If this isn't the most biased or paid for award for this event I don't know what is.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/charger-auto-show-9.7044104
While we all love the fact that a Canadian made vehicle won this award, anyone who actually drove these vehicles would know the new Charger is a complete turd in both EV and ICE versions. The only way this won is through bribery and back room deals. Complete joke of an award now with zero credibility now.
Not being an AJAC member (yet), I did not see the voting process, nor do I really know the process. It does read strangely, unless the voting mostly came from power-hungry / anti-EV American journalists. I'm also wondering if it's a case of few nominees in the "car" category.
Quote from: Blueprint on Jan 15, 2026, 09:12 AMNot being an AJAC member (yet),
I've seen some jokes in years past from those guys too..
Quote from: Johnnymac on Jan 14, 2026, 05:07 PMIf this isn't the most biased or paid for award for this event I don't know what is.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/charger-auto-show-9.7044104
While we all love the fact that a Canadian made vehicle won this award, anyone who actually drove these vehicles would know the new Charger is a complete turd in both EV and ICE versions. The only way this won is through bribery and back room deals. Complete joke of an award now with zero credibility now.
So which one would you have picked: The Sentra, or the Prelude? ;D
Quote from: Oliver on Jan 15, 2026, 12:54 PMQuote from: Johnnymac on Jan 14, 2026, 05:07 PMIf this isn't the most biased or paid for award for this event I don't know what is.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/charger-auto-show-9.7044104
While we all love the fact that a Canadian made vehicle won this award, anyone who actually drove these vehicles would know the new Charger is a complete turd in both EV and ICE versions. The only way this won is through bribery and back room deals. Complete joke of an award now with zero credibility now.
So which one would you have picked: The Sentra, or the Prelude? ;D
Sentra, because what this market needs is a simple, affordable and efficient option. Saw it at a press preview last evening, looks really good.
Quote from: Blueprint on Jan 15, 2026, 01:09 PMQuote from: Oliver on Jan 15, 2026, 12:54 PMQuote from: Johnnymac on Jan 14, 2026, 05:07 PMIf this isn't the most biased or paid for award for this event I don't know what is.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/charger-auto-show-9.7044104
While we all love the fact that a Canadian made vehicle won this award, anyone who actually drove these vehicles would know the new Charger is a complete turd in both EV and ICE versions. The only way this won is through bribery and back room deals. Complete joke of an award now with zero credibility now.
So which one would you have picked: The Sentra, or the Prelude? ;D
Sentra, because what this market needs is a simple, affordable and efficient option. Saw it at a press preview last evening, looks really good.
If you say so. ;D
(https://content.homenetiol.com/2000157/2065512/0x0/0adb472f9b21432ca1a5b91b448763fc.jpg)
Quote from: Oliver on Jan 15, 2026, 12:54 PMQuote from: Johnnymac on Jan 14, 2026, 05:07 PMIf this isn't the most biased or paid for award for this event I don't know what is.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/charger-auto-show-9.7044104
While we all love the fact that a Canadian made vehicle won this award, anyone who actually drove these vehicles would know the new Charger is a complete turd in both EV and ICE versions. The only way this won is through bribery and back room deals. Complete joke of an award now with zero credibility now.
So which one would you have picked: The Sentra, or the Prelude? ;D
The fact that those were the finalist makes me think they didn't have much to pick from, but honestly I could make an argument for either of the other two but can't fathom how the Charger even made it as a finalist.
Quote from: Oliver on Jan 15, 2026, 01:28 PMQuote from: Blueprint on Jan 15, 2026, 01:09 PMQuote from: Oliver on Jan 15, 2026, 12:54 PMQuote from: Johnnymac on Jan 14, 2026, 05:07 PMIf this isn't the most biased or paid for award for this event I don't know what is.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/charger-auto-show-9.7044104
While we all love the fact that a Canadian made vehicle won this award, anyone who actually drove these vehicles would know the new Charger is a complete turd in both EV and ICE versions. The only way this won is through bribery and back room deals. Complete joke of an award now with zero credibility now.
So which one would you have picked: The Sentra, or the Prelude? ;D
Sentra, because what this market needs is a simple, affordable and efficient option. Saw it at a press preview last evening, looks really good.
If you say so. ;D
(https://content.homenetiol.com/2000157/2065512/0x0/0adb472f9b21432ca1a5b91b448763fc.jpg)
Of course they showed us this one:
(https://www.nissanusa.com/content/dam/Nissan/us/vehicles/sentra/2026/overview/pfa/2026-nissan-sentra-driving-road-ocean-sunset-background.jpg)
Was the new Lexus ES a finalist?
Quote from: Blueprint on Jan 15, 2026, 02:37 PMWas the new Lexus ES a finalist?
No, and I'm guessing it's because doesn't go on sale for a couple months.
There really aren't any other all new or substantially updated cars for 2026.
Quote from: Blueprint on Jan 15, 2026, 02:37 PMWas the new Lexus ES a finalist?
It's still vaporware
Quote from: RRocket on Jan 15, 2026, 05:42 PMQuote from: Blueprint on Jan 15, 2026, 02:37 PMWas the new Lexus ES a finalist?
It's still vaporware
Sat in it last evening (pics posted on my fb). ToyoLexus pre-Auto Show media event. The one on display was a 500e, and it stunned us. I expect "stunning" prices too.
Quote from: Blueprint on Jan 15, 2026, 08:51 PMQuote from: RRocket on Jan 15, 2026, 05:42 PMQuote from: Blueprint on Jan 15, 2026, 02:37 PMWas the new Lexus ES a finalist?
It's still vaporware
Sat in it last evening (pics posted on my fb). ToyoLexus pre-Auto Show media event. The one on display was a 500e, and it stunned us. I expect "stunning" prices too.
Until you can buy one..it's vaporware.
So when it comes down to it, the finalists were:
- a redesigned compact sedan from a struggling company that doesn't really bring anything new to the table
- a hybrid coupe with a storied name that isn't particularly sporty
- a large coupe/sedan that has up to 550 hp
Is it really that surprising that the Charger won?
Yep, I would have 100% picked the Charger out of that group.
Quote from: Oliver on Jan 15, 2026, 10:21 PMSo when it comes down to it, the finalists were:
- a redesigned compact sedan from a struggling company that doesn't really bring anything new to the table
- a hybrid coupe with a storied name that isn't particularly sporty
- a large coupe/sedan that has up to 550 hp
Is it really that surprising that the Charger won?
So the Sentra has been a loved compact by the media mostly due to its price point and their interior design and finishes. In fact the last generation won awards for their interior alone. I'm sure it drive fine and the power is adequate, but far from exciting. It's sort of like the Mazda products in that they are loved for their design and driving manners but not as loved by the buying public.
The Honda Prelude, which is essentially a coupe Civic Hybrid with Type R suspension bits and no manual. While it drives well and looks great, it is missing the soul of its past glory years. Not to mention the big price tag.
Then you have the new Charger, that was designed from day one as an EV, and thus is quite compromised by that in ICE form. There is no V8, no manual, it's noticeably heavier than the previous generation (even heavier than the massive engines Hellcats). It handles poorly, the seating inside is strange as the floor is higher than you would expect (EV). The design is okay, not ground breaking but not offensive either. To me and others it isn't really an improvement from the previous generation, has less appeal.
None of the three are really worthy of praise, but the Charger is least deserving.
Quote from: Revelations on Jan 15, 2026, 10:39 PMYep, I would have 100% picked the Charger out of that group.
Would you pick it over a previous generation Hellcat or even Scat Pack?