simply surprised all the reviewers with things like the active sound dampening, etc. Plus, it's fuel efficient and yet roomy.

As for NACOTY, that's a tougher one. I'd say it'll be one of the following: Lacrosse, Prius or Taurus. The Lacrosse because it's a reset for Buick and they may feel Buick should get the nod because the Enclave didn't win TOTY way back when. The Taurus might win because it's a proper reset of that car, plus the SHO does the Taurus SHO justice which will only do it favours. The Prius is a long shot, but there mostly because some might feel it's finally starting to look more mainstream. Plus, it is the eco-car most people want and that will put it in the top 3 in my books.

All I know is that the 2011 Car of the Year from everybody will be the Volt.

I agree with everything except for the Prius. if the prius was really a car EVERY one wanted there would still be lines out the door to get one. People don't really want a vehicle like that. They will eventually need something like it but it is definitely not a want.

x2 for the Chevy Volt being the 2011 Car of the Year. We may as well call it right now.

[cyclone]

I truly believe the Golf will be the car. Maybe the Golf GTI.

For a truck, that is hard. Either the Equinox or SRX.

[Bvonscott]

I dont see the taurus winning. Its not that special, or blow you away good looking. Its just decent, but the G8 is better. It doesnt redefine the segment or blow away the competition.
I'd say Camaro wins. Its a resurrection done right. It blows away the competition and renews and redefines the segment. It has a huge demand. It draws stares from everyone. Thats what a NACOTY is about.

Truck = NOX

[genjy]

I was thinking Genesis Coupe, but the Genesis Sedan won last year.


Probably the SHO, if it counts as a separate entry from the regular Taurus.

[Chaz_23]

Either the Outsight or the Previus, because we're all about green now.

[hunchman]

The Camaro is going to win

[rsbaker]

Ford or GM it doesn't matter to me as long as it is NOT "foreign". I just don't want to see every "Know Nothing" talking head on cable TV or the "I'm a reporter for a big newspaper or magazine so I know all about cars" types writing mountains of stories about how Detroit can't compete because they didn't win while forgetting that Malibu won last year, or how they don't make cars people want to buy. Please spare us all that BS. Vote Ford or GM!!!

[SAngelo]

Originally Posted by derrado

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

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.

The car and truck of the year could go to almost anyone. I think that GM and Ford certainly have a chance with the Lacrosse, Taurus and the smaller crossovers. I predict that a year or two from now, GM and Ford will be profitable and selling state of the art quality vehicles.

[gardnet1]

Taurus/SHO
Fusion/Hybrid
LaCrosse
Soul

Transit Connect
Nox
X60