Porsche has just run its own back-to-back tests with the Japanese company's GT-R supercar and says it could not get within 25 seconds of Nissan's claimed record time of seven minutes 29 seconds in April.

It also found its 911 Turbo and GT2 were both quicker than the GT-R.

"This wonder car with 7:29 could not have been a regular series production car," says August Achleitner, the 911 product chief for Porsche, speaking to the CARSguide at the Australian press preview of the latest 911 Cabrio.

"For us, it's not clear how this time is possible. What we can imagine with this Nissan is they used other tyres."

He believes the time achieved by Nissan with ex-Formula One driver Toshio Suzuki would only be possible with a semi-slick race-style tyre.

Achleitner says Porsche took a standard GT-R, running on regular road tyres, and ran it around the Nurburgring within two hours of its own cars, on the same day with exactly the same weather conditions.

He says there was no tweaking of any kind and the GT2 and Turbo both ran on regular Porsche road tyres, the Michelin Sport Cup.

"We bought the car in the US. We drove a GT-R with new tyres," he says.

Achleitner was initially protective of the exact lap times, which were run during a program when Porsche also compared its upcoming four-door Panamera with a range of potential rivals.

But he eventually revealed his team clocked the GT-R at 7 minutes 54 seconds, with the 911 Turbo managing 7:38 and the GT2 getting down to 7:34.

The laps were not run by Porsche's usual hot-lap specialist, former world rally champion and race winner Walter Rohrl, but one of the company's chassis development engineers who is an expert on the Nurburgring.

Achleitner says the back-to-back comparison was run because Porsche was concerned by Nissan's claims for the GT-R, which is heavier than the 911 with similar power.

"The Nissan is a good car. I don't want to make anything bad with my words," he says.

"It's a very consistent car. But this car is about 20 kilos heavier than the Turbo . . ."

In the end, Porsche believes its testing has achieved the right lap times for the Skyline GT-R and benchmarked it against its own 911 heroes in the right context.

"For us it has been clearly the result. This technical puzzle now fits together. With the other numbers we had problems to understand it," he says.

Related articles:

Nissan hits back at Porsche cheat claim

The mighty German automotive machine has declared war on the one tonne utility market.

Volkswagen's commercial division has taken the wraps off a macho looking work and play 4x4 dual cab ute this week at the Hanover commercial vehicles show.

Called simply the Pickup, details of the vehicle are still sketchy at this stage.

But Volkswagen Australia says it will definitely have its hand up for the ute, with lucrative light commercial sales at stake.

The ute with a working name of Robust would go head to head with the likes of Toyota's HiLux, Nissan's Navara and the Holden Rodeo - to name a few.

Volkwagen Australia spokesman Karl Gehling said the ute would be a nice addition to the company's light commercial range.

Pickup will usher in a fourth series of light commercials for the company and is expected to go into production towards the end of 2009.

It will join the existing Caddy, Transporter and Crafter lines.

With the launch of the new ute, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will become the first volume manufacturer in Europe to enter the one-tonne pickup segment, with its high growth global potential.

According to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles boss Stephan Schaller, the key markets for the Pickup are the countries of South America, especially Brazil.

He also sees South Africa, Australia and South East Asia as being important markets for this universally adaptable commercial vehicle.

And the vehicle will also be introduced into the European market.

Overall sales projections for the new Pickup amount to around 100,000 units per year.

Pickup is expected to follow a front engine, rear drive format and will be built in left hand drive configuration in Argentina, initially for the South American market.

Right hand drive vehicles will follow and could be sourced from South Africa, with a 4x4 version also likely.

Measuring 5.18 metres in length and 1.9 metres wide, with flared guards, a bash plate and beefy off road rubber Pickup is no shrinking violet.

Power is expected to come from a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine, drawing on Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system for its off road ability.

With four doors and four seats it can be fitted out as either a work or recreational vehicle, with the ability to carry a standard size pallet in the tray between its rear wheel arches.

The Hanover show car has been fitted out as a search and rescue vehicle, with features such as GPS navigation, a CB radio, compass, and binoculars as well as a life-saving defibrillator, life jackets, flotation devices, blankets and a tool kit.

An array of futuristic hybrid concept cars, mainly from Japan, will join exotic supercars and new and updated models at the Darling Harbour show from October 9-19.

And there will be increased interest for children at this year's show with two family days featuring TV characters.

Organisers this week announced two new carmakers to the Australian scene, Cadillac and Isuzu, will unveil models at the show.

Cadillac will display its US award-winning 3.6-litre V6 CTS sedan ahead of its Australian showroom debut later this year.

Isuzu, meanwhile, will show its new D-Max range of one-tonne utes, in a return to the Australian car market. It is effectively the latest version of the Holden Rodeo which, designed by Isuzu, has sold here for the past 28 years.

But now Isuzu is selling the car under its own name. Holden has since released its Rodeo replacement, the Colorado.

Organisers say they will be among more than 40 concept vehicles and all-new or updated models on show. Futuristic fuel-efficient machines on display include the Mazda Taiki concept car, the Nissan Mixim electric car, Toyota's Hybrid X, the Lexus LF-Xh and the latest Suzuki Kizashi 3 machine.

