In April, Nissan flabbergasted the automotive community with an incredible lap time around the infamous Nurburgring track inside the then soon-to-be-released Nissan GT-R. It seems that Porsche was a little suspicious of the claim and purchased a Nissan GT-R to duplicate the 7:29 lap time. The closest they got was 7:54, which is well behind the 7:34 and 7:38 lap times achieved by the Porsche GT2 and Porsche 911 Turbo, respectfully, that same day. Porsche believes that Nissan is being dishonest about their factory-car lap time and believes it equipped the GT-R with semi-slick tires to cut off at least 25 seconds.

If we cannot believe the lap time, should we at least believe the automotive community? Car and Driver gave the Nissan GT-R the gold in a comparsion test with a Porsche GT2, a Dodge Viper ACR, and a Corvette Z06. Automobile called the Nissan GT-R “Quicker, faster, and a better value than Porsche’s iconic 911 Turbo.” On the other hand, Road and Track rated the GT-R fourth—one spot below the Porsche GT2—in a ten-car comparison and Motor Trend said the GT-R “doesn’t serenade you with the steering, doesn’t charm you with its driving demeanor like a similar performance Porsche or Ferrari.”  

[via Autocar]

Lamborghini has just released the fourth image of what is expected to be the four-door Estoque concept to be unveiled at the Paris Auto Show. Whether you love or hate the idea, this is a necessary step in a marquee that has soaked up as many sales as they can in the two-door very-exotic car segment. If Ferrari can sell cars with four seats, why can’t Lamborghini? Also below are some Estoque stetches that may or may not have been leaked from Lamborghini.

[via World Car Fans]

Mercedes-Benz is going to introduce a convertible version of the rare SLR 722 coupe at the Paris Auto Show. The new car will be called the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, but you can get away with calling it the 722 S, for short. Only 150 copies will be produced with a price tag that will likely be over the $525,000 MSRP of the 722 coupe.  It will use the same 5.5-liter supercharged V-8 producing 650 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque; that’s nine more horsepower over the coupe. Performance is not too far off from the coupe either, with sixty coming from a standstill in a scant 3.7 seconds, only 0.1 second off from the 722 coupe. The top speed of the SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is 208 mph, but will require that the top be up to do so. Mercedes-Benz is calling it the fastest open-top production car despite the closed-top stipulation. Read more here.

[via Mercedes-Benz]

Bugatti announced today that the Veyron Grand Sport will go on sale in March of 2009 for 1.4 million Euros or approximately $2 million. Only 150 of the limited-edition cars will be made, with the first 50 heading to the homes of registered Bugatti customers.

Unlike what was initially expected, the car will be able to match the fixed-roof car’s top speed of 253 mph when the roof is closed. When the targa roof is open, speed of 223 mph are attainable. Should it rain, there is a lightweight umbrella-like temporary roof that can be used.  When the folding roof is in place, the car should not go above 80 mph. Read more here.

[via Top Speed]

The car’s looks are not only impressive but functional. The aerodynamically-enhanced body kit includes a new front splitter, rear spoiler, and rocker panels. To keep the car glued to the road, the suspension and tires have also been upgraded. More pic here.

[via Autoblog]

The Bentley Arnage will end with a 150-unit run called the Final Series. It will utilize the 500-hp 6.75-liter V-8 from the Arnage T. The car will be distinguished from other Arnage models by its Brookland-based 20-inch rims, Final Series badges, and a retractable Flying-B Hood ornament. Read more here.

[via Bentley]

[via autoexpress.co.uk]

If you are worried about rifle projectiles and shrapnel from hand grenades and explosive charges, you might want to rethink your line of work. But in the meantime, it is suggested you buy the new Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman. Designed for dictators and dignitaries alike, the Pullman hosts a plethora of luxury and security features you cannot find anywhere else. Read more here.

[via Mercedes-Benz]

Hartge, one of the first tuners to provide body kits for the 1-series, has just released a package that injects an additional 44-hp into the mighty 135. The extra power and torque are good enough to decrease the zero–60 time to 4.7 seconds, or a 0.5 decrease. Read the press release here.

[via autospies.com]