► Nissan GT-R 45th Anniversary first drive
► Nisssan celebreates 45 years of the GT-R
► The Jap fighter is still causing a nuisance
Given its startling resemblance to the secret love child of a 1960s American muscle car and a must-have kitchen appliance of the same era, it’s almost as hard to swallow claims of the GT-R’s superior aerodynamic efficiency as it is to credit its extraordinary abilities. Books and covers spring to mind, however, because the last time I was similarly coerced into recalibrating my perceptions I was aboard something 25 times the price: a Veyron.
Excellent driving position aside, there’s also little about a drab interior to give the game away. This 45th birthday special differs from the Premium model only by dint of its champagne colour and a £1700 price hike. Just five will come to the UK. Even at tickover, diff passing the occasional unsolicited remark, all feels overtly mechanical and baggy; a soundtrack more usually associated with inadequately tightened nuts than uber-engineering. At the first belt of throttle, though, the tightening of nuts is universal. The GT-R truly is wickedly, relentlessly quick. Despite exhaust outlets of a diameter necessitating rigorous policing in the environs of Calais, it is not, however, that vocal.
The GT-R is far more adept at powerboating through teeming rain than this driver, and I crave more time with it on dry land. The only issue being that, after a week behind the wheel, six weeks behind bars seems inevitable.
Nissan GT-R 45th Anniversary Edition: the specs
Price: £79,780
Engine: 3799cc 32v twin turbo V6, 542bhp @ 6400rpm, 466lb ft @ 3200-5800rpm
Transmission: Six-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Performance: 2.7 sec 0-62mph, 196mph, 23.9mpg, 275g/km CO2
Weight: 1740kg
On sale: Now
Rating: *****