2013 Nissan GT-R

Some supercars are beautiful wedges of air-cheating, rolling art. The 2013 Nissan GT-R isn't that. It might be just as aerodynamically stable at supercar speeds, but its jagged cues and flared fenders evoke tuner cars and audacious body kits. Once you calm to the look, it's something more; a tomahawk cut at the roofline brings an interesting, not gorgeous, shape, and carbon fiber trim gives the plain interior just a dab of intrigue--given more panache with the red-and-black Recaros in Black Series models.

The big news for 2013 is that Nissan has improved intake efficiency and worked some other breathing magic to not only improve exhaust emissions but summon up an extra 15 horsepower and 15 pound-feet from the thundering twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine--now making 545 hp and 463 lb-ft. Altogether the powertrain promises (and delivers) blistering performance, with awe-inspiring traction from a sophisticated all-wheel drive system and huge wheels and tires producing seemingly endless amounts of grip to make the most of it. All while handling is beautifully balanced, and a softer ride is available at the touch of a switch.