DECATUR, Texas — Lexus and Chrysler won the top two awards at the 2018 Texas Auto Roundup on April 16-17, presented by the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI). After 49 members of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) evaluated 46 vehicles, the 2018 Lexus LC 500 was crowned the overall Car of Texas. In addition, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica took home the event’s other top award, the Family Car of Texas.
TAWA members, who cover the automotive industry for print, online and broadcast outlets across the United States, voted on the top vehicles after spending two days comparing them at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas. They took the vehicles on a series of exercises on the 2.5-mile racetrack, pushing performance cars and taking other vehicles on slalom, acceleration and braking tests. They also learned about the new vehicles’ features and changes from manufacturer representatives.
“Our journalists had a clear decision after driving vehicles at a new venue this year,” said Michael Marrs, TAWA’s president. “They thought the new Lexus LC stood out among the competitors for its eye-catching looks and refined but muscular performance on the track.” In addition to SMDI’s title sponsorship, the 2018 event also was supported by the Polaris Slingshot and Wieck Media.
Other category award winners from the 2018 Texas Auto Roundup include:
ACTIVITY VEHICLE
- Winner: 2018 Infiniti QX80
- Runner-Up: 2018 Jeep Wrangler
COMPACT CAR
- Winner: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
- Runner-Up: 2018 Volkswagen Golf R
MID-SIZE CAR
- Winner: 2018 Toyota Camry
- Runner-Up: 2018 Volkswagen Passat
FULL-SIZE CAR
- Winner: 2019 Toyota Avalon
- Runner-Up: 2018 Honda Accord
FULL-SIZE LUXURY CAR
- Winner: 2018 Lexus LS 500
- Runner-Up: 2019 Infiniti QX50
GREEN VEHICLE
- Winner: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
- Runner-Up: 2018 Honda Clarity
MINIVAN
- Winner: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
PERFORMANCE COMPACT
- Winner: 2018 Honda Civic Type R
- Runner-Up: 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata
PERFORMANCE COUPE
- Winner: 2018 Lexus LC 500
- Runner-Up: 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody
PERFORMANCE SEDAN
- Winner: 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
- Runner-Up: 2018 Kia Stinger
PERFORMANCE UTILITY
- Winner: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
- Runner-Up: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT
SUPERCAR
- Winner: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GT R
- Runner-Up: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
BEST TECHNOLOGY
- Winner: World’s First Production-Ready Variable Compression Ratio Engine, 2019 Infiniti QX50
BEST NEW INTERIOR
- Winner: 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring
Contacts
TAWA
Derek Price, 256-275-4333
VP - Communications
derek.price@texasautowriters.org
https://texasautowriters.org/