Auto News 5

Automotive photography is an art, and longtime readers will remember that we have presented our annual All-Star winners in all manner of artistically inspired photos over the years. From a series of nighttime shots in 2003, to a sporting focus in 2004, to Hollywood sets in 2005, to Route 66 back in 2007, to last year's streets-of-San-Francisco theme, we've been there and done it all. Our photographers have shrink-wrapped a Mazda Miata, splattered paint on a Ferrari, and stretched the boundaries of Photoshop in search of the perfect image.

This year, wanting to do something different, creative director Kelly Murphy turned to talented young German illustrator Daniel Stolle to portray our ten All-Star recipients for 2011. Inspired by Matchbox toy cars, Stolle presents our diverse dream garage through the eyes of a child. "After all," he explains, "real cars are more or less toys for grown-ups." We can't argue with him on that. And what a toy box we have this year: ten vehicles from ten different manufacturers, with some old favorites and some new surprises. Step into our playroom with us, will you?