A is for Automobile: AutoWeek Releases Best List Of 2007 NAIAS

AutoWeek’s editorial staff annually does their share of judgments during the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and just recently, the magazine has already informed the public of their top choices among the lots of vehicles set on display at the car show.

Most Fun: Dodge Viper

Bob Gritzinger (senior news ed for AutoWeek): 600 hp, 8.4 liter V10, breathing so heavy the Dodge boys had to add half a dozen new hood vents just to bleed off the excess heat. The car goes 0-60 mph in less than four seconds, and goes 0-100-0 mph in 12 seconds flat. What could be more fun than that?

Best Concept: Ford Interceptor
Ford Interceptor concept vehicle

Mandel (senior editor at AutoWeek): No matter what you call it, this Ford sports sedan based on a stretched Mustang chassis is one hot concept. We can only hope Ford takes the next step to put this pony car for the family man into production as soon as possible.

Most Significant: Chevrolet Volt

Gritzinger: The idea behind the car – a pure electric powertrain that gets its energy from plugging in at home or work, or from an on-board generator powered by a small gasoline engine – is surprisingly simple. GM says they’ll be ready to build this car by 2010 or 2012, and unless battery companies can’t come through, Volt and GM’s E-flex System could spell the beginning of the end of America’s addiction to foreign oil.

Best In Show: Jaguar C-XF

Mandel: C-XF, the concept version of the coming S-Type replacement, is the sexiest four-door we’ve seen from Jaguar in years. This car draws a line from past Jaguar sedans to Jaguar sedans of the future.

Best Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette