World Car Awards top three

Following the announcement of the World Car Awards finalists at the beginning of February, the jurors have voted once again to decide the top three candidates in each category.



There’s now a short wait until the New York International Auto Show, which begins on 22 April, to find out the winners.



The three models up for each award - in alphabetical order - are:



2011 World Car of the Year



· Audi A8

· BMW 5 Series

· Nissan Leaf

BMW 5 Series Saloon

The outsider here is probably the Audi, but whether enough jurors have been swayed by the Leaf remains to be seen. Many might have been reluctant to give their votes to the Nissan because, despite its green credentials, it nevertheless represents first generation electric car technology which comes with associated issues of purchase price, recharging time and range.



2011 World Performance Car



· Ferrari 458 Italia

· Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

· Porsche 911 Turbo

Ferrari 458 Italia

It’s difficult to foresee the Ferrari not winning this category.



2011 World Car Design of the Year



· Alfa Romeo Giulietta

· Aston Martin Rapide

· Ferrari 458 Italia

Aston Martin Rapide

Perhaps the surprise here is that the Citroën DS3, which was in the top ten shortlist, hasn’t make it through to the top three. Naturally this is a very subjective category but, from an aesthetic perspective, surely the Aston Martin just about beats the other contenders?



2011 World Green Car



· BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition

· Chevrolet Volt

· Nissan Leaf

Chevrolet Volt

This award is hard to predict, because the three finalists represent three very different technologies: internal combustion, range extender and pure electric. However, because the Volt combines the benefits of battery power with a total absence of range anxiety, it deserves to clinch the title.



Related post:

World Car Awards finalists

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

The ESFLOW concept cars will be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (3-13 March) where it will share the Nissan stand with a number of other innovative and exciting newcomers - but with one major difference: these are production ready.

The 2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept isn’t scheduled to be unveiled until the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in just a couple of weeks. Nissan plans to reveal its new electric concept, called Esflow, at the Chicago Auto Show this year. The car will make its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show from March.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

Nissan has a reputation for creating some of the most exhilarating sports cars on the market. Nissan has also developed the world's first practical Zero Emission family car, the Nissan LEAF. Now Nissan has put that expertise together. It has captured the excitement of a sports car and the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle and blended them into one dramatic two-seater concept: ESFLOW.

It may be a concept, but the Nissan ESFLOW electric sports cars proves it's possible to remain environmentally sympathetic without having to give up the joy of driving. It looks like a sports car, handles like a sports car and performs like one too. But Nissan ESFLOW Concept cars is different to every other sports car yet built: it's electric. Using technology pioneered in the award-winning Nissan LEAF, the EV concept shows that driving can still be as much fun tomorrow as it is today.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

Ecological minimalism need not come at the expense of luxury. The cabin of the 2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept is clean and open and weight saving has been a priority throughout its design, but it is still a comfortable and pleasant place to sit. By far the heaviest components in modern cars' interiors are the steel framed, thickly upholstered and increasingly motorized seats. In 2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept the seats are sculpted into the rear bulkhead of the car, negating the need for a heavy frame. This of course means that they are immobile, but this is of no consequence as the fly-by-wire steering and pedals adjust electrically to the best spot to suit each individual driver's size and preferred driving position.

Nissan ESFLOW Concept is rear-wheel drive and it runs on two motors. The car's graceful proportions allow the twin electric motors to be placed above the axis of the rear wheels, in a mid-ship position,. These motors independently control the left and right wheels, and so the torque is optimized to ensure outstanding vehicle stability and control as well as efficient power regeneration. The motors produce enough torque in an instant for it to reach a 100kph in under 5 seconds.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

Power for the motors comes from the same laminated lithium-ion battery packs used in the Nissan LEAF, but in ESFLOW the packs are located along the axis of the front and rear wheels. This centralizes the mass of the car, and thus its rotation point, close to the driver's hips. These cleverly positioned batteries enable the car to travel over 240km on one charge.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

The colors of this Esflow are inspired from glaciers, with highly reflective blue-tinted solidified liquid shapes. Even if this concept will not hit the production line too soon, it could be a great source of inspiration for Nissan’s future sports cars.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

They have been teasing this car 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira for a long time, but now just in time for 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon it is ready to be unveiled. This is one of the finest body kits we’ve seen for the mighty GT-R so far. We know that Japanese tuner’s Tommy Kaira finished the early stage of their Nissan GT-R plan for the launch at the 2010 Tokyo AutoSalon. This Kyoto based tuner, who is known to have  started out by modifying Mercedes car is now all focused on GT-R as it brings out the Silver Wolf Nissan GT-R from its stable.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

