PLAYBOY Names Their Car Of The Year, One Hint: It's Got A Helluva Butt

This past year seems that everyone and their mother is producing a press release with a Car of the Year and a Car of the Decade. It must be a decade thing, I guess?

Anyway, the ladies and gentlemen that specialize in T&A have been hard at work, or hardly working, creating a list of the best cars for this past year. Remember, these guys do not put out an automotive magazine, they specialize in one thing; sex appeal.

So, when they say ____ is Car of the Year, you know what they are thinking: "____ is a cool-looking, most likely quick, maybe unattainable and would look great packed with some of the publication's bunnies."

Take a look at a bunch of their picks, not such a bad list overall...

Playboy's press release follows:

PLAYBOY ANNOUNCES ITS HOTTEST CARS FOR 2010
NEW PORSCHE PANAMERA TAKES TOP SPOT

Despite the industry gloom and doom, extraordinary things are happening in the car business and Playboy's January/February double issue (on newsstands and online now at www.playboydigital.com) is honoring the new years' most innovative and stylistic automotive achievements. According to the magazine's "Cars of the Year 2010" feature, a hybrid reflects the current green engineering renaissance, an iconic convertible returns to the spotlight, and a new model from a European heavyweight redefines cool.

The honored cars were selected by a team of automotive experts and writers who traveled the globe in search of the best vehicles on the road. From the famous Autobahn to the highways of California, Playboy's top picks were tested on tough terrain and endured grueling performance challenges to come out on top. The featured cars include:

PLAYBOY'S 2010 CAR OF THE YEAR: Porsche Panamera Turbo
Germany's top sports car maker delivers its first sedan packed with innovation and sophistication

BEST CONVERTIBLE: Ferrari California
This new iteration of the sleek Italian classic sports several Ferrari firsts, such as a retractable hardtop, a front-engine V8 with direct injection, and a launch-control system that zooms you from zero to 60 in under four seconds

BEST HORSEPOWER VALUE: Nissan Nismo 370Z
A performance bargain, this is the best Z yet with a beautiful shape, punchy throttle and low price

BEST BANG FOR YOU BUCK: Mazdaspeed3
With plenty of power and a price tag below $26K (fully loaded), this car rips up turns and delivers on the acceleration front

BEST DIESEL CAR: Audi A3 TDI
The poster child for clean diesel, this surprisingly roomy hatchback exhibits eye-pleasing packaging and phenomenal MPG

BEST REBORN BEAUTY: Ford Taurus SHO
Brawny good looks, all wheel drive and a torrid 365 bhp V6 with EcoBoost put a great new face on a proven winner

BEST CROSSOVER: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
With roomy backseats and a clever two-piece tailgate that can function as either a hatchback or a trunk, this GT is a fast, go-anywhere, all-purpose utility vehicle

BEST MEAN AND GREEN: Ford Fusion Hybrid
Playboy's Green Car of the Year is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan available

BEST SPORTS SEDAN: Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG
With a Race Start launch-setting button, V8 engine and optional Night View Assist Plus, this car is meant for the
fast lane


2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

2010 San Diego Auto Show Photo Gallery

2011 Toyota Sienna Photo Gallery

2009 LA Auto Show Photo Gallery