The Nissan GT-R has been the poster child for affordable supercars since 2009, but all good things must come to an end. After a legendary 15-year run, Nissan is pulling the plug on the R35 generation, which means Godzilla as we know it is heading into retirement. If you've been dreaming about owning one of these Japanese rockets, now's your last chance to grab a brand-new example.

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The 2018 Audi TT RS may not be as large as the Nissan GT-R, but it packs a mighty punch. Under its hood is a turbocharged 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that produces 400 hp, which propels the car up to 60 mph in just 3.6-seconds.

Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive ensures the TT RS handles well in the corners, making it fun to drive on canyon roads. In addition to its performance, the Audi TT RS has plenty of in-cabin technology, which includes features like Audi's virtual cockpit display and an intuitive MMI system. With its aggressive styling, superb performance, and everyday usability, the Audi TT RS offers a thrilling driving experience that is similar to that of the GT-R.

Buyers wanting to feel the brute force of the Nissan GT-R's turbocharged engine, but in an American way, should check out the 2017 Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Some examples are selling for around $40,000 or less, which is a fraction of what the GT-R costs.

With that kind of pricing, the Challenger Hellcat provides excellent value with its supercharged 6.2-liter engine that pumps out a staggering 707 horsepower to the rear wheels. That power is supported by other features like an adaptive suspension, which allows the car to get up to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 199 mph. Additionally, the Challenger Hellcat is surprisingly comfortable in everyday use, despite its raw power.

The 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a track-ready machine that handily combines speed, precision, and iconic American muscle. Its 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine puts it on par with the Nissan GT-R, thanks to its 505 horsepower, which gets the car up to highway speeds in only 3.4 seconds.

The Corvette is also very agile with its aluminum frame and carbon fiber components, which sharpen up its handling capabilities and assist with its blistering acceleration. Additionally, the Corvette's aggressive design makes it one of the most attractive sports cars, despite it being nearly 20 years old.

The 2015 Jaguar F-Type R is a stunning coupe that melds British elegance with raw power. Under its hood is a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 550 horsepower, which allows it to sprint up to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds.

As far as the "elegance" part of the equation, the Jaguar F-Type features aggressive styling with sleek lines and a bold front grille. Inside, the Jaguar is filled with luxury and technology, offering premium materials and a driver-focused cockpit. Considering its scintillating performance, sharp handling, and iconic design, the Jaguar F-Type could be a good British substitute for the Nissan GT-R.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG is a luxurious roadster that embodies the power and elegance you would expect from the German brand. The SL 65 AMG is powered by a hand-built 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces a whopping 604 horsepower. Interestingly, the engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, which is a little old-school, but makes good at delivering the power to the rear wheels.

The engine and transmission combination enables the car to sprint up to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds, which may not be as quick as the GT-R on paper, but its still very quick nonetheless. The SL 65's performance pairs well with the refined luxury of the car's interior which features many fine materials and advanced tech features. Also, the car has a retractable hardtop, which is something the GT-R does not have.

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a high-performance sedan that blends Italian style with exceptional performance. The mid-size sedan is motivated by a Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 505 horsepower, enabling it to reach 60 mph from a stop in only 3.6 seconds.

But the Giulia is not just fast, it's also very attractive and agile. Alfa Romeo imbued the car with carbon fiber components, which give it a near-perfect weight distribution, in addition to a torque-vectoring differential setup that enables the car to get more traction where it needs it the most. Inside, the Giulia offers an upscale cabin with leather and Alcántara upholstery, in addition to some tech features. With its precise handling and extreme performance, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio presents a great alternative to the Nissan GT-R.

You don't have to spend two-story home money to get big supercar energy.

The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 is an iconic muscle car with jaw-dropping performance. It's powered by a supercharged 5.8-liter engine that sends a massive 662 horsepower to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, making it the most powerful production Mustang of its time.

The Mustang Shelby GT 500 also features racing stripes, a bold front grille, and a rear spoiler that reflects its racing heritage. Additionally, its interior combines retro elements with modern technological features, making the Mustang GT 500 an excellent American alternative over the Nissan GT-R.

The 2014 Cadillac CTS-V comes in either coupe or sedan form, but no matter which body style you get, it delivers blistering performance and plenty of comfort. The CTS-V is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces a whopping 556 horsepower, which allows it to accelerate from a stop to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds.

TSome of that quick acceleration is attributed to the car's magnetic ride control system that ensures a steady launch, sharp handling, and track-ready agility with a composed ride. Additionally, the CTS-V's bold exterior design features a distinctive front grille, aggressive body lines, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CTS-V has a premium interior that features advanced tech and plush seating with leather upholstery. It may be an odd alternative to the GT-R, but the Cadillac CTS-V is a prime choice for anyone open to American luxury.

The 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a powerhouse of a sports car that is designed for high-speed racing, but comfortable enough for the street. It's equipped with a large 6.2-liter V8 engine that generates a staggering 580 horsepower to the rear wheels, which makes it propel from a standstill up to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds.

In addition to its brute power, the Camaro ZL1 features an advanced magnetic ride suspension and Brembo brakes that make it handle sharper in the corners and stop on a dime when needed. The Camaro ZL1 also features aggressive styling, a bold front grille, functional hood vents, and other aerodynamic enhancements to assist with downforce at high speeds. It also has a driver-focused cabin that blends sportiness and comfort seamlessly, making the Camaro ZL1 a worthy and cost-effective alternative to the Nissan GT-R.

The Porsche 911's timeless design and reliability make it the perfect sports car for enthusiasts planning lifelong ownership.

The 2010 BMW M5 is a comfortable four-door alternative to the Nissan GT-R. The M5 exemplifies the brand's blend of power and luxury by offering a powerful engine and a spaciously lavish interior. Under its hood is a 5.0-liter V10 engine that makes 500 horsepower and it is able to launch the car up to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds with the help of a seven-speed automated manual transmission.

Complementing its engine is a finely tuned suspension that allows for dynamic handling and a fun driving experience whether it's on the street or the track. Additionally, the M5's cabin has plenty of premium materials, advanced tech features, and sporty accents. Considering the BMW M5 provides a perfect mix of everyday comfort and track-ready performance, it is an excellent and way cheaper alternative to the Nissan GT-R.

Source: https://www.topspeed.com/affordable-performance-cars-can-keep-up-with-nissan-gt-r/