Cadillac XLR and Ford F-150 Named Winners of 2004 'Car and Truck Interior of the Year' Awards at 11th Annual Auto Interiors Show
Two of Detroit's most important image vehicles -- Cadillac's luxurious XLR sports roadster and Ford's all-new F-150 pickup truck -- have been voted car and truck "Interior of the Year" award winners by 5,500 automotive industry executives. In addition, the Cadillac XLR's on-board navigation unit was named the "Navigation System of the Year."
The three awards were presented here today in ceremonies at the 11th annual Auto Interiors Show at Cobo Center, Detroit.
"The selection of these particular vehicles is especially noteworthy because both represent a turning point in interior styling, functionality and quality for North American manufacturers," said Doug Hope, group vice president of VNU Expositions, producers of the show. "Furthermore, they confirm the fact that innovative interior design and excellence in exterior styling go hand-in-hand in helping manufacturers differentiate brands and achieve sales success, since both of these vehicles are setting sales records in their respective categories."
The Cadillac XLR and Ford F-150, as well as the XLR's navigation system, were chosen by a "people's choice" format with online voting by all 5,500 industry executives who pre-registered to attend the 2004 Auto Interiors Show. Five finalists were selected in each category, and the top vote getter in each category was the winner. The finalists were:
| Car Make/Model | Truck Make/Model | Navigation System |
| Cadillac XLR | BMW X3 | BMW X3 |
| Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT | Chevrolet SSR | Cadillac XLR |
| Chrysler Crossfire | Dodge Durango Limited | Mazda RX-8 |
| Mazda RX-8 | Ford F-150 | Nissan Armada |
| Toyota Solara SLE | Nissan Armada | Toyota Solara SLE |
The car and truck Interior award criteria included appearance -- based on styling, color, material, fit and finish; functionality -- based on comfort, convenience and safety; innovation -- taking into consideration the "surprise and delight" factors; and overall impression of the vehicle in motion and at rest. Last year, the Cadillac CTS and the Hummer H2 won their categories.
Navigation systems were evaluated on the basis of overall functionality, graphics, user interface and ease of use.
Car Interior of the Year & Navigation System of the Year: Cadillac XLR
Since its introduction, the Cadillac XLR has won numerous awards that focus on its overall vehicle or exterior design; now it's GM's interior design team's turn to claim one of their own.
The XLR is the lightest and most powerful vehicle in its class. With its next-generation 320 horsepower Northstar V-8 engine and Magnetic Ride Control, the XLR deliver 0-60 times under six seconds and handling to match.
Inside, the Cadillac XLR is just as exciting. The overall design theme emphasizes contemporary luxury with appropriate look and feel touch points everywhere. Unique eucalyptus wood and aluminum accents are used throughout. Instrument panel gauges were designed in conjunction with Italian jewelry designed Bvlgari and exude the look of a fine watch face.
Its upper center console provides access to a 7-inch color touch screen that controls DVD navigation, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio and DVD entertainment. The DVD-based navigation and entertainment system can be voice-activated -- even when the top is down.
Equally noteworthy are the specially designed seats that feature a unique structure and heating and cooing system so that the driver and passenger are never uncomfortable.
Underneath the luxurious perforated leather exterior trim, the seat structure employs a composite material in place of steel for the back frame, for reduced mass and suppleness. The seats are eight-way power adjustable with upper and lower lumbar control. Both seats are both heated and cooled in the back and the cushion.
Superior to rival cool-seat systems which simply re-circulate air, the XLR's cooling function can lower the temperature an impressive 15 degrees Fahrenheit below ambient. The seat climate controls are logically incorporated into the main cabin climate control panel.
And following the system integration theme, the seat climate control system is programmed to respond to the cabin air temperature and the seats can be brought to desired temperatures within two minutes, even in extreme conditions with the top down.
In addition, the seats are an integral part of the audio system and incorporate a pair of speakers in each head restraint. For occupant protection, side impact head and thorax airbags are contained in the sides of the seats.
Another unique technical feature in the XLR is its head-up display (HUD) which project key driver information -- speed, turn indicators, audio controls, etc. -- onto the windshield to keep driver attention focused on the road.
"General Motors' design team did an exceptional job of packaging comfort, style and advanced technology into the highly attractive and user-friendly interior of the Cadillac XLR. The XLR certainly deserves to win 'Car Interior of the Year' and 'Navigation System of the Year,'" said Hope.
Truck Interior of the Year: Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 has been Ford's -- and the auto industry's -- sales leader in pickup trucks for 25 years, and the 2004 model continues that leadership thanks in part to its all-new interior design with features and quality never before seen in a pickup truck.
Ford overhauled the F-150 -- its most important bread-and-butter vehicle -- for the 2004 model year, introducing the industry's widest variety of body and trim configurations with three cab choices, two box styles and three box lengths. This all-new vehicle grabbed headlines and sales records, thanks to five distinct series offerings and revolutionary new interiors that reflect Ford's sharper differentiation across the F-150 range to address customers' different wants.
The F-150's five models range from the workhorse F-150 XL and sporty STX, to the top-of-the-range F-150 Lariat. Each has its own custom interior environment that clearly differentiates it in styling, features and function. All five combine the toughness and craftsmanship of a "finely crafted tool," reflecting Ford's commitment to occupant comfort, reduced interior noise and greater value.
For instance, Ford's modular approach to the instrument panel architecture gave the F-150 design team tremendous flexibility to customize each of the five series interior offerings, using different colors, textures and materials. The result is an attractive two-tone instrument panel even on the base models and stunning visual effects on the high series model. Designers also had the flexibility to create three different instrument cluster designs. Even the air registers fully close when in the off position to enhance the precision-look of the instrument panel.
This high-quality, flexible approach was carried through to the new optional flow-through center console which is available with captain's chairs and a class-exclusive floor shifter. Owners also can select the standard, versatile 40/20/40 split front bench seat. And a new overhead storage system gives F-150 owners storage personalization options with its unique modular design.
Ford's attention to detail is carried throughout the interior. The doors are trimmed with slightly concave interior panels for added passenger room, and feature padded arm rests, map pockets, and a 20-oz bottle holder. The workhorse models of the F-150 have hose-out floors, while the top-of-the-range Lariat has interior surfaces that feature distinctive stitching typically found in luxury cars, not trucks.
"Ford designers really did their homework to successfully create five unique, high-quality interior environments in each model in the F-150 line, and it richly deserves the 'Truck Interior of the Year' honors," said Hope.
What do you think?
What cars and trucks have the nicest interiors in your opinion?
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We'll post the results next in next week's issue.