The nominations for the 2017, World Car, Green Car, urban Cr and Luxury car of the year has been announced.

The journey on The Road to World Car began today at the Paris International Motor Show (Le Mondial de l'automobile) with the celebration of the reigning 2016 World Luxury Car winner - the BMW 7 Series - during a champagne media reception held within the BMW Group's exhibit.

Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc), Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing BMW, Sales Channels BMW Group said, "We are delighted and honoured that the BMW 7 Series carries the prestigious title of World Luxury Car 2016. 

The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series sets new benchmarks in the luxury segment: Customers are especially appreciative of the way the 7 Series combines superb modern luxury with outstanding driving dynamics and many ground-breaking innovations. The success story continues: For the very first time, we are now expanding our offering for the 7 Series lineup under the label of the BMW M and BMW i brands."

The Road to World Car follows our 73 international automotive jurors as they test-drive and tell the stories of the 2017 nominated cars in five categories prior to voting by secret ballot in January 2017. The official list of nominees for the World Car of the Year, World Luxury / Performance Car, World Green Car, World Car Design of the Year and the inaugural World Urban Car can be found on our web site: wcoty.com. The Road to World Car makes a stop in Los Angeles for test-drives in November, then at the Geneva International Motor Show in March when the top three finalists in each category are declared prior to the winners' announcement at a high-profile awards ceremony at the New York International Auto Show on April 13, 2017. The list of all nominated cars follows.

2017 marks the 11th year of World Car's partnership with the New York show, and the fourth consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained their ranking as the No.1 automotive awards program in the world in terms of media reach. "The New York International Auto Show is proud of the tradition it has built with the World Car Awards to recognize the 'best of the best' in the auto industry, said Mark Schienberg, president of the New York International Auto Show. "Over the past 11 years this awards program has grown to become one of the most coveted honors for the world's automakers."

World Car has a dual mission of celebrating the best of today and inspiring the best ideas for tomorrow. Our role is not just to reward current achievement but to also provide insights into the future.

The World Car community brings together a large cross section of experts and professionals from every segment of the automotive industry who serve as an important resource focused on excellence and innovation on a global scale.

The Road Ahead initiative was created in 2014 with our long-standing partner Prime Research.

The Road Ahead identifies emerging global trends throughout the year, via newsletters, trend studies and related initiatives that recognize innovation. The annual Global Trends Report, co-presented by Prime Research and Autoneum annually at the New York International Auto Show is the culmination of research and insights across six months.

During the reception, Peter Lyon, chairman of the WCA Steering Committee, welcomed back the Swiss-based firm Autoneum as a presenting partner of the 2017 World Car Awards for the third consecutive year. "Autoneum's commitment to innovation and excellence on a global scale makes them a good fit for the World Car Awards and our Road Ahead platform," he explained.

Martin Hirzel, CEO of Autoneum, further explained: "For Autoneum as the market leader for acoustic and thermal management with 50 locations around the world, the global World Car Awards are the ideal sponsorship partner. Together we aspire to promote innovation in the automotive industry and thus shape the future of mobility."

As the global nature of the industry continues to strengthen, and the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, World Car is proud to be a part of this amazing journey along with the New York International Auto Show, Prime Research, Autoneum, Bridgestone Corporation, Newspress (media partner) and KPMG (vote tabulation).

THE ROAD TO WORLD CAR:

BEGINS IN PARIS SEPT. 29, 2016. ENDS IN NEW YORK APRIL 13, 2017.

BACKGROUND

World Car Awards

Now entering their 13th year, the annual World Car Awards are the number one awards program in the world for the fourth consecutive year based on Prime Research's 2016 media report. The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.

The awards are administered by a not-for-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. Peter Lyon (chair - Japan), Jens Meiners (vice-chair - Germany), Mike Rutherford (vice-chair - UK), Tamara Warren (director - USA), Siddarth Patankar (director - India) and Gerry Malloy (director - Canada and president, WCOTY Association).

New York International Auto Show

Owned and operated by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the New York Auto Show is an awesome combination of new ideas, technological innovation, exceptional concept cars and nearly 1,000 of the latest new cars and trucks. Over one million visitors are expected to visit the show this year to see what is truly possible from the automotive industry.

