USA - Fiat 124 Spider also named finalist for “Best of 2017” Cars.com award.

• Fiat 124 Spider also named finalist for “Best of 2017” Cars.com award
• Experts from Cars.com determine the “Best of 2017” finalists by looking at quality, innovation and value in each nominee
• The all-new Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic Italian design

Experts at Cars.com consider the all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider best in its segment, naming it the “Best New Convertible” of 2017. With the honor, the Spider is nominated for the “Best of 2017” Cars.com award.

The 2017 Best of Awards is the annual show Cars.com hosts in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show. This year’s categories include Best of 2017, Best Pickup Truck of 2017, Eco-Friendly Car of the Year, Family Car of the Year, Luxury Car of the Year and Play Car of the Year. 

Each car represented on the list excels in three key criteria; quality, innovation and value. All vehicles are 2017 models and Best of 2017 nominees must be all-new or fully redesigned.

According to Cars.com, “Look at this thing: It’s pretty. Next, drop the top, rev the engine, listen to the sweet 1.4-liter engine, find a twisty road and see if your cares disappear with the wind. We’re betting they will, and that’s why the Fiat 124 Spider is our Best New Convertible of 2017.”

The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider brings classic Italian styling and proven performance to a new generation of buyers. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider, the all-new Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic design.

The roadster comes standard with the proven 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine, the engine’s first application in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The engine delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque on Classica and Lusso, 164 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque on Abarth, and is available with a six-speed manual transmission (26 mpg city/35 mpg highway) or a six-speed automatic transmission (25 mpg city/36 mpg highway).

The Fiat 124 Spider has a double-wishbone front suspension and rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bars, and tuned electric-power steering system for enhanced handling and fuel efficiency. Available safety features include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection and ParkView rear backup camera. Available technology and convenience features include passive entry with keyless go, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, and FIAT Connect with access to Pandora, Stitcher and Aha apps.

LA SHOW - The Genesis G90 has been named as one of the finalists for North American Car of the year 2017.

During the Motor Press Guild’s opening breakfast at the Los Angeles Auto Show yesterday, the all-new Genesis G90 was named one of three finalists for the prestigious 2017 North American Car of the Year award. The Chevrolet Bolt and Volvo S90 join G90 to round out the final three.

“It’s humbling to have G90 considered among the best new cars introduced this year and to be named a finalist for one of the most sought-after distinctions in the auto industry,” said Erwin Raphael, general manager of Genesis in the U.S. 

“The premium large-car segment is the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering and this recognition is a testament to the world-class refinement of our flagship model and the respectful ownership experience we deliver to our customers.”

The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards honor excellence in innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction and value. Initiated in 1994, they are judged by roughly 60 full-time professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who work for some of the most well-respected magazines, television, radio, newspapers and websites in North America. They are the longest-running awards not associated with a specific publication, a structure that produces a diverse base of independent jurors. The 2017 Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the year winners will be announced Jan. 9 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The G90 is available nationwide at Genesis retailers, offering customers simple vehicle configurations with a choice between two engine options, an uncompromised suite of advanced safety technologies, plus best-in-class standard luxury amenities.

The Genesis brand prides itself on its respectful ownership experience that form the customer-centric Genesis Experience. From service valet appointments scheduled using the Genesis mobile app to complimentary maintenance and Genesis Connected Services, the ownership experience is designed to provide time-saving conveniences that are unmatched in the industry.

USA - Volvo and its new S90 Luxury Sedan are in line for a pair of wins in two Car of the Year awards.

The all-new Volvo S90 luxury sedan is a finalist for 2017 North American Car of the Year and a runner up for 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

Volvo Cars is now poised to win a North American ‘of the Year’ award for the second year in a row, having taken top honors for 2016 North American Truck/Utility of the Year with the XC90 SUV.

In addition, the Volvo S90 was the top luxury car in the 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year competition, making it to the final round of judging ahead of all other luxury brands.

Both the S90 and XC90 share the same Scalable Product Architecture platform, Drive-E powertrain, and Intellisafe safety features. The S90 is also the first car to come with semi-autonomous driving technology as standard in Pilot Assist.

“We are extremely proud to see the S90 get such recognition,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Americas and President and CEO, Volvo Car USA. “Our global team of designers and engineers has delivered a car that is really turning heads.”

Audi A3 Sportback e-Tron receives Green, Connected Car Recognition.

• Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is finalist for 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year and 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year
• Green Car Journal to announce winners January 21 at Washington Auto Show
• Magazine noted “the integration of connected technologies that enhance efficiency, safety and the driving experience.”

The soon-to-launch Audi A3 Sportback e-tron earned recognition as a leader in sustainable propulsion by qualifying as a finalist for the 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year and 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year awards that will be presented at the Washington Auto Show on January 21.

 

The awards “recognize vehicles that exhibit laudable environmental achievement,” according to Green Car Journal, which oversees the awards. “Along with improved environmental performance, traditional buyer touchstones like functionality, safety, quality, value and performance are also considered.”

 

For the Connected award, the magazine also considers, “the integration of connected technologies that enhance efficiency, safety and the driving experience.”

 

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid features the most advanced version of the Audi connect platform, which provides the benefits of access to information and content, when needed, through interfaces designed for the in-vehicle environment.

 

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron also was a finalist for the national Green Car of the Year Award bestowed by Green Car Journal and given at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.