AutoWeek Editors Honor the Best of the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show

The AutoWeek Editors' Choice Awards recognize Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun

DETROIT, Sept. 16 -- The AutoWeek editorial staff announced today its 2009 Frankfurt motor show Editors' Choice Award winners.

For more than a decade, the 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 Significant and Most Fun.

The 2009 AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award winners for the Best of Frankfurt are:

BEST IN SHOW: Ferrari 458 Italia

It is rare when there are more than a few in the race for this coveted title, but that was the case at Frankfurt when no fewer than eight manufacturers had vehicles in the final. When the scrapping was over, Ferrari's 458 Italia triumphed. The 458 wears voluptuous, organic shapes tied together with technical and efficient lines. No matter when you see this car in the future -- in five years or 50 years from now on a concours lawn -- it will always be the one that debuted at Frankfurt in 2009.

Other Finalists Considered: Maserati GranCabrio, Mercedes-Benz SLS, Aston Martin Rapide, Bentley Mulsanne, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Lamborghini Reventon Spyder, Audi R8 Spyder.

BEST CONCEPT: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

Maybe the most pure concept car at this year's Frankfurt show, BMW's glimpse into the performance sedan of the future uses technology, and design cues, that we'll see in production BMWs in the near future. Powered by a three-cylinder turbodiesel with a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and a full-hybrid system at the rear, this 2+2-seater also reveals some hints as to the exterior design features we'll see on future BMW passenger cars. With a top speed of 155 mph, this car shows that the future emphasis on fuel efficiency can offer a lot of fun as well.

  Other Finalists Considered: Peugeot BB1, Citroen REVOLTe, Volkswagen E Up.

  MOST SIGNIFICANT: Renault EV family of four production electric cars

To think about which manufacturer was making the greatest impact and statement with their exhibit, it had to fall to Renault (and by default, though not exhibiting, its Nissan sister company.) With no fewer than four vehicles destined to come to market in three short years, Renault is putting an electrified stake in the ground and showing the rest of the world that while it might not be all in with this bet, it is not leaving much on the table.

Other Finalists Considered: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics, Jaguar XJ, Opel Astra, Saab 9-5, Ford Grand C-Max.

MOST FUN: Porsche 911 Turbo

As is the case with all of the categories this year, a number of strong contenders vied for the title of Most Fun. When the smoke cleared, the new Porsche 911 Turbo came out on top as the one car whose keys we all wanted for a spirited ride. Surely it would brighten the sourest disposition. How can anyone argue with a choice like this?

Other Finalists Considered: Maserati GranCabrio, Peugeot BB1, Mini Roadster, Mazda Superlight, Volkswagen Golf R, Alfa-Romeo Mito Cloverleaf and Lamborghini Reventon Spyder.

For more information on the Editors' Choice Awards, past winners and extensive Frankfurt motor show coverage, visit autoweek.com or be sure to pick up the Oct. 5 issue of AutoWeek.

AutoWeek magazine is a fortnightly automotive-enthusiast publication based out of Detroit, Michigan, and is one of nearly 30 titles published by Crain Communications Inc. Through its print and online products, the AutoWeek brand is symbolic of core automotive passion and is a must read for those living the automotive lifestyle. AutoWeek delivers by-the-minute news and updates on autoweek.com while taking an in-depth look at all the latest happenings in the primarily subscription-based publication. AutoWeek provides readers with more information more often, giving readers their fix before the other guys even start their engines.