S is to Sport as Rapide S is to Sexy Sport

2011 Aston Martin Rapide

I've often sung praises to the Aston Martin Rapide, mostly comparing it to the Porsche Panamera by its looks, power, grace, stance, price, reasonableness, the list goes on. It seems that the only categories in which the ugly Panamera is superior are power and speed. But, not for long as Aston Martin have recently announced that they're working on an S version of the mighty Rapide, which has been rumored to be fitted with the DBS 6.0-liter 510 horsepower V12 engine for more umph and speed. Let's see the Porsche cling on to victory now as the Aston charges for him.

And the World Car of the Year is...

2011 Nissan Leaf!

And you thought the Volt would take the crown, but alas, the Volt is not sold everywhere yet, and the Leaf itself garnered more votes than the Audi A8 and BMW 5-series, its real competition. If you recall, last year's winner was the Volkswagen Polo. Anyway, Congrats Nissan on making the best car of 2011, even though I really don't care about it. But, to those Volt fans who wanted the electrifying Volt to win, don't worry. The World Car Committee wasn't done with that car just yet. 

2011 Chevy Volt

The mighty Volt earned the 2011 Green Car of the Year award for being the most fuel efficient. Last year's winner: the Audi A3 TDI. Fact: the car's battery lasts much longer than the Leaf's, so if you're into buying a cheap electric car this year, I think the Volt is your best bet. These were just two awards, though. The World Car Committee had to more they had to give out.

2011 Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin was given the World Design of the Year award thanks to the Rapide's sleek and sexy design. Last year's winner: the Chevy Camaro. I don't blame them. Both cars are equally good looking, but the Rapide is just a sexy looking thing. Aston Martin deserves this award.

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

And finally, the 2011 Performance Car of the Year award goes to none other than the Ferrari 458 Italia. This car left its predecessor, the F430, in bleeding dust. This car turned the tables on the Gallardo, the LFA, the Ford GT, anyone who came in contact with it. This award only goes to a car built for speed, agility, and performance. Last year's winner: the Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro. So those are the awards, which were given out today in New York. If your favorite car wasn't on this list, don't worry. They could be on the list next year. If they're not, go and yell at the company to make their cars better.