Fast, reliable, easy to maintain and daily driver usually don't go together in the one sentence
Drag strip monsters generally have 2 Achilles heels - the engine and the gear box.
Therefore, buy something that is strong and reliable in both engine and box.
This helps you eliminate cars like WRXs (which can run 12's but you always worry that the box will go bang), rotaries (demonly quick down the strip but have you seen the cost of a Wankel rebuild?), and highly strung small engined cars that need a truck load of money, revs and/or boost to go that fast.
You've also stated that you want decent handling.
So, fast, reliable, reasonable maintenance, handling and strong motor and box? If you wanted to stay with a Jap ride, twin turbo Supra FTW.
JZ engine and Getrag box are renowned for being bullet proof. 12.5 seconds? Can be done with the hand brake on! There are countless examples of Supra's running way faster than 12.5 seconds and making well over 500HP on stock internals.
Supra parts and modding is generally bolt on and much cheaper than the Nissan equivalent (GT-R). Being RWD, there's also less stress on the drivetrain on launch and when hurtling down the quarter.
I also understand your aversion to the whole bogan car ride so the Supra definitely fits the bill. Otherwise, XR6T or supercharged / turbo charged Commonwhores can also crack into the 12's without too much sweat.
easy power figures.. 
