Motoring TV 2016 Performance Car of the Year (02:15)

Next to Motoring TV's Money-No-Object Performance Car of the Year category, Performance Car of the Year ranks pretty highly in terms of fun factor.

The first nominee, the Mercedes-AMG C 63, "is the epitome of everything the company holds dear," according to Graeme Fletcher.

From aggressive looks to a stellar exhaust note, the C 63 is easily among the best in the business.

Chief among the C 63's competitors is the all-new Cadillac ATS-V.

With a thunderous 464 horsepower pumping out of its twin-turbocharged V6, a sharp aero package and magnetic ride suspension, the ATS-V says 'Cadillac is back' in all the right ways.

Cadillac isn't the only brand looking at a renaissance, with Alfa Romeo staking out its return to the performance spotlight with the 4C and the pending Giulia Quadrifoglio.

The former takes on a much different shape than its co-finalists from Mercedes and Cadillac, but its performance is on the same level thanks to a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder.

Which of the three comes out on top of the 2016 Performance Car of the Year category?

Watch the video to find out!

This segment originally appeared on Episode 13 of Motoring 2016.