(August 1, 2017) PLYMOUTH, Mich. — The winners of the 16th annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards were announced this morning during a ceremony held at the Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's.

The awards recognize those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry. More than two dozen jurors participated in a selection process that involved a total of 24 vehicles, each introduced to North America during this season's auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, and New York.

The Production Preview Concept category is for those vehicle prototypes that are the basis for a model that has already been announced or planned for production. The finalists in this category included the Infiniti QX50, Jaguar I-Pace, Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Passat GT.

From among the winners in the Concept Car, Concept Truck and Production Preview Concept categories, the Jaguar I-Pace posted the highest overall score to earn the top award as Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2017. This award marks the Jaguar brand's second time taking the Most Significant Concept award.


Jaguar I-Pace

Marking the brand's fourth time as a category finalist, and third time as category winner, Jaguar took the honor of 2017 Production Preview Concept of the Year with its I-Pace Concept.

"The least polluting, cleanest operating, quietest, lowest maintenance and operating costs SUV ever built may also be the most beautiful SUV ever. Soon we will barely hear the near 400 hp all electric all-wheel-drive all battery powered I-PACE roll onto our streets," said juror Ashly Knapp.

"With over 500 foot-pounds of torque and about a 300 mile range you're ready to adventure in luxury. The front and rear motors are synchronized by computer through wires. Jaguar designers and engineers have a unique history of synchronizing most components to work in harmony with educated instinctive pilots. This leadership vehicle is a landmark in automotive technology."


Aston Martin Valkyrie

The Concept Car category recognizes passenger-centric, long-range prototypes designed to measure market reaction to future features and models. The finalists in this category were the Aston Martin RB 001 Valkyrie, Cadillac Escala, Chrysler Portal, Nissan V-motion 2.0.

Earning its third time as category finalist, and marking the brand's first visit to the awards podium, Aston Martin earned the 2017 Concept Car of the Year award with its RB 001 Valkyrie Concept.


Volkswagen I.D. Buzz

The Concept Truck category recognizes those concepts where cargo carrying is a significant design consideration. The finalists in this category were the Genesis GV80, Lincoln Navigator, Toyota FT-4X, Volkswagen I.D. Buzz.


Genesis GV80

In a rare occurrence, this year there was a tie for the Concept Truck of the Year, between the Genesis GV80, and the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz. These awards mark the Genesis brand's second time as a category finalist, and first time as a category winner; and for the Volkswagen brand, the ninth time as a category finalist, and fourth time as a category winner