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Top Gear must have a sly reason to maybe a first in positive remarks about GM American models
Awards season isn’t just for TV and movies. Every year, automotive publications and industry groups reward the best of the best, recognizing innovative, capable new vehicles. This year, General Motors has taken home lots of awards.
Now, GM adds three more to its trophy cabinet, earning recognition from TopGear.com.
For its first-ever U.S. Car Awards, TopGear.com named the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 the 2026 U.S. Supercar of the Year.
The Cadillac LYRIQ-V earned 2026 U.S. SUV of the Year, and Cadillac was recognized as 2026 U.S. Manufacturer of the Year.
Assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the eighth-generation Corvette ZR1 features the most powerful V8 assembled in the U.S. by an American automaker1, a twin-turbo 5.5-liter engine making up to 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque.
When equipped with the ZTK Performance Package and the ZR1 Carbon Fiber Aero Package, the ZR1 generates over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed.
At the Nürburgring earlier this year, the ZR1 and its all-wheel drive sibling, the ZR1X, became the two fastest American cars to ever lap the legendary German racetrack.
"We track tested the ZR1 against the Ford Mustang GTD and in terms of pure entertainment they were difficult to separate, but in raw lap time it’s not even close,” said Top Gear Editor-in-Chief Jack Rix. “Lighter, much more powerful and mid-engined, the ZR1 is simply irresistible."
For U.S. SUV of the Year, the Cadillac LYRIQ-V triumphed against a wide variety of rivals. Assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee1, this is the first EV to earn the legendary “V” badge. The LYRIQ-V is the quickest-accelerating Cadillac ever, with a Cadillac-estimated 3.3-second 0-60 MPH sprint with Velocity Max2, thanks to 615 hp and 650 pound-feet of torque from its dual-motor AWD system.
TopGear.com was impressed by the total package offered by LYRIQ-V. “Looks and feels genuinely premium – inside and out,” Rix said. “[O]n the move, it steers beautifully and rides well. An excellent all-rounder that truly surprised us.”
The LYRIQ-V was just one of many Cadillac achievements that impressed the Top Gear team, which named the brand U.S. Manufacturer of the Year.
“In the space of a few years, Cadillac has introduced an entire range of new EVs... got pole at Le Mans and launched a full Formula 1 team," Rix said. "In a seemingly continuous blur of activity, announcements and achievements, the brand has [become] one of the most bold and ambitious nameplates on the planet.”
“When the end of the year rolls around and a media outlet as respected as Top Gear hands you three awards, you know you’re doing something right,” says GM President Mark Reuss. “We are truly grateful to the editors and staff at TopGear.com for the recognition, validation, and honors for the Corvette ZR1, LYRIQ-V, and Cadillac. We’re thrilled and grateful for all the teams who earned these awards.”
1Assembled with US and globally sourced parts
2On a closed course only. Based on Initial Vehicle Movement (IVM)
Awards season isn’t just for TV and movies. Every year, automotive publications and industry groups reward the best of the best, recognizing innovative, capable new vehicles. This year, General Motors has taken home lots of awards.
Now, GM adds three more to its trophy cabinet, earning recognition from TopGear.com.
For its first-ever U.S. Car Awards, TopGear.com named the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 the 2026 U.S. Supercar of the Year.
The Cadillac LYRIQ-V earned 2026 U.S. SUV of the Year, and Cadillac was recognized as 2026 U.S. Manufacturer of the Year.
Assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the eighth-generation Corvette ZR1 features the most powerful V8 assembled in the U.S. by an American automaker1, a twin-turbo 5.5-liter engine making up to 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque.
When equipped with the ZTK Performance Package and the ZR1 Carbon Fiber Aero Package, the ZR1 generates over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed.
At the Nürburgring earlier this year, the ZR1 and its all-wheel drive sibling, the ZR1X, became the two fastest American cars to ever lap the legendary German racetrack.
"We track tested the ZR1 against the Ford Mustang GTD and in terms of pure entertainment they were difficult to separate, but in raw lap time it’s not even close,” said Top Gear Editor-in-Chief Jack Rix. “Lighter, much more powerful and mid-engined, the ZR1 is simply irresistible."
For U.S. SUV of the Year, the Cadillac LYRIQ-V triumphed against a wide variety of rivals. Assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee1, this is the first EV to earn the legendary “V” badge. The LYRIQ-V is the quickest-accelerating Cadillac ever, with a Cadillac-estimated 3.3-second 0-60 MPH sprint with Velocity Max2, thanks to 615 hp and 650 pound-feet of torque from its dual-motor AWD system.
TopGear.com was impressed by the total package offered by LYRIQ-V. “Looks and feels genuinely premium – inside and out,” Rix said. “[O]n the move, it steers beautifully and rides well. An excellent all-rounder that truly surprised us.”
The LYRIQ-V was just one of many Cadillac achievements that impressed the Top Gear team, which named the brand U.S. Manufacturer of the Year.
“In the space of a few years, Cadillac has introduced an entire range of new EVs... got pole at Le Mans and launched a full Formula 1 team," Rix said. "In a seemingly continuous blur of activity, announcements and achievements, the brand has [become] one of the most bold and ambitious nameplates on the planet.”
“When the end of the year rolls around and a media outlet as respected as Top Gear hands you three awards, you know you’re doing something right,” says GM President Mark Reuss. “We are truly grateful to the editors and staff at TopGear.com for the recognition, validation, and honors for the Corvette ZR1, LYRIQ-V, and Cadillac. We’re thrilled and grateful for all the teams who earned these awards.”
1Assembled with US and globally sourced parts
2On a closed course only. Based on Initial Vehicle Movement (IVM)