Called the Silver Wolf, this 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira comes with a full body kit, plus new rolling stock, brakes, exhaust and suspension components. The carbon fiber widebody package gives the GT-R a serious attitude adjustment. Two kit choices are available, the first being a very comprehensive one while the second just works on the front end.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

With no change to GT-R’s twin-turbo V6 engine, 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira has just got some fabulous interior work and upgraded breaks, exhaust and suspension systems. Carbon and red leather interior will give it’s driver a very luxuries feel while the carbon fiber widebody of the silver wolf still keep it  decent and stylish. Tommy Kaira has well managed to keep its name in the auto industry and it is expected that the Japanese icon will not compromise on the performance of their new GT-R project. So until there is some final testing on the Fuji Speedway, check out the greatest performance car more closely in the pictures below.

The 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira full kit consists of, among others, a wet carbon front bumper, a front grille cover, lip spoiler, under diffuser, side ducts and side skirts. The rear also features wet carbon in the form of a racing diffuser, a rear wing and rear fender extensions. The AVS Model F15 Platinum black wheels are shod with Pirelli P-Zero 255/40R20 and 285/35R20 front and rear tyres respectively.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1

Nissan Motorsports International announced that NISMO just signed the official partnership agreements for the FIA GT1 World Championship with Sumo Power GT (UK) and Swiss Racing Team (CH). Both teams will run two NISSAN GT-Rs respectively in the inaugural World Championship. Two teams for the FIA GT1 World Championship series in which the R35 GT-R will compete in 2010.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1

The R35 Nissan GT-R will be raced by the Sumo Power GT team from the UK as well as the Swiss Racing Team. Further details, such as the driver lineup, will be released later on. NISMO will provide technical support to its new racing partners.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1

The prospect of a new world championship, run under fresh regulations was appealing enough for Nissan Sports Cars to develop the highly acclaimed GT-R Sports Cars into a GT racer. It was going to be the first time since 1996 that the (Skyline) GT-R would compete in international GT events. While the FIA GT1 World Championship will not kick off until the spring of 2010, the cars built to the new regulations could already compete from 2009 onwards. Nissan Motorsport (Nismo) opted to use the extra year and worked had to get the new car ready for the official pre-season test at Paul Ricard.

The 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1 is a rear-wheel drive GT1 racer and comes with a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter VK56DE V8 engine tuned to 600 hp and 650 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a 6-speed transmission from Ricardo by way of a carbon triple-plate clutch and grips the ground with 18-inch x 13-inch forged wheels by Rays.

Nissan’s participation in FIA GT1 racing has been in the works for some time. Last year it tested the 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1 in several GT1 races. Now, they seem ready for the real competition.

To be eligible for the 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1 World Championship a manufacturer has to field at least four cars. Gigawave was expected to continue with the GT-R but unexpectedly the team closed its shop late in 2009. At that point Nissan had already signed a deal with Swiss Racing Team for the other two cars. In January Nissan announced that Sumo Power GT would fill the void left by Gigawave.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1

At the same time Nissan released the first details of the 2010 version of the car. The specifications were left unaltered but numerous aero tweaks were made for improved performance. Drivers and other details will be announced at a later time.

95 g/km petrol Micra

An increasingly common route to low emissions is to use a small capacity, turbocharged diesel engine.



But for the latest version of its Indian-built Micra, Nissan has bucked that trend. The result is the 1.2 litre Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger, or DIG-S for short.

A three-cylinder unit, it needs a supercharger because it runs on the Miller Cycle. Unlike a normal four stroke engine, the intake valves on a Miller engine are left open for the initial part of the compression phase, reducing internal power losses and allowing it to run at a higher compression ratio.



The new engine produces 96 bhp (72 kW / 98 PS) and 142 Nm (104 lb/ft) of torque, but its real party piece is efficiency. Combined with a stop / start system and regenerative braking, the Micra Visia with manual transmission will manage 68.9 mpg (4.1 l/100km), while emitting just 95 g/km of CO2.



Even the slightly heavier Acenta version achieves 99 g/km, and so it too will be exempt from both UK road tax and the London Congestion Charge. No acceleration figures have been released, but the DIG-S-equipped Micra can reach a more than adequate top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).



