Is the UK ready for Nissan’s new GT-R? It had better be, as the eagerly awaited coupé is here – and we’ve driven it to see if it lives up to the pre-launch hype. The car can be ordered now for delivery next year, and promises impressive performance, as the firm used Porsche’s 911 Turbo as a benchmark in development.

Under the bonnet is a 473bhp 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6, while the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is located at the rear to ensure perfect weight distribution. And the four-wheel-drive system promises handling to match the scorching 193mph top speed.

Your first impression is just how large the GT-R looks on UK roads. Factor in the car’s portly 1,740kg kerbweight, and it’s difficult to see how the engine’s potential could ever be exploited. As soon as you climb aboard, though, it’s clear that Nissan’s engineers worked wonders to make the newcomer feel light and lithe, using power and technology to overcome any weight or size disadvantage.

At idle, the engine has a menacing note, but it isn’t loud or unpleasant around town. In auto mode, the gearbox shuffles between ratios with little fuss; our only criticism is the ride quality, which is very firm even in Comfort mode. Increase the speed, and the GT-R proves easy to drive. With dampers, stability control and transmission all set to their most hardcore ‘R’ mode, the car’s dynamic limits are so high they can only fully be exploited on a track.

Instead, road drivers will revel in the precision of the steering and powerful brakes. And the V6 makes overtaking easy – inspiring more confidence in a car which sets new standards for high-performance motoring.