Detroit Auto Show 2008: AutoWeek's Best Of

BEST IN SHOW
CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1

Cynics might say the 2009 ZR1 is nothing more than a Corvette with a bad-boy V8 stuffed into the engine bay--a stance taken initially by some AW editors, who questioned its Best in Show worthiness. But that line of thinking sells this supercar short.

Yes, the supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 will produce at least 620 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, putting the ZR1 in the upper echelon of the numbers game, no matter who comes out to play. It also features an adjustable suspension, carbon-fiber bodywork, some unique exterior pieces, carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, variable steering and a close-ratio six-speed gearbox.

The sum is a whole lot greater than the collective parts: This is a JATO rocket on wheels that moves the Corvette up yet another rung on the performance-car ladder and leaves almost all competitors jinking like an F-22 Raptor to avoid certain destruction. Perhaps more significant, new fuel-economy standards that mandate a corporate average fuel economy of 35 mpg by 2020 likely mean that Chevy--or any domestic automaker-will not produce a car remotely comparable to this one for years to come. So remember the 2008 North American International Auto Show as the first time you laid eyes on the most balls-to-the-wall factory Corvette of all time.

Still not convinced? Walk the floor, take everything in, and consider: Badge snobbery and concept cars aside, there is no other machine parked on the Cobo show floor that we look forward to driving more than the ZR1. Case closed.

BEST IN SHOW FINALISTS

Audi R8 TDI concept

Cadillac CTS Coupe concept

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Mazda Furai concept

Volkswagen Passat CC

MOST FUN
AUDI R8 TDI CONCEPT

Audi had guitar-wielding rock Bryan Adams on hand to help unveil its spectacular new R8 V12 TDI concept. The gravelly-voiced Canadian musician was an appropriate choice of sidekick, because this Audi rocks.

As if the standard R8's 420-hp, 4.2-liter V8 gasoline engine isn't enough, Audi has shoehorned its upcoming 500-hp, 6.0-liter V12 common-rail diesel powerplant into the back of its low-slung two-seater, creating the world's first diesel-powered supercar in the process. It's the diesel's whopping 738 lb-ft of torque that really steals the show--more than double that offered by the standard R8--and all of it is maintained between 1750 and 3000 rpm. The figures speak for themselves: 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and a top speed in excess of 186 mph. Add a more muscular body and gee-whiz instruments, and you've got a surefire recipe for fun.

MOST FUN FINALISTS

Audi R8 TDI Concept

BMW 1 Series convertible

Dodge ZEO concept

Hummer HX concept

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

OST SIGNIFICANT
FORD F-150

Green cars, those electrified and biofueled machines flooding show floors of late, reflect the most significant trend in the industry, with individual models such as the Saturn Flextreme increasingly forecasting a future of less oil consumption and reduced tailpipe emissions. But by just about any quantitative measure, the most significant vehicle in the world today is the Ford F-150, a single nameplate that outsells most automotive marketing divisions (Ford sells more F-Series trucks than Chrysler sells vehicles, period). So when the big Blue Oval decides to update its sales juggernaut--and if the update is done well--we take notice.

The 2009 F-150 redo starts with a fresh exterior design, but according to Ford, the truck also will boast better towing and hauling specs, though the automaker wouldn't reveal the exact numbers.

A bevy of new features should broaden the truck's appeal to prospective buyers, including integrated side and tailgate steps to ease access to the bed, as well as a standard capless fuel-filler system. Available information and entertainment options include the Sync hands-free interface, navigation with real-time traffic and weather and a premium Sony sound system.

Standard safety features run the gamut, from stability-, roll- and trailer-sway-control systems to a rearview camera and an available integrated trailer-brake controller. Ford adds a trim level to the top end, too, a luxury package called Platinum that features an exclusive satin-chrome grille with mesh inserts, 10-way powered captain's chairs, wood and aluminum interior trim and 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels.

Given all that, the F-150 wasn't an automatic shoo-in for our Most Significant award, as Ford featured two other contenders for the title: the Explorer America concept and the Verve sedan concept. Both vehicles represent important segments for the struggling automaker, and we liked what we saw in terms of the direction Ford wants to take for each.

MOST SIGNIFICANT FINALISTS

Dodge Ram

Ford Explorer America concept

Ford F-150

Ford Verve concept