PCOTY 2016: The contenders

Our 11-strong eclectic line-up

BMW i8

266kW, 1485kg, $301,250
Does a hybrid actually stand a chance at PCOTY? In fairness, this ain’t no Prius.

Peugeot 208 GTi 30th

153kW, 1185kg, $35,990
This anniversary edition is a mighty chance if it’s anything like the original 205 GTi.

Mercedes-AMG C63 S

375kW, 1655kg, $165,610
The less racy of the two AMGs, but that mightn’t stop it launching to the pointy end.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe R AWD

404kW, 1730kg, $256,660
Powerful kitty returns from a strong showing at PCOTY ’14, now with all-claw traction.

Porsche 911 GT3

350kW, 1430kg, $320,420
Porsche hoping to nab its 12th PCOTY win (from 20) with this track-focused weapon.

Mazda MX-5 1.5

96kW, 1009kg, $37,990
Bit down in the grunt stakes, but Mazda’s droptop is hoping for an underdog fairytale.

Lexus RC F

351kW, 1860kg, $133,110
It’s got the snot to keep up with the best of them, but will its weight hurt its chances?

Mercedes-AMG GT S

375kW, 1540kg, $334,110
The turbocharged future is bright thanks to Merc-AMG’s attention-stealing V8 GT S.

Ford Falcon XR8

335kW, 1858kg, $54,690
Drag rocket and fan favourite. Can it keep touch with this company, though?

Holden VF II Commodore Redline

304kW, 1793kg, $53,990
New LS3 SS the best chance Holden will ever have at winning PCOTY. (Sob.)

Renault Megaine RS275 Trophy-R

201kW, 1284kg, $61,990
’Ring king and a proven track star. Gave BFYB a real crack, but more suited to PCOTY.