The international automotive press stood in jubilation as the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards were announced at the Detroit Auto Show last month.
Forty-nine of their esteemed colleagues from Canada and the United States made their selections after a year-long effort to determine which vehicles ranked top in innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.
Three finalists were chosen among the 31 eligible vehicles for the yea's Best Car -- the Honda Fit, the Saturn Aura and the Toyota Camry.
The truck winner pulled from three notable finalists -- the Chevrolet Silverado, the Ford Edge and the Mazda CX-7.
When the final ballot was cast, two distinctive vehicles were chosen -- General Motors' 2007 Saturn Aura and 2007 Chevrolet Silverado.
2007 Saturn Aura
Saturn Aura features the design language found on all new Saturn vehicles.
Leading the styling effort is a bold chrome-bar grille and sharp lines with flowing surfaces. Tight gaps and improved interior materials reign over past Saturn vehicles.
The up-level Aura XR model marks the first use of a new HydraMatic transmission. It is also the first six-speed automatic in a front wheel-drive vehicle from GM. The new gearbox is mated to a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 252 peak horsepower for a sporty driving experience.
Aura's safety credentials rate among the best in the industry, earning five stars -- the highest rating possible in all categories measured by the federal government's new car assessment program.
The 2007 Saturn Aura XE starts at $20,995 and comes with a long list of standard features that include a 224 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine, six airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and GM's OnStar safety and security system.
"The Aura is an important step in our ongoing product revitalization plan," Jill Lajdziak, general manager of Saturn said. "This award is proof that our efforts are paying off.> "
2007 Chevrolet Silverado
General Motors' all-new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado truck incorporates new exterior styling and interior design, powertrain, chassis and safety systems.
Silverado's performance comes from the fourth generation of the legendary small-block V-8 engines that deliver segment-leading horsepower and fuel economy.
It also offers the widest range of truck configuration with a trio of cab sizes, three bed lengths, five suspensions and two distinct interiors to fit every consumer's need.
The truck comes available with dual-stage front airbags, optional head curtain airbags, segment-exclusive StabiliTrak standard on all crew-cabs and the safety and security of OnStar.
"We've been confident all along that we had the best truck out there with our all-new Silverado," Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager said.
"This recognition from the top industry journalists provides validation and reinforces our leadership position."
Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand, with the largest dealer network in the U.S.
Base price for the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab 2WD truck is $23,510. Four-wheel drive versions start at $26,610.
The award winning 2007 Saturn Aura and 2007 Chevy Silverado will be on display at the GM exhibit during this year's Chicago Auto Show.