There isn’t a diesel available for Nissan’s supermini and, judging by those figures, it doesn’t really need one.



Reinforcing that view, Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Strategy and Planning, Nissan International SA, said: “Ultra low emissions with no compromise when it comes to drivability means the Micra DIG-S sets new standards for the current generation of city cars. No other petrol-powered compact hatchback can beat its overall efficiency... and it is more than a match for an equivalent diesel.”



After its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show, sales of the Micra DIG-S are set to begin in the summer. Prices will be confirmed nearer the time.



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Zero Congestion Charge

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

2011 Nissan 370Z is a hybrid sports car, with a 3.7 liter engine performance and fuel economy to about 50%. 2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid is equipped with  interior features a very nice and will soon release in late 2010. For 2011, Nissan is taking a giant leap with the 370Z with the release version of a hybrid for both coupe and convertible stylings.

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

Z is still like a roadster. Puritans can not ignore, but the opening of Z is supported by an equally strong manual 3.7-liter V6 and six-speed gearbox or seven-speed automatic, like a coupe. suspension settings and the same increase in weight only 200 pounds to help roadster retains most of the quick reflexes and acceleration.

But 370Z coupe is not without flaws. V6, while strong, does not feel the sophistication and high-speed machines. This may be the reason, but significantly reduces the implementation races living on the open road, coupe is quite noisy, especially when equipped with larger wheels and tires are optional. In addition, performance cars such as the Z machine records verdien’n refreshing, and some protection against the motorway route will not run heavy throughout the roar.

The 2011 370Z from Nissan has the same 3.7-liter , V6 engine with 332 hp at 7,000 rpm, just like that of the previous model year. Optional manual transmission features six speeds, while the automatic transmission is a 7-speed with a manual shift assist.

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

Falling far short of the fuel efficiency figures for Nissan’s drawing board hybrid model, the 2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid reports 18 mpg in traffic and 25 mpg on the highway, manual or automatic alike. These high-performance vehicles use high-test fuel as well. The NISMO 370Z delivers an upgrade in power, with 350 hp and 270 pound feet of torque in a 3.7 liter V6.

The 2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid will not be sacrificing any of the previous power and performance to a new hybrid engine in accordance with the Nissan, but it remains to be seen how they will achieve it by using the same gasoline motor vehicle weight while improving significantly with lithium-ion battery and a second motor.

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

Nissan is offering three models of the 370Z convertible roadster: the standard entry level model, the Touring car, and the 370Z Touring with Sport Package option. The price range extends from $37, 520 to $43,890. The 370Z Coupe series features three model options plus the NISMO 370Z. The price span extends from $30,610 for the base model to $39,990 for the NISMO.

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

The interior of the 2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid is always wide enough for vehicles in its class, and the addition of a new battery for the car will hopefully not impact important features. Standard features for the Nissan 370Z interior will remain almost identical to those available in models 2010 and includes keyless ignition and entry, climate control, tilt steering wheel, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

World Car Awards finalists

Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.



With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:





2011 World Car of the Year

• Audi A1


• Audi A8


• BMW 5 Series


• BMW X3


• Jaguar XJ


• Jeep Grand Cherokee


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Nissan Leaf


• Porsche Cayenne


• Volvo S60 / V60

Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.



What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.

The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.







It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.



Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.





2011 World Performance Car

• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi RS 5 Coupe


• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe


• Ferrari 458 Italia


• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera


• Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Porsche 911 GT2 RS


• Porsche 911 Turbo


• Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250

This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.









2011 World Car Design of the Year

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta


• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi A7


• Citroën DS3


• Ferrari 458


• Honda CR-Z


• Kia Sportage


• Nissan Juke

There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.

On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.



The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.







2011 World Green Car

• BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition


• Chevrolet Volt


• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid


• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell


• Nissan Leaf


• Smart electric drive

Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.

Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.







But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.







The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.



Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.



Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.

Top 10: Irish car sales 2010

According to figures published by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, 88,373 cars were sold in Ireland during 2010.



That was almost 55% more than 2009’s figure of 57,118, an encouraging increase achieved in spite of harsh economic conditions. However, the market still has a long way to go before it recovers to the volumes seen in 2008, when sales topped 150,000.



2010’s performance was undoubtedly helped by the scrappage scheme, which accounted for over 17,000 registrations. Good news for the industry is that the programme will continue until the end of June 2011, although the amount of support - which is applied via Vehicle Registration Tax relief - is reduced from €1,500 to €1,250.



