This GT-R not only beats the established players, it takes the rule book and does a burn-out right on top of it. £30,000 cheaper than a 911 Turbo, yet more powerful, better handling, and quicker around the Nurburgring. A driving gadget show, every bit of new tech is included on this Japanese toy, from the twin-clutch gearbox, through the onboard g-meter, to the super-trick 4wd system.

Devastatingly fast it has undeniably remained, and it apparently continues to loom large in the imagination of anyone under the age of 35.

Yet in so many ways other than outright speed, the cutting edge of the premium sports car segment has long since moved out of the reach of the GT-R, even as Nissan blithely inflated its list price to suggest parity with markedly superior opposition.

And so as the GT-R ages, its brief subtly changes. Added comfort, luxuriousness and refinement are among the priorities of the comprehensive 2017-model-year update, which comes after the car’s last major facelift in 2011.

Styling has been tweaked, the interior upgraded, refinement measures improved, the chassis revised and – inevitably – peak power from the twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 increased.

£81,805 – £172,805