Nissan Leaf wins 2010 Tech Car of the Year award

	View online  | Share on Facebook	December 24, 2010

	Nissan Leaf wins 2010 Tech Car of the Year award After reviewing over 80 cars this year, we assessed which showed the most innovative tech. Five nominees emerged for our Tech Car of the Year award, the Audi A8, Infiniti M56x, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, and the Nissan Leaf. After considering these cars, our judges came down on the side of the Leaf. Its all-electric power train is likely the first step in the mass electrification of automobiles. A risky move for Nissan, the Leaf has to work well for its owners; otherwise it could set back the adoption of electric vehicles significantly. The car's cabin electronics support its electric-drive mission with features to warn of low batteries and encourage the driver to maximize range. When plugged in, the car can automatically start charging when electricity prices are low, and preheat the cabin. Owners will be able to use a telematics system to check their car's status. Along with the 2010 Tech Car of the Year winner, check out the Car Tech 10, a set of awards of more dubious distinction, calling out things such as the most popular, lowest-tech, and ugliest cars we've seen this year.  Read more  Car Tech Awards Wayne Cunningham Senior editor, CNET.com Contact editor Top stories 2011 Volvo S60 The 2011 Volvo S60 is a very enjoyable premium sedan, capable of sporty driving on the weekends and perfectly comfortable for an everyday commute. Frequently distracted drivers will appreciate the safety tech.  Read more 2011 Honda CR-Z Although it's a fun, low-power car with sharp looks, the 2011 Honda CR-Z gains little from its hybrid system, and its cabin tech is barely average.  Read more 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic Although expensive, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 comes loaded with cutting-edge tech while delivering an incredibly comfortable ride, but the car needs better tuning for low-speed driving.  Read more JVC KW-NT3HDT GPS receiver The JVC KW-NT3HDT stands apart from the competition, both with its impressive feature set that includes HD Radio and traffic data and its rare detachable faceplate. Despite a few hardware and software quirks, we think there's a lot to like about this unit.  Read more 2011 Lexus IS 350 A luxury car with some sport pretensions, the 2011 Lexus IS 350 is very satisfying to drive, but suffers from a couple of cabin tech glitches.  Read more Comment of the Week: Trunk monkey edition   What? The removable [car stereo faceplate] wasn't good enough? Why can't they just include trunk monkey?  Read full quote Posted by SuperGeek81 from VW offers unconventional security option   Latest GPS reviews 1. TomTom GO 2405 TM 2. TomTom XXL 550 3. Alpine INA-W900 4. PC Miler Navigator 450 5. Garmin Nuvi 3790T   In other news 1. Audi partnership adds surgeons to team of accident researchers 2. Volt's multiple MPGe ratings explained 3. Automakers group files appeal over EPA's approval of E15 Connect with CNET Facebook Twitter CNET online Other CNET resources  CNET.com  Latest CNET reviews  CNET Tips and Tricks  CNET Living With Technology  Top 10 must-have gadgets  CNET Editors' Choice winners
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