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.
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.
