Nissan GT-R

All hail the Auto Express Performance Car of the Year 2008! The Nissan GT-R is one of the most capable supercoupés of all-time.

The scale of its achievements shouldn’t be underestimated. Not only has it seen off competition from 18 other top-class thrillers launched this year, but it also proved an even more accomplished champion than the reigning Porsche Cayman S. At first, nearly everyone was sceptical about the GT-R’s abilities. Jibes about video-game controls and cheap plastics filled the paddock… until our test team took to the wheel. When the GT-R came rumbling back down the pitlane, all you could hear from the driver was stunned silence. This Nissan is devastatingly effective on the road. On the track, it’s simply mind-blowing.

At the heart of its appeal is raw speed. In our hands, with the help of Japan’s finest electronic wizardry, the GT-R covered the 0-60mph sprint in 3.9 seconds. The sequential manual gearbox snaps into gear incredibly quickly as you pull on the steering wheel paddleshifter and watch the speedo spin. In a flash, it’s time to stand on the brakes for the next corner. Chances are you will slow down too early, as the Nissan’s stopping ability is in another league to all but the most expensive supercars. Turn into a corner and the four-wheel-drive chassis grips and goes in a way that’s hard to comprehend.

What’s more, the GT-R is cheaper than any supercar rival. Nissan’s flagship isn’t only a great drive – it’s the best performance car of 2008.

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