The competition for the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year was held at the giant Hyundai-Kia California Proving Ground, 100 miles north of Los Angeles in the Mojave. A total of 18 car field official contenders were introduced.
The all-new interpretations of high-volume, benchmark vehicles that virtually defined their respective categories are represented by the Honda Accord and Chrysler/Dodge. The reworked icons are the second-generation Audi TT, Mini Cooper, Subaru Impreza WRX, and Scion xB. The new cars with old nameplates that carried the collective hopes of an entire company are the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Taurus, and Mitsubishi Lancer. The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is packed with technology and Teutonic swagger while the all-new Audi coupe that may just be one of the most beautiful cars ever from Ingolstadt. And Cadillac is still the best for 50 years.
It was not an easy competition since they have spent five days conducting detailed performance tests and drive evaluations. Tires were kicked, hoods were poked, seats were folded, paint finish and panel fit were inspected, and the interior gaps and margins were checked. These prove how exhaustive the process was. There are numerous copy cat awards– Motor Trend’s Car of the Year dates back to 1949, and is the oldest in the world – but none has clearly stated criteria and is backed by hands-on testing and analysis like what was done this year. Besides, there is only one Car of the Year, which means that there will be 17 unhappy losers this year. The award is open only to new or significantly upgraded cars on sale from January 1 each year.
Here are the lists of Contenders for this year:
Audi A5/S5
Audi TT
Cadillac CTS
Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Avenger
Dodge Grand Caravan
Ford Focus
Ford Taurus
Honda Accord
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mini Cooper
Mitsubishi Lancer
Scion xB
Scion xD
Subaru Impreza
Volvo C30
Volvo XC70
Vehicles are judged according to:
Superiority
Engineering excellence, advancement in design, utilization of resources and safety. Vehicle concept and execution are important, as are use of materials, packaging, dynamics, styling, and fuel consumption.
Significance
How well does the vehicle do the job its maker intended it to do? And how does it impact or change its particular market segment, influence consumer perceptions, and transform product development trends.
Value
How does each vehicle compare against its direct rivals? A vehicle with a low sticker price might not be as good a value as a more expensive vehicle that delivers outstanding performance, quality, and functionality. Source[blogs.motortrend.com]
And the final decision is…
The Cadillac CTS has been named the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the year. This car is equipped with several nice features and has an outstanding horsepower. It also has the appealing look inside and out that detained the car its title.
From among its features, the car’s interior is the most eye-catching. Its dash is European inspired that features a hand –stitch around the dash. The doors are like those from high-end Lexus and the leather has been updated. The softness and feel of the leather is just so comfortable and with heater on, it could warm up you and your leather seat. To trim the entire interior, a Sapele Pommele wood can be added. It is also installed with ambient blue lightings that made the vehicle look stunning! Source [Driving.CA]
The 2008 CTS is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in two trims, the 3.6L SFI and the 3.6L SIDI.
Upon introduction, the 3.6L SFI is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 263-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 3.6L SIDI is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 304-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2008 CTS is redesigned for 2008. Source [Yahoo Autos]
