As the 2011 New York Auto Show approaches, organizers of the annual World Car of the Year awards have released details about the top three finalists for each of the World Car, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design categories, and as usual they remain as controversial as ever.

This year, the vehicles were whittled down from an original list of 39 nominees by a panel comprised of 66 auto journalists from 24 countries around the world.

To be eligible for the overall World Car of the Year award, the candidates must become available for sale on at least two continents and in five countries during the period beginning January 1, 2010 and ending May 30, 2011. For this reason, many popular American models are not applicable for the awards.

The final winners will be announced at the 2011 New York Auto Show, which kicks off on April 21.

Hit the following page to see the top three finalists for the World, Performance and Green Car of the Year awards, as well as the World Car Design of the Year.

The top three finalists announced in all categories are listed below in alphabetical order:

2011 World Car of the Year


Audi A8
BMW 5-Series
Nissan Leaf

2011 World Performance Car of the Year
Ferrari 458 Italia
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Porsche 911 Turbo

2011 World Green Car of the Year
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition
Chevrolet Volt
Nissan Leaf

2011 World Car Design of the Year
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Aston Martin Rapide
Ferrari 458 Italia