Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R is something of a giant killer, a sports car that offers six-figure performance for a five-digit price. Packed with electronic handling and launch control aids, the GT-R is able to use advanced technology to overcome its substantial curb weight and offer agile responses along with truly breathtaking acceleration figures.

Originally introduced in America in 2008, the last few model years have seen the GT-R receive a host of power, handling and aesthetic upgrades. The biggest news for the latest iteration is an even more potent engine. Better air intake efficiency, reduced airflow resistance and improved exhaust emissions efficiency have allowed Nissan to wring an additional 15 horsepower and 15 lb-ft from the GT-R's 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 for totals of 545 ponies and 463 lb-ft of twist. All that power coupled with the GT-R's all-wheel-drive system allows the car to sprint from zero-to-60 mph in under 3 seconds while the quarter mile is said to be dealt with in under 11 seconds.

Japanese-spec models are unique in cardom in that they get an asymmetrical suspension set-up. To offset the added weight of the driver and the transfer case along with its drive shaft mounted on the right side of the car, the setup has a front left spring rate that is higher than the right one. At the same time, the diagonally-opposite right rear is reduced for a more balanced ride.

The GT-R is already widely considered as one of the best handling vehicles on the market, and the latest version only promises to build on that reputation. Engineers managed to further reinforce the GT-R's body structure for the latest model year, which Nissan says delivers more responsive handling. The revisions come on top of a host of recent changes including an entirely reworked suspension complete with new spring rates and dampers, revised geometry and a new leverage ratio. These changes helped to improve the efficiency of both the shock absorbers and the stabilizer, giving the GT-R an overall more confident driving feel.