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Gran Turismo Awards: And the winners are...

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Khatir Soltani
As reported by Sony Computer Entertainment

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) hosted its eighth annual Gran Turismo® Awards at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show last night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, celebrating automotive design excellence and showcasing the latest franchise offering, Gran Turismo 5 ™. Each year, the Gran Turismo Awards offer SEMA show exhibitors the opportunity to join the ranks of the famed Gran Turismo ® racing franchise – one of the top-selling video game franchises of all time with more than 56 million units shipped worldwide – with a feature spot in a future Gran Turismo title. After reviewing more than 100 entries, the judging panel and Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi himself, crowned Best Hot Rod winner, Mark Stielow for his 1969 Chevy Camaro as the 2010 "Best in Show."

"For the past eight years, the Gran Turismo Awards has recognized and rewarded automotive enthusiasts who demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for car customization, design and performance," said Kazunori Yamauchi, famed creator of the Gran Turismo franchise and President of Polyphony Digital. "The Gran Turismo franchise is committed to providing gaming fans and car aficionados with a realistic racing simulator that embodies racing nirvana, so we are always on the hunt for the next hot ride. We continue to be blown away by the quality of the vehicles that are submitted to the Gran Turismo Awards each year and are excited to add the 1969 Chevy Camaro to our list of distinguished winners and to the Gran Turismo franchise."

Additional prizes were awarded to:
  • "Best Truck/SUV" – Nick Moncure, 2007 Chevy Colorado
  • "Best Domestic Car" – Gary Mulder, 2011 Chevy Camaro SSX Concept and Tommy Z, 2010 Chevy Camaro Super Sport
  • "Best Asian Import" – Jamarii Whiteside, 2006 Subaru WRX STI and Stef Papadakis, 1986 Toyota Corolla
  • "Best European Import" – Marcel Horn, 2010 HPA Scirocco
  • "Best Hot Rod" – Mark Stielow, 1969 Chevy Camaro
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada