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They were tempted to badge it M1. But the original M1, codeveloped with Lamborghini, was a much more special machine, a successful brand-shaper, exquisite and expensive enough to qualify as a true supercar. The 2012 BMW 135i M coupe is, on the other hand, a straightforward 1-series derivative -- more straightforward, in fact, than M3, M5, and M6, all of which boast a bespoke engine.

The Nissan GT-R is not warm and cuddly. Perhaps that's to be expected of a car that is widely known as Godzilla. The GT-R's fearsome legend grew during the years it was sequestered in far-off Japan, but its awesome prowess came to be known worldwide thanks to its long-running feature role in the Gran Turismo video game series. Finally, the GT-R's international stardom proved so great that Nissan developed the sixth-generation model for a worldwide market, including North America.

This black-on-black 911 Turbo looks menacing at first glance, but it's anything but scary once you sit behind the wheel. In fact, this would be an extremely easy car to live with every day. The 911 Turbo has awesome capabilities-500 hp, 480 lb-ft of torque, 0 to 60 in less than 4 seconds -- but there are few apparent compromises to everyday driving comfort. The suspension is more supple than stiff, the seats are supportive but not unforgiving, and the prodigious power and torque are easily tamed when you need to maneuver through urban gridlock. Of course, at $150,000, you expect a lot from a car. The 911 Turbo pretty much delivers everything you ask of it.
- Amy Skogstrom, Managing Editor