The BMW i8 Roadster won the North American concept car of the year award in 2012 and it has been crowned again this year, now as the Best Production preview vehicle. The production preview category recognises those vehicles based on a model that has already been announced or planned for production.

The awards are given to the best production preview vehicle, concept car, concept truck/SUV, specialty concept, and most significant concept vehicle of each auto show season. To be eligible for the awards, a concept vehicle must make its North American debut during the current model year’s motor show season.

More than two dozen professional automotive journalists from throughout North America serve as volunteer jurors for all categories of the awards. By extending the review to the whole package – design, style, materials, technology, market viability and market responsiveness – and concentrating the focus on the market that the jurors know best, the North American concept vehicle of the year awards provide truly valuable feedback to help shape the future of the automotive industry.