Great day-by-day accounts of what's happening. Well done, wish I were there too!
Anyone want to place their wagers on what they would like to win vs what they think will win? For some of them, my chose might change depending on the engine/trim the manufacturer choose to enter, which I don't know.
SMALL CAR (under $21k)
Hyundai Elantra Touring
Kia Forte Koup
Mazda3
Want to win: Elantra Touring / Think will win: Elantra Touring
SMALL CAR (over $21k)
Honda Insight
Kia Forte
Kia Soul
Mazda3 Sport
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
Nissan Cube
Volkswagen Golf
Want to win: Golf / Think will win: Golf (if TDI), Mazda3 Sport (would have said Soul if entered in the under $21K category)
FAMILY CAR (under $30k)
Ford Fusion
Subaru Legacy Sedan
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI
Want to win: Golf Wagon TDI / Think will win: tough between Legacy (value/AWD) and Prius (economy/hatch, slick redesign and improved driving dynamics). Will go Legacy. No Prius. Mmmmm, Legacy. Okay, final vote Prius...
FAMILY CAR (over $30k)
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford Taurus
Want to win: LaCrosse / Think will win: Fusion Hybrid or LaCrosse, will say LaCrosse (if CXS) because despite Ford's excellent hybrid system it's outclassed and undersized here. Taurus has a gi-normous trunk, but doesn't feel as spacious as expected inside nor that special which perhaps is not expected in the 'family' category.
LUXURY CAR (over $50k)
BMW 335d Sedan
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan (E 350)
Want to win: 335d / Think will win: 335d
PRESTIGE (over $75k)
Audi R8 5.2 FSI
BMW 7 Series Sedan (750i)
Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
Porsche Panamera
Want to win: Panamera / Think will win: Panamera (although the efficiency of the S400 is noteable)
SPORTS - PERFORMANCE (under $50k)
Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Taurus SHO
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Mazdaspeed3
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Want to win: Golf GTI / Think will win: MS3 (power, price, and versatility), runner up Genesis Coupe (if V6)
SPORTS - PERFORMANCE (over $50k)
Audi S4
Jaguar XFR
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe (E 550)
Want to win: S4 / Think will win: XFR, although if price is factored high then S4
CONVERTIBLES
Audi A5 Cabriolet
Lexus IS Convertible (IS350C)
Nissan 370Z Roadster
Want to win: A5 Cabrio / Think will win: A5 Cabrio (best all around)
SUV - CUV (under $35k)
Chevrolet Equinox
Subaru Outback
Toyota Venza
Want to win: Venza (think the raised Camry concept is thoughtful and appealing) / Think will win: Equinox (fuel economy, value)
SUV - CUV ($35k-$60k)
Acura ZDX
Audi Q5
GMC Terrain
Lexus RX 350
Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC
Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel
Volvo XC60
Want to win: RX 350 / Think will win: XC60 (don't ask me why, but it keeps being applauded so I'm on the train)
SUV - CUV (over $60k)
Acura MDX
Audi Q7 TDI
Cadillac SRX
Lexus RX450h
Lincoln MKT
Want to win: Q7 TDI / Think will win: RX 450h
BEST NEW TECHNOLOGY
Attention Assist ??
Audi Drive Select
City Safety
MyKey
Remote Touch
Touch Tracer
Think will win: City Safety
BEST NEW GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Beltless Atkinson-cycle Engine with Cooled Exhaust
Next Generation Hybrid System and SmartGauge
Plant-based Ecological Plastics
S400 Hybrid with Lithium-ion Batteries
Solar Panel Moonroof & Remote Air Conditioning
Think will win: S400
