Scorching halos

Check out the Nissan GT-R on AOL Autos

The center computer does all the usual stuff such screens do in cars. You can use to choose your radio station or your desired destination in your navigation system. But it can also do a whole lot of other largely useless but fun tricks.

Want to watch the turbo boost pressure rise and fall in real time? Want to watch a graph showing how the transmission chooses the right gear? Want to graph the g-forces your pulling to the sides, front and back? Want to watch the road? Yeah, that'd be a good idea, too.

All of that interesting -- and somewhat distracting -- computer data is displayed in an interface designed by the same people who created the Gran Turismo racing video games. No wonder it's so much fun to play with.

At the same time, the car's engine and transmission put on a thrilling show for your ears. While the turbochargers howl and whine, the transmission clicks through the gears, sounding like stick-shift pro working the non-existent clutch pedal. The symphony quiets as you slow into a turn, rising again as you push out of it.

NEXT: Brand story