Skip advert
Advertisement
Features

Lexus LFA v Nissan GT-R Nismo v Subaru Impreza 22B – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test three of the most iconic performance cars ever to come from Japan – these are our favourite shots

Perhaps the hardest thing about testing three of the greatest Japanese performance cars ever built is choosing which to drive first. The sensational, razor-edged, motorsport-inspired Lexus LFA is irresistible. Nissan’s GT-R Nismo dares you to have a go at taming its animalistic performance. And the Subaru Impreza 22B? That's all your WRC fantasies wrapped in an iconic, muscled-up ‘90s shape. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Thankfully, in the latest issue of evo we have time to delve into the character of all three in an unforgettable triple test. You can pick up a copy of evo 327 in-store or online to read the full feature. 

The story of the LFA’s long and painstaking development is well known by now. Initially conceived while Toyota was preparing to enter Formula 1, it was a confusing concept – Lexus had no pedigree in the supercar business, yet you'd need to hand over circa-£350,000 to own one. Its power and performance figures weren’t spectacular for the price, either, but in truth, the car as a whole absolutely was. The driving experience is as distinctive and finely tuned as the wail from the 1LR-GUE 4.8-litre V10.

The GT-R started life as a fascinating and more affordable alternative to Porsche’s 911 Turbo, but by the end it became a bruising, battle-hardened technical marvel in Nismo form. By 2020 the Nismo was producing 592bhp and the price followed, more than tripling from the 2007 base car to £174,995. For that money, it delivered a driving experience like nothing else. 

The 22B likewise, only for a more modest asking price of…hang on. What was originally a c£40k car now regularly fetches over £250k at auction – almost inconceivable for an Impreza, but the 22B is an Impreza like no other. Widened bodywork, an uprated EJ22 engine, quicker steering and bespoke Bilstein ‘upside down’ dampers are some of the highlights, and they combine as one unforgettable whole. 

To read about these three Japanese icons in depth, pick up a copy of evo 327.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 review – a 473bhp BMW M4 CS fighter
Porsche 911 Carrera S – pictures
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera S 2025 review – a 473bhp BMW M4 CS fighter

A new Carrera S has arrived with supercar-baiting pace and a £120k starting price – is it the sweet spot of the 992.2 range?
25 Apr 2025
The 992.2 Porsche 911 GT3 is the fastest manual ever around the Nürburgring
Porsche 911 GT3 Nürburgring
News

The 992.2 Porsche 911 GT3 is the fastest manual ever around the Nürburgring

Porsche has set a new record for the 992.2 GT3 around the Nürburgring. It’s the fastest manual ever, and it’s not even close.
17 Apr 2025
Best sports cars 2025 – distilled driving machines
Best sports cars 2025
Best cars

Best sports cars 2025 – distilled driving machines

Sports cars are designed to do one thing above all else: put the driver at the centre of the experience. Morgan’s Supersport is the latest of the bree…
15 Apr 2025
Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS
Morgan Supersport front
Reviews

Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS

Morgan’s new flagship is its most versatile car yet. Does modernising mean losing the magic?
14 Apr 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses
Ford Focus ST Mk3
Features

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses

We’d hoped the 2015 Focus ST would share a good dose of its little brother’s magic. Sadly, it didn’t
28 Apr 2025
The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever
Ferrari 296 Speciale – front
News

The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever

The 296 Speciale is the latest in Ferrari's line of mid-engined road racers, packing 868bhp and LaFerrari-beating pace on track
29 Apr 2025
Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 2025 review – the ultimate analogue hypercar
GMA T.50 front
Reviews

Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 2025 review – the ultimate analogue hypercar

The GMA T.50 is the car we thought would never come: Gordon Murray's sequel to the ultimate hypercar, the McLaren F1
26 Apr 2025