"The Gran Turismo 4 Awards honor and exemplify the high level of passion and enthusiasm that both auto enthusiasts and the Gran Turismo racing franchise possess," said Kazunori Yamauchi, famed creator of the Gran Turismo series. "Through the GT4 Awards and the support of the automotive community, Gran Turismo 4 can not only be seen as a game, but as a unique medium to learn, enjoy and experience automotive culture like never before."

"The attention paid to detail in Gran Turismo 4 is extraordinary. From the topography of the race course to the sunlight dancing off a car's body panel. Even the brake lights light up appropriately," said Sam Mitani, International Editor, Road & Track Magazine. "The GT4 Awards goes to show how committed the makers of this great driving game are to automotive enthusiasm. The Gran Turismo series isn't just celebrating car culture, they have become an integral part of it."

Entries for the GT4 Awards included vehicles encompassing manufacturers around the globe. GT4 Awards category winners were selected by representatives from popular automotive media outlets including Road & Track, Motor Trend, Popular Hot Rodding Television and Super Street, with the "Best in Show" award being selected by legendary Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi.

The overall winner was Ted and Sue Richardson who were honored with the "Best in Show" award for their one-of-kind 1962 Buick Special. In addition to the hardware, the Richardson's 1962 Buick Special will set a new standard for visibility among auto enthusiasts as their vehicle will be drivable in Gran Turismo 4 when it is available worldwide for PlayStation 2 in 2004. The "Best Truck/SUV" honor was presented to Dustin Whipple for his 2004 Ford F-150.

Walking away with the award for "Best Japanese Import" was Craig Wilson for his 1992 Acura NSX Coupe.

In the "Best European Import" category, Werner Funk took first prize for his 2001 Renault Clio Sport

The "Best Domestic Automobile" award was given to Michael Jackson for his 2003 Saturn Ion outfitted with Gude Performance Parts. The final category, which was for "Best Hot Rod," was awarded to the overall Best in Show award winners - Ted and Sue Richardson with their one-of-kind 1962 Buick Special.