Sony Computer Entertainment America hosted the first-ever Gran Turismo 4 Awards yesterday at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) auto show in Las Vegas. GT4 awards for the best truck/SUV, best Japanese import, best European import, best domestic automobile, and best hot rod were up for grabs. Also on offer was the opportunity for those vehicles judged to be "best in show" to be featured in Gran Turismo 4--an honor eventually bestowed upon Ted and Sue Richardson's one-of-a-kind 1962 Buick Special hot rod.

　　"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, 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."

　　Gran Turismo 4 is currently scheduled for release in North America on April 30, 2004. For more information, check out our previous coverage of the game.