Nissan GT-R (2009-) Review

This GT-R is the latest in a long line of high-performance Nissans, the first GT-R-badged model being the 180bhp Skyline GT-R saloon of 1969. It's the successor to the much-missed Skyline GT-R R34 (1999-2002), and the first GT-R of the series not to take the Skyline name. That's because it's a standalone model on a dedicated, unique chassis, says Nissan. It's not just an uprated version of the mainstream Skyline range - also known as Infiniti G-series in Europe and North America.

A two-door coupe with two tiny rear seats, the GT-R is intended as an everyday supercar: something capable of commuting into the city as well as tearing round a track or tackling twisty mountain roads. A certain amount of compromise is inevitable, but Nissan has achieved an excellent balance - this everyday supercar would make every day's driving pretty damn super.

Faster than both the latest BMW M3 coupe and Mercedes CLK 63 AMG, not to mention the Audi R8 4.2 V8 and most 911s, the GT-R also manages to make its German rivals look stuffy and middle-aged. On the right side of boy-racer, the chiselled, ultra-aerodynamic GT-R is an absolute stunner, from its deep front air intakes to its trademark circular twinned taillights.