Autoweek Editors' Choice Awards Honor Best of the 2012 North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Autoweek editorial staff declared the 2013 Ford Fusion Best in Show at Detroit's 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

For more than 20 years, Autoweek editors have walked the show floors in Detroit, Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo, selecting winners in four categories: Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Fun and Most Significant. The 2012 NAIAS award winners were announced during the 18^th Autoweek Design Forum, held today at Detroit's College for Creative Studies.

The Autoweek Editors' Choice Award winners for the best of the 2012 North American International Auto Show are:

Best in Show: Ford Fusion
"The Ford Fusion bucks the midsize-sedan trend of playing to the broadest common denominator," said Autoweek editor Wes Raynal, who presented the award to Ford Group design vice president J Mays. "Where many of the big players are aiming for an inoffensively bland look, the Fusion delivers bold styling that projects a more luxurious message than we expect for its broad, family-car mission. The Fusion is built for the 99 percent; chock full of 1 percent panache and punch."

Other contenders for Best in Show were the Acura NSX and the Dodge Dart, which each won an award of their own.

Best Concept: Acura NSX
"In a show filled with standout concepts, the NSX rose above all for its styling, performance potential and spiritual connection to the original, which remains a favorite of enthusiasts," said news editor Greg Migliore. "The new all-wheel drive system intrigued our editors, and we look forward to the production execution in the next few years. The NSX received strong consideration for our Best in Show award, and it clearly topped all of the other concepts in Detroit."

The Lexus LF-LC, Lincoln MKZ and Toyota NS4 were considered as well.

Most Significant Vehicle: Dodge Dart
Executive editor Bob Gritzinger said, "Dodge is re-entering the crucial small sedan market with a Fiat-based car that we think drills the target dead center. The bold Dodge styling, sport-tuned Alfa Romeo Giulietta chassis and attention to interior detail will draw buyers into the showroom, while the strong fuel economy and $15,995 starting price should close the deal. Dart gives Dodge a highly competitive entry in a market segment where it hasn't been a player since the middle of the last decade."

Others considered for Most Significant were the Ford Fusion, BMW 3-series and Cadillac ATS.

Most Fun: Porsche 911 Cabriolet
Natalie Neff, senior road test editor, said it was an easy choice. "Though whimsy sometimes wins out when it comes to our Most Fun choice, top-shelf performance in a premium package also turns our heads. We love the all-new Porsche 911, so it should come as no surprise that we would endorse a drop-top variant for our Most Fun car of the show—in this case, by acclamation."

The Mini Roadster, Hyundai Veloster Turbo and Mercedes-Benz SL were also considered for the Most Fun award.

The full report from Autoweek will appear in the Feb. 6 issue of the magazine. For more information on the Editors' Choice Awards, and extensive Detroit auto show coverage, visit autoweek.com/section/detroit.

About Autoweek
Autoweek, launched in 1958, based in Detroit, Mich., and published by Crain Communications Inc., is a fortnightly magazine of consumer car news, information and insight. It's also delivered via the Internet (autoweek.com) and the iPad, and through video and social media. The autoweek.com site includes Daily Drive, an e-mail newsletter sent to more than 100,000 registrants; Car Life, a social community; and Autoweek TV, a daily video newscast. The Autoweek iPhone app Car News & Reviews is the first free app built for serious enthusiasts. From a magazine to video, online, podcasts, events, mobile applications and social media, Autoweek is a must-have for those who live the automotive lifestyle. Follow Autoweek on Facebook (facebook.com/autoweekusa) and Twitter (@autoweekUSA).

SOURCE Autoweek