The latest GT-R is a truly remarkable hi-tech machine and almost unbeatable in standard factory trim. The current coupe's 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 produces 570hp, and boasts ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive, bespoke Bilstein suspension, a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a staggering 196mph top speed.
Power up, as is tuning potential
When it was first launched in 2007, the £60,000 485hp R35 Nissan GT-R set a new performance benchmark; although the asking price has now risen to over £80,000 the R35 GT-R still offers an unrivalled blend of pace, driver involvement and everyday practicality. In 2009 Nissan tweaked the specification of the standard R35 with retuned front springs and dampers, then a year later introduced another round of enhancements - with power rising to 530hp.
Keen to keep its R35 ahead of the competition Nissan revised the model again in late 2011, with new mapping, modifications to the valve timing, larger inlets and a revised exhaust system which boosted power to 550hp. This 2012 model also featured a new carbon composite, front strut bar, uprated brakes, lighter alloy wheels and a new front bumper which improved cooling to the radiator and front brakes as well as reducing drag.
A much-awaited GT-R NISMO was launched in February 2014 with 600hp and a 2.7-second 0-62mph time, whilst at this time the latest standard model was boosted to the aforementioned 570hp. Staggeringly capable on track the R35's massive straight-line performance and huge grip mean that it's not easy to get anywhere near the limit in fast road driving, and that has led some critics to say that the GT-R is not quite as involving as previous generations. Show it a wide track however, and the R35 rewards and excites like nothing else.
Instantly recognisable as a GT-R here
The GT-R's VR38DETT is eminently tuneable too, and reliable - but owners have reported some gearbox issues. Make sure your R35's service record shows six-month or 6,000-mile service intervals if built up to the end of 2010, or 12-month, 12,000-mile service intervals if manufactured after that.
And look out for cracked brake discs, scratched or dented bodywork, any signs of crash repairs and any electrical glitches.
So should you buy one? Well Dave Warrener did: "I own and drive one because it's a practical, everyday supercar. I can take it to the shops, or drive to Le Mans with relative ease. And compared with the earlier RB-engined examples it's not overly expensive to tune to 650bhp." A 'sensible' daily driver then. Sort of. "And residual values are good too", he points out. Early versions are currently selling in the mid £30,000-£45,000 range, with values up on last year in some cases.
That said, supply still exceeds demand so don't expect a serious hike in values until the final GT-R rolls off the production line - then this epic Nissan may well become a collectable car. In the meantime, expensive consumables make the R35 too pricey to run as a regular track car - unless you're into serious motorsport.
Buy if: you want a good value supercar for occasional track days
Don't buy if: you're after an appreciating asset
We found: 2009 Black Edition GT-R, service history, 31K miles, £43,495
Price Guide
Poor: Under £37,000
Good: £37,000 to £50,000
A1: £50,000+
Special Editions: Nissan GT-R NISMO Edition models can fetch more than £130,000