Nissan GTR

The Nissan GTR has set a new standard for sportscar production, not just because it is phenomenally fast, capable and approachable, but also because it’s not actually that expensive. Porsche, Ferrari, Aston? There’s no longer any need.

• Comfort

  Despite immense power and an out-and-out performance bent, the GTR is superbly comfortable and refined. It rides firmly though, and when we get to drive one in the UK we'll know if that's going to be a problem.

  

• Performance

  There's 470bhp being sent to all four wheels via a semi-automatic dual clutch gearbox. This means 0-60mph in around 3.5 seconds and a top speed not far shy of 200mph. But it's what you can do in between that sets the GTR apart.

  

• Cool

  When the first GTRs start appearing in the UK they will be rarer than gold dust and more popular than Kate Moss at a swingers' party. Suddenly a 911 is going to be tomorrow's chip paper, and everyone is going to be fighting over a Nissan.

  

• Quality

  The GTR is beautifully constructed, with superb detailing and fantastically solid, contemporary materials. No problems reported yet either, and none likely.

  

• Handling

  Taking Porsche's current generation 911 Turbo as a benchmark, the GTR handles like few other cars on the planet. Four-wheel drive provides bags of traction, while steering feels steady and pin-sharp.

  

• Practicality

  There is a boot of sorts, so you could just about go away in a GTR, but that's not the point. This is a car that's so preposterously good that shortcomings are mere foibles, readily dismissed with a quick squeeze of throttle.

  

• Running costs

  Expect fuel consumption to bring you out in a cold sweat and insurance premiums to cause a minor coronary. But remember all the while that you could probably sell an early car for a profit.