Important 2017 Auto Show Dates

Automotive Forum: April 11

Press Preview, April 12 & 13 (credentials required)

Public Sneak Preview, Friday, April 14

Public Show Dates, Friday, April 14 - Sunday, April 23

PRIME Research

PRIME Research, a global leader in strategic communication research and consultancy is once again the World Car Awards' research partner. On an annual basis, PRIME Research and the World Car Awards are co-presenting a Global Trends Report at the New York International Auto Show each spring. PRIME Research is a well-trusted research partner for the automotive industry with a broad range of automotive clients. Its full picture approach, which provides strategic benchmark information and SWOT analyses on over 150 brands and over 10,000 different automobile models, sets the standard in automotive media research.

Autoneum

Autoneum, with its headquarters in Winterthur, Switzerland, is the globally leading producer of vehicle acoustics and thermal management systems. The company develops and manufactures components, modules and complete systems for interior and engine bay as well as heatshields and underbody shields. Customers include leading automobile producers in the key markets of Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Autoneum is represented at around 50 locations in over 20 countries and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, of whom about 5% are in Switzerland. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol AUTN).

THE ROAD TO THE WORLD CAR

2017 WORLD CAR AWARDS

NOMINATIONS LIST - SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR

Audi A5 / S5 Coupé

Audi Q2

Audi Q5

Buick LaCrosse

Buick Envision

Chevrolet Cruze

Chrysler Pacifica

Fiat/Abarth 124 Spyder

Honda Civic

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Genesis G80

Infiniti Q60

Jaguar F-PACE

Kia Cadenza

Kia Rio

Kia Sportage

Mazda CX-9

SEAT Ateca

Skoda Kodiaq

SsangYong Tivoli Air / XLV

Subaru Impreza

Toyota C-HR

Volkswagen Tiguan

WORLD LUXURY / PERFORMANCE CAR 2017

Audi R8 Spyder

BMW 5 Series

Bentley Bentayga

Cadillac CT6

Cadillac XT5

Honda/Acura NSX

Hyundai Genesis G90

Lexus LC500

Lincoln Continental

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-AMG Roadster

Porsche Boxster Cayman

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Volvo S90 / V90

WORLD URBAN CAR 2017

BMW i3 (94 Ah)

Citroën C3 Citroën E-MEHARI

Ford KA+

Smart Brabus Range

Smart Cabriolet

Suzuki Baleno

Suzuki Ignis

WORLD GREEN CAR 2017

Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro

BMW 740e iPerformance

Chevrolet Bolt

Chevrolet Malibu

Hybrid Honda Clarity Fuel-Cell Car

Hyundai Ioniq

Kia Niro Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e (Plug-In Hybrid)

Tesla Model X

Toyota RAV4

Toyota Prius Prime

WORLD CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR 2017

• All of the World Car of the Year entries automatically qualify for the design award.
• In addition, the following stand-alone entries are also nominated as candidates

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet

Vauxhall Announces pricing and specs for new ADAM Grand Slam.

MARKET AND MODEL

• GRAND SLAM joins ADAM range as the performance model
• 1.4-litre Turbo (150PS) engine, specially-tuned chassis & VXR braking system
• Priced from £16,995 on-the-road, arriving in showrooms in March

DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY

• Sporty and stylish design with Vauxhall design cues
• Red ‘n’ Roll design including premium-inspired interior
• Sophisticated IntelliLink for smartphone and tablet connectivity

POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS

• New 1.4-litre Turbo (150PS) ECOTEC with 220Nm of torque
• Performance chassis with sharp steering and VXR braking system
• Top speed of 124mph and 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds

RANGE, PRICING AND EQUIPMENT

• Prices starting from 16,995 on-the-road
• Exceptional standard specification

 MARKET AND MODEL

• GRAND SLAM joins ADAM range as the performance model
• 1.4-litre Turbo (150PS) engine, specially-tuned chassis & VXR braking system
• Priced from £16,995 on-the-road, arriving in showrooms in March

First seen at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the top-of-the-range ADAM GRAND SLAM features slick design and a spirited 1.4-litre turbo (150PS) powertrain. With its sights firmly set on the Fiat 500 Abarth, GRAND SLAM also gets a specially-tuned chassis and a VXR braking system.

Vauxhall’s stylish ADAM took the fashion-led A-sector by storm when it arrived in the UK in 2013. And now the GRAND SLAM joins the range as the performance model with the same cool contemporary ADAM style combined with more aggressive looks and power.

