Despite the industry gloom and recession, extraordinary things are happening in the auto business and Playboy’s Jan/Feb double issue (on news stands and digitally at www.playboydigital.com) is honoring 2010’s most stylish and innovative automotive achievements.

Playboy’s list of the “Cars of the year 2010” reads like an auto enthusiast’s dream garage, at least, for the most part. Playboy does not always pick a winner based on some tangible criteria like horsepower, MSRP or miles per gallon. They do not care about the fastest, greenest or most notable car in its segment. They care about the “cool and sexy” factor. Which car will get you into that VIP event & turn all eyes towards you? For 2010, Playboy says that car is the new Porsche Panamera.

Porsche Panamera Turbo may seem like an odd choice for the top slot to many minds based on aesthetics alone. However, it is a serious performer and a capable continent cruiser. According to many reviews out there, it has everything nailed down except for styling. The Porsche Panamera’s position at the top slot of a list that includes the likes of Ferrari California may pull some noses, but there are other cars on the list that any car enthusiast would be more than willing to own.

The featured cars were selected by an automotive experts and writers team who traveled across the world  in search of the best automobiles on the street. From the legendary Autobahn to the highways in California, the magazine’s top picks endured grueling challenges and ran on demanding terrain to come out on top.

The Playboy awards are as follows:

2010 CAR OF THE YEAR – Porsche Panamera Turbo

First sedan from Germany’s top sports car maker is packed with sophistication and innovation.

BEST CONVERTIBLE – Ferrari California

The new iteration of the elegant Italian classic sports many Ferrari firsts, like a retractable hardtop, a direct injection front-engine V8, and a launch-control system that catapults you from 0 to 60 in under 4seconds.

BEST HORSEPOWER VALUE: Nissan Nismo 370Z

The best Z out there is a performance bargain, with a beautiful silhouette, punchy throttle and low cost.

BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK – Mazdaspeed3

With  a price quote below $26K and plenty of power, this car can rip up some turns and deliver on the acceleration.

BEST DIESEL CAR: Audi A3 TDI

The poster child for clean diesel, the surprisingly roomy hatchback exhibits eye-pleasing packaging and outstanding mpg.

BEST REBORN BEAUTY: Ford Taurus SHO

All wheel drive, brawny good looks, and an ardent 365bhp V6 with EcoBoost create an exciting new face on a proven model.

BEST CROSSOVER: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

Equipped with roomy backseats and a shrewd two-piece tailgate that can serve either as a trunk or a hatchback, the 5 series GT is an ultra fast,  all-purpose, go-anywhere utility automobile.

BEST MEAN AND GREEN: Ford Fusion Hybrid

The most fuel-efficient midsize sedan available today has been aptly named as the Playboy’s Green Car of the Year.

BEST SPORTS SEDAN: Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

Equipped with a V8 engine, a Race Start launch-setting button, and optional Night View Assist Plus, the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG is meant to travel the fast lane.