The 2014 Silverado, North American Truck/Utility of the Year winner.
The North American International Auto Show, informally known as the Detroit Auto Show, kicks off later this week, but it’s already making headlines with the announcement of its North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year picks. This year, GM – the Bowtie brand – takes top honors in both categories with the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and the Silverado.
The Stingray’s win is no surprise to automotive industry pundits. It’s already racked up a mantle-full including Automobile Magazine‘s Automobile of the Year and Road and Track‘s Performance Car of the Year awards. Named for the 1957 racing concept car that won the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) National Championship in 1960, and the first to bear the Stingray name since the 1976, the Stingray boasts a 6.2-liter, V8 with 450-horsepower, 450 pound-feet of torque and a seven-speed manual transmission. Carbon fiber construction slashed a full 90 pounds from the frame, making it capable of faster speeds and a bit more fuel efficient.
The redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado also sports a lighter frame and a lineup of more fuel-efficient engines. Versions of the award-winning truck include the four-door crew cab, two-door standard cab and an extended cap with smaller rear seat and doors. The company also is stepping into the luxury pickup market with the Silverado High Country, which comes standard with a 355-hp, 5.3-liter Gen V small-block V-8 and a Western-themed interior, including an exclusive saddle-brown color upholstery. An eight-inch touch-screen interface features Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment setup and Bose audio.
The Stingray racked up 211 points, racing past the Mazda3′s 185 and the Cadillac CTS’ 94 points. The Silverado napped 219 over the Jeep Cherokee’s 174 and the Acura MDX’s 97. Winners are chosen by a jury of 49 automotive journalists from throughout the US and Canada. This year marked the sixth car win and the fourth truck win for GM in the awards’ 21-year history. But it’s the first time the company has taken both categories in the same year.
What do you think, E3 Spark Plugs fans? Did the judges make the right call or would you have chosen different rides? Post your thoughts on the E3 Spark Plugs’ Facebook Fan Page.
2014 Chevrolet Stingray, North American Car of the Year winner.