ADAM quickly established itself as a bestseller within its segment with pan-European sales of 125,000 since its launch two years ago.

It has also been a sales success in the UK with over 22,000 sold. Sales increased by 72 per cent last year according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Typically for a car of this type, the majority of sales (a whopping 90 per cent) are to private buyers.

“The ADAM GRAND SLAM has been designed for people who want to enjoy a sporty driving experience in a car with a unique and individual look,” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “I’m sure the latest addition to the ADAM range will be just as successful as its stylish stablemates.”

Priced from £16,995 on-the-road, the ADAM GRAND SLAM will arrive in Vauxhall showrooms in March.

DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY

• Sporty and stylish design with Vauxhall design cues
• Red ‘n’ Roll design including premium-inspired interior
• Sophisticated IntelliLink for smartphone and tablet connectivity

ADAM GRAND SLAM’s wide front and rear tracks (1.47 metres and 1.46 metres respectively) give the car a naturally agile and muscular appearance. 

Vauxhall design cues including the blade in the lower door and the characteristic ‘shock wave’ around the door handles are clearly visible. The signature ‘wing’ shaped daytime running lights and rear lamps, both using LED technology are also familiar from other models in the ever-expanding Vauxhall range.

GRAND SLAM’s front lip spoiler, side sill moldings and an extended rear bumper cut-out with a visible, bold exhaust tailpipe make the bodywork appear more muscular then a standard ADAM. A total of ten body colours and a further four roof combinations are available, with the Red ʼn‘ Roll roof design reserved exclusively for GRAND SLAM customers.

The GRAND SLAM sits on exclusive, new 18-inch wheels.The distinctive rear spoiler above the rear window and LED daytime running and rear tail lights complete the look.

Interior

The Red ʼn‘ Roll colour theme is continued inside with the optional leather package including red leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, racing décor on the instrument panel, unique grey/black/red key design and red stitching on the door panels. 

Other details include special floor mats, aluminum-capped sports pedals and door entry strips with Vauxhall lettering.

A multi-colour LED interior lighting package that allows eight different ambient lighting colours including white, dark blue, orange and red, is also available.

“The ADAM GRAND SLAM delivers fun and performance,” said Brit Mark Adams, Vauxhall/Opel’s Vice President for Design. “Its bold proportions, slick and seductive design with typical Vauxhall cues and sophisticated surfacing emphasise its sporty characteristics and just make you want to take the wheel. And once you sit in it, you get even more excited by its sporty ambiance paired with high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship.”

Connectivity

Available as an option across the ADAM range, the sophisticated IntelliLink system offers state-of-the-art connectivity and apps. This infotainment system is fully-compatible with latest smartphones and tablets using both ANDROID and Apple iOS. It provides USB and Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, seven speakers and a 7-inch high-definition colour touch-screen.

The integration of Apple iOS devices into the system enables use of the SIRI EYES FREE voice control function. It’s safe and easy-to-use technology which makes ADAM one of the best connected small cars on the market. Vauxhall’s smart IntelliLink system also provides navigation by the BringGo app, as well as the Stitcher and TuneIn apps.

POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS

• New 1.4-litre Turbo (150PS) ECOTEC with 220Nm of torque
• Performance chassis with sharp steering and VXR braking system
• Top speed of 124mph and 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds

With 150PS and 220Nm of torque, the new version of the 1.4-litre Turbo ECOTEC unit in the ADAM GRAND SLAM features a specific power output exceeding 100PS/litre. It is a turbocharged, high performance unit derived from the ADAM’s existing four-cylinder, 1.4-litre engine, that has been exclusively developed for the GRAND SLAM.

It delivers 50 per cent more power and 70 per cent more torque than its naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre stable-mate and propels the GRAND SLAM from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and to a top speed of 124mph. But the focus during development was put on elasticity and responsiveness rather than pure acceleration.  This is particularly noticeable during fifth-gear acceleration from 50mph to 75mph, which is achieved in just 7.9 seconds.

The new 1.4-Litre Turbo engine has been developed to deliver outstanding responsiveness and outstanding mid-range torque making it ideal for winding country roads. 

A short throw gear change mated to a six-speed transmission allows drivers to fully exploit the performance.

