2021 Nissan GT-R

Nissan builds its flagship supercar in two trim levels: Premium and NISMO. Pricing for the Premium trim starts at around $114,000, including a driver-adjustable suspension, 20-inch forged-alloy wheels, a titanium exhaust, and ventilated Brembo brakes, a backup camera, automatic LED headlights, and parking sensors. The GT-R has many upscale highlights inside a cabin lined in carbon fiber and leather. The front bucket seats are heated and power-adjustable, with dual-zone climate control for keeping everyone comfortable. Keyless ignition, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a Bose premium audio system are also standard. Nissan's infotainment system includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Bluetooth, navigation, Apple CarPlay, USB ports, and adjustable driver settings. Active noise cancellation can digitally mask outside noise. The Premium offers two options. An All Weather Package adds Dunlop all-seasons (replacing high-performance summer tires) and a unique coolant/water ratio. The Premium Interior Package adds hand-stitched semi-aniline leather upholstery, available in gray, red, tan, or black. The NISMO trim has a more potent engine and enhanced transmission settings for about $211,000. It also adds unique exterior and interior styling, sport bucket seats, an Alcantara steering wheel, and more.

The secret to the GT-R's astounding driving performance lies in its cutting-edge powertrain. Each twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine is hand-assembled in a clean-room environment by a single technician, an aluminum plate attached to the motor's front showing the craftsman's name. Nissan designed the engine's components to save weight and maximize performance. The result is 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque, sent through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission located in the vehicle's rear for better weight distribution. The transmission offers three distinct driving modes -- Normal, Comfort, and R -- plus paddle shifters for driver-controlled gear changes. Acceleration is incredibly quick. The GT-R NISMO adds different turbochargers, these the same used on Nissan's GT3 race car. They are more efficient and faster-responding, providing 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. The GT-R uses an all-wheel-drive system for optimal traction and control. The system routes power to the rear wheels during everyday driving, monitoring things like yaw rate, steering angle, and lateral acceleration. If loss of traction occurs, the GT-R can automatically send up to half of the power to its front wheels. This system helps give it superb cornering abilities to match its speed. Nissan's engineers also gave the GT-R speed-sensitive power steering for effortless handling at low speeds and maximal control and precision when moving fast. Other amenities include four-wheel Brembo disc brakes, a titanium exhaust system, and Bilstein adjustable shock absorbers. The EPA rates the GT-R's fuel economy at 22 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in mixed driving.

The cabin shares the rest of the GT-R's meticulous feel, with every detail carefully engineered by Nissan to save weight and work seamlessly. That is not to say that the interior does not feel luxurious -- it does. The instrument panel is wrapped in a single, continuous hide of Nappa leather. The GT-R's leather seats are filled with weight-saving cushioning, with seatbacks designed by Nissan's engineers to reduce back pressure. Front-seat passengers have 38.1 inches of headroom and 44.6 inches of legroom, plenty of space for stretching out. An 8.0-inch touchscreen integrates into the dashboard's center, providing quick access to navigation, satellite radio, telephone controls, Apple CarPlay, and other vehicle settings. The absence of Android Auto means non-Apple smartphone users don't get the same levels of integration. The GT-R has two back seats, but they are barely usable, with only 33.5 inches of headroom and 26.4 inches of leg space. These tight dimensions make them best as an in-cabin cargo area, which is good since the GT-R's actual trunk is a tiny 8.8 cubic feet. Nissan's performance technology also helps with everyday driving. Drivers can select Comfort Mode, which puts the vehicle's shock absorbers in their softest setting. The driver can toggle on active noise cancellation for a quieter ride. The system works by monitoring the exhaust system using in-cabin microphones, counteracting low-frequency sounds by transmitting sound waves at a matching amplitude through specially-placed speakers.