The 2009 Nissan GT-R is utterly unlike any other car in the Japanese automaker's lineup. With its scaldingly powerful twin-turbo V-6 engine, all-wheel drive, and automated manual transmission, it's a supercar in all but price tag--a bargain Bugatti Veyron at less than one-tenth the price, though admittedly without all the cachet to spare.

The GT-R descends from a long line of Japanese Skyline sportscars. It's one of the best-looking versions yet; the rakish roofline cuts into the rear end with tomahawk clarity, while the arching, reaching front fenders imply animalistic urges under the hood. It's completely unlike the sensuous Italian offerings and the all-business German exoticars--an Ultraman among ultra-sportscars.