Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R is a sporty coupe with a well-earned reputation for offering huge performance at a knockdown price. It’s an alternative to cars such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S, Mercedes AMG GT and Aston Martin V8 vantage .

Given that a Nissan is trying to tempt buyers away from distinctly upmarket models such as those, there’s little surprise that the previous GT-R was criticized for being too bland inside. Fortunately, Nissan seems to have heard those complaints and, when the car was face lifted in 2016, it inherited a new interior that means the GT-R can now match the alternatives both in terms of design and materials.

The stitched leather dashboard adds class while the simplified layout and new infotainment system are welcome improvements. You can even have the cabin finished in a two-tone black/tan colour scheme, should you feel the need to replicate a Ferrari’s inners.

It’s surprisingly comfortable, too. You won’t feel cramped in the front and even the standard seats do a great job of holding you in place. But, if you do want more side bolstering, go for the GT-R Recaro model, which adds sports seats. Admittedly, there’s not so much space in the back seat, thanks to curve of the roofline, but the 315-litre boot is more impressive.
Inevitably, though, the most impressive thing about the GT-R is how it goes – and that’s thanks to the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 engine. This now produces well in excess of 550hp, meaning the GT-R can match far more expensive supercars such as the 562hp McLaren 570S, with a 0-62mph time of less than three seconds.

Then again, if the normal GT-R still isn’t fast enough, then there are the Track and Nismo versions, which offer increasingly more power and lighter weight. There are no official acceleration figures, but the rumour is the Nismo takes under 2.5 seconds to reach 62mph.
Work has also gone into making the GT-R easier to drive on the limit, but make no mistake – it is still capable of out-cornering cars costing twice the price. Much of that is down to the many electronic driver aids, but don’t go thinking this is an emotionless car to drive. On the contrary, there’s plenty of character here, and the engine sounds fantastic.