News: News' readers say Corvette is best, sexiest

[Rob]

News' readers say Corvette is best, sexiest

Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
Friday, January 18, 2008

They liked the Corvette ZR1. The General Motors Corp. sports car took top honors in the annual Detroit News Readers' Choice Awards, the results of which were announced today at the Detroit Economic Club's North American International Auto Show 2008 luncheon at Cobo Center.

"We recruited a panel of 100 readers to inspect the powertrains, kick the tires and check the many shades of green in a contest to identify the best of show," said Jon Wolman, editor and publisher of The Detroit News. "They were dazzled by much of what they saw and we're glad to present these awards in honor of the vehicles that stood out for their excellence."

While most of the awards handed out at the auto show are voted on by journalists or industry professionals, the Readers' Choice Awards are intended to gauge the sentiments of consumers.

One of those judges was Cinta Corbin, a 27-year-old legal secretary from Detroit. She said she was particularly impressed with some of the newer vehicles from Buick and Mazda.

"They've got some interesting concepts this year," Corbin said. "Some people have come a long way."

The judges were selected from more than 1,000 volunteer applications.

Applications were sorted by county, age, sex and other factors. A representative sampling was selected from Detroit, Western Wayne County, Macomb County, Oakland County and outside the Detroit Metropolitan area to empanel a diverse group of judges.

Cecelia Dawson, a 43-year-old Detroiter who works as a coordinator at Wayne State University, said she was impressed with the progress some local manufacturers are making to catch up with the imports, particularly Ford.

"Ford didn't have anything previously," she said. "I like the Ford Explorer concept."

This year's winners, by category, were:

• Best of Show: Corvette ZR1

• Best Future Fantasy: Mazda Taiki

• Best Family Hauler: Chrysler Town and Country

• Best Curves: Lincoln MKS

• Plushest Interior: Maybach Landau

• Most Innovative: Ford F-150

• Sexiest Vehicle: Corvette ZR1

• Most Earth Friendly: Honda Civic Hybrid

• Most Luxurious: Chrysler 300 Hollywood

• Grooviest Wheels: Smart Car

• Most Awesome Off-Road: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

• Best Value: Chevrolet Malibu

You can reach Bryce Hoffman at (313) 222-2443 or bhoffman@detnews.com.