The Japanese have become renowned for their sports cars over the years. A huge selection of performance machines are available across a wide variety of budgets - here are some of our favourites.
Nissan GT-R Black Edition, £39,995
Many owners lovingly give their cars personal nicknames, but the Nissan GT-R has earned its own already – and ‘Godzilla’ is richly deserved. It started with the R32 Skyline GT-R, which stormed to the 1991 Australian Touring Car Championship title ahead of the previously dominant Ford Sierra Cosworth, leading the Aussie media to name the car after Japan’s famous ‘king of the monsters’.
We’ve got our eyes on the R35 GT-R, produced since 2007. It was launched with a hand-built twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 that made a ground-shaking 479bhp and 433lb ft, while four-wheel drive helped to provide a 0-62mph time of just 3.0sec – faster than contemporary supercars such as the Ferrari 458 Italia and Porsche 911 (997).
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It will still do a number on many supercars today, and few were able to top its blistering 7min 26.7sec Nürburgring Nordschleife lap.
The GT-R cost a relatively meagre £52,900 at launch, which played a key part in cementing its appeal.
Power was uprated to 523bhp in 2010, when the model also received a stiffer body for improved stability. A new carbonfibre strut was implemented into the engine compartment, too, as were larger front brakes and modified dampers. A few changes were made to its exterior design as well, with the addition of a wider front grille and a carbonfibre diffuser that helped to increase downforce by 10%.
A jump in price joined the jump in power, with the GT-R then costing £70,000.
The GT-R received two further facelifts in 2011 and 2017, adding extensive design changes and power increases, plus there are myriad special editions and the hardcore Nismo, which costs £184,000 new. But if you’re after an affordable pure driving machine, an early car will have you grinning from ear to ear.
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The Supra had a straight six not a V6 (quote - This 1992 Mk3, hauled along by a 234bhp 3.0-litre V6..... ) unless someone has done some sort of weird engine transplant.
The 308 surprised me with how little money it went for. It's still an old shonky Ferrari in my opinion, pretty thing but nothing else appeals to me about it other than looks. Just thought it would have gone for more money than that.
The Cygnet was an artificial financial solution for Aston Martin. If this fact makes it classic, good for Aston and for the collector, especially if his name is Ason or Martin. Using my IQ, I prefer the basic iQ. It is probably more reliable, since it is 100% made by Toyota.
Surprised the FTO can be had for so little. Can't remember the last time I saw one. Must be pretty rare, now. Looking to spend this much on a first car for our daughter... Wonder if I get get her on a reasonably priced, classic car insurance policy. Far cooler that the 500/MINI/Ka/Corsa all her mates seem lumbered with.