The Focus from Hell, the RS will finally reach American dealers for the 2016 model year with 350 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque, a six-speed manual and an all-wheel drive system that promises everything but the moon and a World Rally Championship trophy in every garage. Rear-biased torque distribution? Check. Grin-worthy power? Check. Hatchback practicality? Check. Look for Ford to snap up the crowd that Mitsubishi deserted when it discontinued the Evo. 

Following last year's debut of the sixth-generation Mustang, Chevy has once again risen to the challenge with the newly designed sixth-generation Camaro. There's a new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain along with the V-6, but traditionalists will be glad to know that the SS badge remains in all its 455-hp V-8 glory.

If you need any proof of BMW's commitment to building performance coupes that people love to buy, try searching for a pre-owned M1 Coupe. In 2016 BMW will launch that car's successor under the M2 nameplate. It's slightly larger, significantly sexier and equipped to bookend the M Division's lineup in the best possible way. Fans of classics like the 2002tii and the Z3 M coupe will love it.

As if the GT350 wasn't enough, the "R" version of Ford's hottest Mustang does away with everything possible to save weight – including the rear seat – and even offers wheels made of carbon fiber. Ford bred this pony with one purpose: race track victory. As they say in the financial world, past performance isn't a guarantee of future returns, but given the collectibility of the Shelby GT350R from the '60s and even the Mustang Cobra R from 1993, we'd say this one's a shoe-in.  

We love the pureness and simplicity of the 4C. It's a refreshing reminder that great cars don't have to be complicated. This car is more alive on the race track than the open road, so we predict well-preserved examples to dominate the vintage races in the future. The little 4C offers performance similar to a Ferrari 360 Modena from not too long ago at a bargain price for an Italian exotic.

This just might be one of the most exciting driver's cars ever to come from Stuttgart. It borrows components from the current-generation 911 GT3 and puts them to work in a smaller, mid-engine package that makes many people wonder how much further the Cayman can go. We needn't remind you of how high-performance, low-production Porsches have done in the collector car market.  

This isn't the first year of the current Viper, but in a time when most cars are trading engine displacement for forced induction there is just something to love about the brute force of the 8.4-liter V-10. If words like "bludgeon" "eviscerate" and "trounce" appeal to you, this is your car. Because who doesn't need a sledge hammer from time to time?

This car is built in Lansing, Mich., to do battle with bad boys like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63. Its twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 makes an eye-watering 464 hp that you can control through an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual with no-lift shifting and a penchant for taking punishment. The ATS-V is proof that Cadillac ain't just whistling Dixie; there's serious firepower behind all the smack talk. 

This is the brand's quickest and most powerful series-produced car ever, but it doesn't sacrifice Lotus' trademark lightness. It's a good indication that things are looking up in Norwich. We were worried about you for a while, Lotus. It's good to have you back on the Hot List.