[size=150]Upscale Winner: Erin Berlose Vox 2.9 Concept[/size]
[size=120]Design Score: 130.075[/size]
[attachment=0]Berlose.jpg[/attachment]
This year, our field for Upscale vehicles was absolutely abysmal. Given that it was only one of two submissions and the other was considered to be a joke by the editors, we have to proclaim the Erin Berlose Vox as the winner by default.
That, of course, is itself a disappointing term, and in no way reflects how sophisticated and precise this sedan is. Its power comes from a modestly refreshed Toledo 2.9 liter V6 (and by refreshed, we mean hastily refitted with a version of their MultiJect fuel technology). Power is flat and even throughout the range, and a long-geared 4-speed automatic keeps the rear wheels from breaking loose in all but the poorest road conditions. The Berlose concept showed that it could get to 100 km/k in 12.5 seconds. Not a barn burner, and it is a bit thirsty on fuel, with a 17.4 MPG combined figure.
Despite what some may consider lackluster performance, the heavy sedan still manages 0.86g in the slalom, and doesn’t wallow much at all in spirited cornering. Damping of road perfections is almost sublime, and braking is even and controlled thanks to 4-wheel disc brakes. The cabin is a spectacle to behold. Soft touch plastics abound, and the seats are covered in a soft sueded material, with ample padding and good bolters. Power windows, locks, and mirrors are all standard. And yet all those features pale in the face of the high-fidelity, quadrophonic cassette deck, with digital tuning and equalization. Even the antenna can be raised and lowered remotely so that it won’t be sheared off by an automatic car wash!
Potential buyers aren’t going to buy the Berlose because they have to, should Erin decide to make the concept a reality. They’re going to buy it because they love it.
[size=150]Ute Winner: Komodo Gotong Mas [/size]
[size=120]Design Score: 117.125[/size]
[attachment=0]gotong.jpg[/attachment]
Our utes took many different forms, ranging from traditional full-size trucks to a mini-sized 4-cylinder.
And we picked probably the ugliest one as our winner. At least on the outside.
The inside is a completely different matter. This was a pleasant surprise for us.
Now, normally “luxury” and “utility” don’t go together. But the Komodo Gotong Mas makes it work in a fantastic way. Not only can it haul more than a half ton in its bed, its bench seat is lavishly wrapped in high-quality, sturdy corduroy. Power windows and an air bag are even included in standard fare, and the center section of the seat folds down into an armrest.
Komodo chose the 3.3 liter Toledo Ironworks-sourced 6T33-SMF motor, which was recently upgraded with MultiJect fuel injection technology. A 4-speed manual transmission is standard, as is a manually locking 4WD system. This gives the burly Gotong great off-road and poor-weather capability.
Our biggest gripe with the Gotong was that the suspension was oddly bouncy over large bumps and potholes, though control of the truck was very manageable.
[size=150]Sporty Winner: Noto Scorpione [/size]
[size=120]Design Score: 124.900[/size]
[attachment=0]Scorpoione.jpg[/attachment]
This was the only category where serious competition existed yet the winner was obvious.
Noto’s Scorpione is a fantastic little 2-door coupe, powered by Toledo’s 3.3 liter V6 with MultiJect injection. 158 horsepower is sent to the rear wheels by a close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox. A geared LSD in the back end helps enhance the Scorpione’s traction, allowing it to rocket to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds. Yet the Scorpione still manages a respectable 21.7 MPG, making it a reasonably wallet-friendly coupe. 4-wheel discs allow it to stop in just under 35 meters, and it can pull a whopping 1.03g in the slalom. The tradeoff of the sport-tuned suspension is a rather rough ride. Even small potholes are jarring, and under full power threaten to pull the Scorpione off course. Definitely not a car for backroads and poorer metropolitan areas.
Sueded high-bolster seats, power windows, and a removable manual sunroof are among the items on the standard equipment list. A radio is not. A bit of an oversight, but forgivable given how wonderful the little Noto performs otherwise.
And given its spirited nature, many folk will appreciate its class-leading safety figures. Maybe not at first, but when the “unthinkable” occurs.
[size=150]WTF Winner: Rado Communt Luxury [/size]
[size=120]Design Score: 10.125[/size]
[attachment=0]communt.jpg[/attachment]
Ladder frame. Oxcart suspension. No galvanization or corrosion resistance. 1.4 liter engine. In a luxury car.
What’s to like?
Efficiency, I guess? It gets about 25 miles per gallon, which is good for a luxury car.
But the interior is right out of the 50’s, it comes with rust as standard factory equipment, and just don’t ask about how it drives. Please. For the love of all that is holy.
Excellent reviews @VicVictory, well worth the wait! 
i’m pretty sure there was an extra bigger headlights on my pickup O_O
now if only denta would read this page, i bet he would laughed his ass off seeing my pickup and because what the name means 
and it really was a shame that my luxury car was disqualified
Nice, thanks for the reviews.
