High-performance Porsche hybrid tops AW award Winners

by SOHAIB: The easy part of an international auto show is getting around to see the new cars and concepts (although at the end of the day, our feet are telling us otherwise.) But the hard part can be sorting out all the hardware to determine the winners of the AutoWeek awards.

But the talking, cajoling and voting are over for this year's Geneva auto show, so here are our picks:

BEST IN SHOW: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

"Of all the cars here, Porsche's 918 Spyder stole the Swiss spotlight," editor Wes Raynal said. "Years from now, enthusiasts everywhere will remember that the 918 made its surprising debut here."

The 918 Spyder is fitted with a 500-hp V8 and a trio of electric motors that crank out 214 hp. That might just qualify it as a hyper-speed hyper-hybrid. Porsche engineers say this plug-in hybrid gets 78 mpg. World Rally ace Walter Rohrl, a Porsche test driver, says the 918 can lap the famed Nürburgring racetrack quicker than a Porsche Carrera GT.

"Creating new Porsche models does not happen with great frequency," said Raynal. "While the 918 is technically a concept, Porsche executives reminded us that the firm has never made a concept it didn't build as a production car. We look forward to getting behind the wheel."

Other finalists considered: Pininfarina Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept

BEST CONCEPT: Mercedes-Benz F800 concept

With the new and exciting face of Mercedes, the F800 would slot in below the company's current C-class as the new "baby Benz" as the company aims to go smaller in its lineup. The F800 carries the looks of the next-generation C and E, and it will get a small supercharged engine that will be either front- or all-wheel-drive.

"The F800 carries aggressive, bold design from Mercedes that clearly signals its visual and emotional intent," Raynal said. "It is one concept that many companies around the world will look to as a way to determine which way the style wind is blowing."

Others finalists considered: Hyundai i-Flow, Opel Flextreme GT/E

MOST SIGNIFICANT: Audi A1

The subcompact, which hits European showrooms in May with a $22,000 sticker, attempts to bring standard luxury features to a segment that traditionally shuns them to keep prices low. Additionally, the A1 will get an electric version, dubbed the A1 E-tron, which also debuted. Audi says it does not yet have plans to bring it to the United States.

"Loading luxury into subcompact cars throws the traditional price-value equation out the door and is a fascinating concept," executive editor Roger Hart said. "In Europe and in some other global markets, the A1 could change that thinking about entry-level cars."

Other finalists considered: Volvo S60, Ferrari 599 hybrid

MOST FUN: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Alfa celebrates its centennial in high style with the Giulietta five-door hatch. The visually striking car comes in five versions, topped by 235-hp variant, and it goes on sale around the world (but unfortunately not in the States) in May.

"This is another car we wish we could have in our driveway tomorrow," Hart said. This Giulietta channels the mythical model of the same name from the 1950s that's credited with building the allure of the sexy Italian brand. The modern interpretation is slathered with a curvaceous skin, wears the Alfa triangle grille proudly and leads with prominent headlights.

Other finalists considered: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, Citroën DS3 Racing, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Citroën Survolt.