The top three manufacturers remained unchanged in 2010, with Ford selling the most cars followed by Toyota and then Volkswagen.



Fourth spot went to Renault, which trebled its sales thanks partly to being the manufacturer with the most scrappage scheme reclaims. Skoda also recorded a notable result but, despite a doubling of volumes, it only moved up one place to seventh on the league table.

Top 10: Irish Car Sales By Manufacturer
Position	Manufacturer	2010	2009	+/-	% +/-
1	Ford	11,215	8,121	3,094	38.1%
2	Toyota	10,660	7,603	3,057	40.2%
3	Volkswagen	10,301	6,174	4,127	66.8%
4	Renault	9,746	2,414	7,332	303.7%
5	Opel	6,603	4,046	2,557	63.2%
6	Nissan	5,494	4,684	810	17.3%
7	Skoda	4,915	2,390	2,525	105.6%
8	Hyundai	2,959	1,665	1,294	77.7%
9	Peugeot	2,924	1,766	1,158	65.6%
10	Audi	2,723	2,388	335	14.0%
Figures provided by SIMI Statistical Service

2011 What Car? Awards

UK publication What Car? has announced its 2011 Car of the Year winners.



During a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, prizes were awarded across seventeen vehicle categories, with one model going on to be declared overall champion.



Supermini



Shortlist

Best buy less than £9,000: Hyundai i10 1.2 Comfort

Best buy £9,000 - £13,000: Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr

Best buy more than £13,000: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport



Winner

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport





Small family car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI SE

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr

Best buy more than £20,000: Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i T3



Winner

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr





Family car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £18,000: Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI S

Best buy £18,000 - £21,000: Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

Best buy more than £21,000: Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140 SE



Winner

Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec





Estate car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £16,500: Skoda Octavia Estate 1.4 TSI SE

Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

Best buy more than £22,000: BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE



Winner

Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec





MPV



Shortlist

Best buy less than £16,000: Citroën C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi VTR+

Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Peugeot 5008 1.6 HDi 112 Sport

Best buy more than £22,000: Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S



Winner

Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S





Hot hatch



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Renault Twingo Renaultsport 133 Cup

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup

Best buy more than £20,000: Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup



Winner

Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup





Coupé



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 160

Best buy £25,000 - £40,000: Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport

Best buy more than £40,000: Jaguar XKR



Winner

Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport





Open-top



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE AC

Best buy £25,000 - £35,000: BMW Z4 sDrive23i

Best buy more than £35,000: Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI Cab Blue Efficiency SE



Winner

BMW Z4 sDrive23i





Performance car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £60,000: Lotus Evora 3.5 V6

Best buy £60,000 - £120,000: Audi R8 Spyder V10

Best buy more than £120,000: Ferrari 458 Italia



Winner

Ferrari 458 Italia





Crossover



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Nissan Juke 1.6 Visia

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport

Best buy more than £20,000: Volvo XC60 2.0 D3 DRIVe SE



Winner

Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport





4x4



Shortlist

Best buy less than £30,000: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style 7 seats

Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: BMW X3 xDrive20d SE

Best buy more than £40,000: Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS



Winner

Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS





Compact executive



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: BMW 3 Series 316d ES

Best buy £25,000 - £30,000: BMW 3 Series 320d ES

Best buy more than £30,000: BMW 3 Series 330d SE



Winner

BMW 3 Series 320d ES





Executive car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £30,000: BMW 5 Series 520d SE

Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury

Best buy more than £40,000: Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 245 quattro SE



Winner

Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury





Luxury car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £65,000: Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC

Best buy £65,000 - £100,000: Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Vogue 

Best buy more than £100,000: Rolls-Royce Phantom



Winner

Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC





Ultra-low carbon car



Winner

Nissan Leaf





Safety Award



Winner

Volvo for Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake





Security Award



Winner

Volkswagen





What Car? Car of the Year 2011



Winner

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport

Volt is Car of the Year

The Chevrolet Volt has been declared the 2011 North American Car of the Year. 49 jurors from across the United States and Canada gave it 233 points, making it the fourth time that GM has won the title.

Images © GM Corp.

In second place was the Hyundai Sonata, which received 163 points. Third went to the electric car that took the 2011 European Car of the Year award, the Nissan Leaf. It picked up 94 points.



Meanwhile, the 2011 North American Truck of the Year is the Ford Explorer, which earned 253 points. It comfortably beat the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which scored 138 points from the jury. The Dodge Durango, with 99 points, was third.