GRAND SLAM’s 1.4-litre Turbo engine is fitted with Start/Stop technology and meets stringent Euro 6 emission standards. The dual cam phasing for continuously variable valve timing and a turbocharger integrated within the exhaust manifold help make the engine lighter and more compact. Other weight-saving features include a cast iron block with a hollow frame structure, hollow-cast camshafts and a plastic intake manifold.

ADAM GRAND SLAM achieves 47.8mpg combined and emits 139g/km CO2.

Chassis

The ADAM GRAND SLAM’s chassis has received significant revisions to cater for the increase in the car’s performance.

The compound crank rear axle has been uprated, as have all the springs and dampers. Drivers can also deactivate the Electronic Stability Program (ESP Plus) at the touch of a button on the centre console.

GRAND SLAM’s VXR braking system, featuring red bespoke brake callipers, comes from the previous generation Corsa VXR. It features 308mm ventilated discs at the front and 264mm discs at the rear.

GRAND SLAM is equipped with standard 18-inch alloys with propeller-design rims fitted with 225/35 R 18 tyres.

RANGE, PRICING AND EQUIPMENT

• Prices starting from 16,995 on-the-road
• Exceptional standard specification

Vauxhall's ADAM GRAND SLAM will be in Vauxhall showrooms from March with prices starting from £16,995 on-the-road. The GRAND SLAM features high levels of standard spec including:

• 18” alloy wheels
• Red painted calipers (disc front 16” rear discs 15”)
• Performance chassis
• VXR Styling pack
• Rear mounted roof spoiler
• Rear Lower spoiler extended with cut out and visible chrome exhaust
• Roof Colour pack (Optional, Red coloured roof unique to GRAND SLAM)
• ESP switch off button
• Aluminium sports pedals
• Dark-tinted rear windows
• Electronic climate control
• CD player with USB facility and aux-in socket
• Digital radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Leather-covered steering wheel
• Black Cloth/Morrocana seats
• Cruise control and trip computer
• ESP-plus
• ABS
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Six airbags

Dionne Bromfield, British soul singer-songwriter has taken delivery of a Vauxhall ADAM SLAM.

Dionne Bromfield, British soul singer-songwriter and TV personality has taken delivery of a Vauxhall ADAM SLAM.

The ADAM is Vauxhall Motors’ chic, small, urban car. With over a million different customisation options, no other car can be individualised as much. Dionne’s funky three-door hatchback includes aleather interior with dark tinted rear windows, a multi-colour interior light pack and cruise control.

Dionne, who attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School in Westminster, first appeared on YouTube singing a cover of an Alicia Keys song "If I Ain't Got You". Since then, she has gone on to release three studio albums and has just finished recording her fourth album, due for release in 2015. As well as singing and modelling work, Dionne also presents Friday Download for CBBC and performed a tribute to her late godmother, Amy Winehouse at the MOBO Awards.

Dionne commented, “I love my Vauxhall ADAM. It’s absolutely perfect for whizzing around London and it’s full of gadgets. The infotainment system makes it really easy for playing my music and the hands-free calling means staying in touch with friends is easy.”

“It’s fantastic to be working with Dionne,” said Denis Chick, Communications Director, Vauxhall Motors. “As a young, modern artist with her own unique style, the Vauxhall ADAM is perfect for her. There are unlimited ways to customise your car, allowing individuals to design a vehicle to reflect their personality.”

The ADAM’s ground breaking customisation is matched with forward thinking technology. IntelliLink, the new on-board infotainment system, integrates the owner’s smartphone (Android and Apple iOS) with the car, making internet based applications available on the facia mounted touch screen. Other features include a new-generation Park Assist that automatically parks the car, a Side Blind Spot Alert and a power steering system including a ‘light touch’ CITY mode.

Dionne Bromfield’s Driving Playlist:

1.	Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
2.	Wretch 32 - 6 Words
3.	Kendrick Lamar - I love myself
4.	Ella Henderson - Ghost
5.	Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
6.	Blazin’ Squad - Crossroads
7.	Kid Ink ft Usher - Body Language
8.	Jill Scott Heron - When You Are Who You Are
9.	Sweet Female Attitude - Flowers
10.	Marvin Gaye - Heard It through the Grapevine
11.	The Peace Collection - All Together Now