It's hard to think of a car with a six-figure price tag as a good value, but in the world of sports cars that's exactly what the Nissan GT-R is. Last year, this car's 565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque represented small increases over 2016 version; this year the GT-R adds Apple CarPlay to the Nissan Connect infotainment platform. The 2018 update comes with a $600 price increase across the line and sees the NISMO trim level, with its 600-hp motor, dropped from the range, leaving Premium, Premium w/ interior package and Track Edition trims, all of which share the 565-hp engine.
Even with that price bump, the GT-R remains a great performance car value compared to the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo and upscale sport coupes from brands like Aston Martin. One of the few cars that offers similar performance at a truly competitive price is the Jaguar F-Type.
The GT-R's power comes from a twin-turbocharged V6 that's connected to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and AWD.
Nissan may not be an upscale brand, but it has made an effort to create a car with an upscale feel here with tricks like a leather-trimmed dash that is covered in a single piece of hide. But in truth, the GT-R is a bit of a brute that puts all-out performance well ahead of luxury car-like refinement on its list of priorities.
And you really are paying for performance in this car, as its standard features list includes little you can't get in any number of much less-expensive cars, like adaptive LED headlights, power-folding side mirrors, navigation, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Nods to the car's performance pedigree include a driver-selectable three-mode suspension system, Recaro sport seats.
An interior package available in the Premium trim adds semi-aniline leather seat upholstery and other treatments done in the same material.
The Track Edition gets a NISMO-tuned suspension with a thicked rear stabilizer bar, special lightweight wheels and a carbon-fibre rear spoiler.
What the GT-R doesn't have at any price are active safety features: This is a car designed to be driven by someone who wants to be fully engaged in the experience.
Nissan's fuel consumption estimates are 14.3/10.5 L/100 km (city/highway).
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
