We were privileged to be asked by the organizers of the annual Gran Turismo Awards to find the Best Euro at this year’s SEMA show. The aim was to nominate the hottest car at the show for the next iteration of the hugely popular Gran Turismo video game (which has sold over 50 million units worldwide). The top cars would then be honored by Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) at the sixth annual Gran Turismo Awards at the SEMA 2008 auto show in Las Vegas.

The Gran Turismo Awards give SEMA exhibitors the opportunity to have their car immortalized in a future edition of the famed Gran Turismo racing franchise and be “driven” by millions of enthusiasts across the globe.
Hundreds of exhibitor entries were received for this year’s Awards and the 2008 “Best in Show” was awarded to JR Rocha with his 2007 Infinity G37.
Winners from previous years’ Gran Turismo Awards can now be raced in past iterations of the Gran Turismo series, including the newly released Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, available exclusively on the PlayStation 3.
Prior to the SEMA show, all exhibitors were invited to enter their car into the
Gran Turismo Awards. They honor five different categories that include Best Domestic, Best European Import, Best Hot Rod, Best Japanese Import, Best Truck/SUV and the coveted Best in Show.
The judges consisted of various “respected automotive journalists” including the team for eurotuner magazine. Judging for each category was based on the judge’s choice for a car with well-balanced performance, style and speed. The “Best in Show” award is then selected from the category winners by Kazunori Yamauchi, famed creator of the Gran Turismo franchise.  
Held at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, award winners and guests witnessed the sixth annual Gran Turismo Award ceremony and were treated to live performances by hip-hop superstar Ludacris, as well as rock legends Tommy Lee and Dave Navarro. Guests were also invited to test their driving skills on the PS3 Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.  
In addition to winning the Best of Show and Best Japanese Import award, JR Rocha’s vehicle, will be drivable in a future Gran Turismo game.   
The Best European Import award was given to Robert Gal who represented Volkswagen of America with its Volkswagon CC concept car – a car we judged to best present the fine tradition of European tuning.
The Best Truck/SUV was presented to John Wargo for his 1938 Chevy. The Best Domestic Automobile award was given to James Shipka for his 1967 Chevrolet Camero Rally Sport.  The final category for Best Hot Rod, was awarded to Jason Lavigne for the Factory Five Racing 1933 Hot Rod.