Known as the Skyline in its native Japan, the legendary GT-R sports car alters the meaning of "bang for your buck." For starters, it has lapped the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 29 seconds, a time surpassed only by the V-8-powered Corvette ZR1 (which makes 638 hp) and V-10-powered Dodge Viper ACR (equipped with 620 hp). But the GT-R accomplished the feat using only six cylinders—a raucous twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-6 engine—that delivers 485 hp to all four wheels via an ultrasmooth 6-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. With its dual-clutch gearbox, the GT-R’s force-fed motor will launch the car from 0 to 60 mph in a freaky-fast 3.4 seconds. That’s ZR1 territory. And like Chevrolet’s Corvette, the Nissan GT-R is value-priced: $80,790 for the base model or $83,040 for upgraded tires and a digital Bose audio system.
Pros: Fast, agile, and a head-turning exterior design.
Cons: Steering and other driver inputs all feel a bit mechanical.
