2018 Performance Car of the Year contenders

As we prepare to announce the 2018 Performance Car of the Year, here’s your chance to have a look and decide for yourself which car you think deserves the top prize.

This year’s PCOTY pack was closely matched, despite wildly varying price tags and some very different ways of delivering performance.

You’ll know which car we chose once the Australian Motoring Awards roll around on the 24th of January.

After that, check back to find out what went down at PCOTY 2018!

Alfa Romeo Giulia QV

375kW/600Nm; 1585kg; $156,900 as tested

Italy’s new sedan hero brings the fight with style.

Lexus LC500

351kW/540Nm; 1935kg; $205,000 as tested

With concept car looks and NASCAR sounds, it’s a seriously cool bit of kit.

HSV GTSR W1

474kW/815Nm; 1895kg; $169,990 as tested

Australia’s last hurrah is also one of its most impressive.

Kia Stinger 330Si

272kW/510Nm; 1780kg; $55,990 as tested

Mid-range twin-turbo V6 Stinger provides serious bang for buck.

Audi TT RS

294kW/480Nm; 1440kg; $146,450 as tested

All paw grip and a five-pot powerplant is Audi’s signature formula.

Nissan GT-R NISMO

441kW/652Nm; 1739kg; $299,000 as tested

Godzilla gets the NISMO treatment, both inside and out.

Porsche 718 Cayman S

257kW/420Nm; 1355kg; $173,430 as tested

Two fewer cylinders, but a turbocharger means the new Cayman S is damn quick.

BMW M4 CS

331kW/600Nm; 1505kg; $212,233 as tested

Stripped out M4 is more a track weapon than a daily driver.

Honda Civic Type R

228kW/400Nm; 1380kg; $51,565 as tested

Can the newest red badge from Honda return the brand to its hot hatch glory days?

Mercedes-AMG E63 S

450kW/850Nm; 1955kg; $258,300 as tested

German super-sedan gains all-wheel grip, but it’s still keen for some sideways action.