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2 + 2/GT car: Nissan GT-R
Starting price: From $69,850
Power: 480-hp 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-6
2nd place : Bentley Continental GT Speed
3rd place: Aston Martin DB9

When was the last time you were able to watch a g-meter record in real time the lateral forces you were pulling in while cornering, braking, and accelerating? The crazy-quick (0 to 60 in 3.3 sec), capable GT-R offers, in addition to race-car performance, Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle status in all 50 states.

Benchmarked against the Porsche 911 Turbo, this car is serious business on a budget -- and manages out-run its more expensive all-wheel drive competitors, including the 911 Turbo, the Lamborghini Gallardo, and the Audi R8. It may not have the hand-honed feeling of a European sports car, but picking on a little plastic in the interior is like pointing out a small blemish on a supermodel.

NEXT: Small coupe: BMW M3

Last updated July 01 2008: 11:45 AM ET
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