Top Gear heroes: Nissan GT-R

Why is it special?

Because after years of Japanese conservatism, it showed that buried deep in the national psyche there's something bonkers. Point-to-point it's the fastest car in the world: twin turbo 3.8-litre V6, 4WD, double-clutch gearbox and an ability to runkle tarmac and rearrange facial features. And those who dismiss the GT-R as all electrickery are Just. Plain. Wrong. It rocks.

Which to have?

You can have it bog standard (£78,030), spend another £10k on the Track Pack, or go all-out with the £125,000 Nismo. Don't do it. The one thing the GT-R doesn't need is even more focus if you're intending to drive it on the road. None of them ride well, and you sure as heck don't need it to be any faster or grippier. Save your cash and spend it on the insurance and fuel.

Specs

Engine/gearbox: 3799cc, V6, 543bhp @6,400rpm, 466lb ft @3,200rpm
Performance: 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds, top speed 196mph, 23.9mpg, 275g/km CO2
Weight: 1740kg

LINKS

2018 Nissan GT-R: here's what we know

Explore the GT-R family tree

Camaro Z/28 vs BMW M6 vs Nissan GT-R