LAS VEGAS , Nevada, November 2, 2006 – In an effort to find the hottest car for its next Gran Turismo™ property on a PlayStation® platform, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. held its fourth annual Gran Turismo Awards at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas. Hundreds of entries from the world's largest auto show entered the competition in one of five categories, the winners of which were in the running for the top honor. In the end, the 2006 Gran Turismo™ "Best in Show" title was bestowed upon on Art Morrison and his 1960 Chevrolet Corvette.

About the Judging For the Gran Turismo Awards: Prior to the SEMA show, all exhibitors were invited to enter their car into the Gran Turismo Awards. The Gran Turismo Awards honor five different categories, including "Best Domestic," "Best European," "Best Hot Rod," "Best Japanese," and "Best Truck/SUV." From this group, one is saluted with the coveted "Best in Show " award.

Judges consisted of various respected journalists and personalities in the automotive industry. Judging for each category is based on the judge's choice for a car with well-balanced performance, style and speed. The "Best in Show" award is selected by the famed creator of the Gran Turismo franchise - Kazunori Yamauchi.

About the Gran Turismo Award Winners: Held November 1, inside the Hard Rock Hotel at Las Vegas hot spot, The Joint, award winners and VIPs of the automotive industry held witness to the fourth annual Gran Turismo Awards ceremony. In addition to the ceremony, party guests were treated to live performances by iconic rock band Foreigner and Pharrell Williams' DJ, Jus Ske. Guests were also granted the exclusive and enviable opportunity to test their driving skills on GT HD for the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, three weeks before the highly anticipated console goes on sale in the US.

In addition to his "Best in Show" trophy and "Best Hot Rod" award, winner Craig Morrison will set a new standard for visibility among auto enthusiasts as his vehicle will be drivable in a future Gran Turismo property.

For the official press release, see: http://www.us.playstation.com/News/PressReleases/360