Toyota will also be displaying its Camry hybrid, which will become the first locally made hybrid car when it goes on sale next year.

VW will have two of its BlueMotion economic range on show, a Passat and a Polo.

Nissan will show off its next generation GT-R supercar while Holden will have its Coupe 60 concept. Volvo's take on the future is on a different path. It will show the new

XC60 SUV, the latest in advanced safety technology — a car that avoids crashes by using distance-monitoring sensors. The City Safety technology seeks to prevent front-end collisions at speeds below 30km/h.

Safety will also be the theme on the RTA stand, where NSW cricket team players will make guest appearances to meet showgoers.

But the stars of every motor show are usually the ultimate exotic supercars. This year organisers have brought them together in the new Supercar Central area to showcase the latest in dream machines. Starring this year will be the $2 million Koenigsegg CCX, capable of just under 400km/h. Going from standing still to 100km/h takes just 3.2 seconds.

The super Swede will be joined by the $1.5 million Pagani Zonda Roadster, a new Elfin to be unveiled on opening day, a Lotus Elise S, Bolwell Nagari, Gemballa Avalanche GTR 800 Evo, Morgan Aero 8, Chamonix 550 Spyder and the retro Bufori La Joya.

Children's favourite TV character Roary The Racing Car will attempt to steal the limelight from the real cars, with two family days on each Saturday. Roary and his sidekicks, plus other TV characters, including Bob The Builder, will greet children and their families.

“Family day is extremely busy and in previous years we've found there's just not enough time to accommodate the huge number of children and families on one Saturday,” event organiser Robby Clark says.

“By adding an extra day dedicated to families and children, we can provide an even more enjoyable day for all visitors.”

Outside, 4WD fans will again be able to assess the value of the latest machines on the Waeco 4WD Action Track. Showgoers can

be chauffeured up and down the track, which includes serious rocks, hills and a see-saw.

Shannons has 25 rare and classic cars to display ahead of the last day auction. Last year the headline act was a Falcon GT-HO. This year a Ford from the same era, but of different heritage, will be the most valuable classic on show: a fully-restored American 1969 Boss 429 Mustang, complete with a 7.0-litre V8 engine (top speed above 320km/h), and likely to sell for between $320,000 and $350,000.

A '69 Falcon XW GT HO Phase I is expected to sell for up to $200,000, while Holden fans will admire a black, four-door 1977 Torana A9X and an original 1950 ute.

And a yellow and black NSW Z number plate is tipped to fetch up to $25,000.

SHOW STARS

Ten cars not to miss at the show

* Mazda Taiki

* Suzuki Kizashi 3

* Toyota Hybrid X

* Nissan Mixim

* Lexus LF-Xh

* Nissan GT-R

* Koenigsegg CCX

* Cadillac CTS

* Holden Coupe 60

* Peugeot 308 CC

Australian International Motor Show

Where: Darling Harbour Convention and Exhibition Centre

When: Thursday, October 9-Sunday, October 19

Opening hours: opening day 5pm-10pm, other weekdays 10am-10pm, Saturdays 9am-10pm, Sunday October 12 9am-9pm and Sunday October 19 9am-7pm

Tickets: adult $18, under 16 $11.50, under 5 free, senior $14, family of two adults and up to three children under 16 $44

Don't miss the official motor show program free in The Daily Telegraph on October 10.

Like the previous generation B7 version, the new model will be revealed in sedanand wagon versions with the likelihoodof a convertible further down the line.

And all of these are mounted on Audi's much-vaunted MDS platform.

Unlike the older S4, however, the B8 does away with the naturally aspirated 4.2-litreV8 in favour of an all-new 3.0-litre blown V6.

Though classified 3.0 TFSI - which usually signifies a turbo-charged direct injection mill - in this instancea supercharger is at play. Audi Australia spokeswoman Nadine Giusti says this is the marque's first use of this method since the Auto Union motorsport days of the 1930s.

Versions of various power will feature in several other Audi models, including a 213kW jobbie in the face-lifted A6 range, which might make it here in the second quarter of 2009.

But that will be preceded by the full cream S4 with peak output of 257kW from its 3.0-litre surpassing the 253kW in the old(pre-FSI) 4.2 V8. Total torque of 440Nm is there from 2500 to 4850rpm.

Audi claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.1 forthe sedan and an 80-120km/h burst of just4.4 seconds in fourth gear. This formidable output will go to road through the latest version of quattro all-wheel-drive viaa seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox.

While the blown six provides an even progression of engines through the A4-based range and a logical step up to the eventualB8 series RS4 with its bent eight mill, the new Audi S4 is also a direct riposte to BMW's 335i models with their seamless 225kW/400Nm twin turbo inline six and newly acquired seven-speed twin-clutch transmission.

Billed as Sports Automatic and available locally in the 335i coupe and convertiblefrom December, the transmission is derived from the superb M-DCT unit of the M3 and replaces the conventional Steptronic torque converter auto. While it's without the M3's 11-mode DriveLogic program, it does havea sports mode and launch control.

“A key difference is that it retains a more traditional automatic gearshift lever,” BMW spokesman Toni Andreevski says. “It's similar to that of the X5 and 5 Series and has to be moved from Park to Drive, as opposed to the sideways action of the M3.”

Audi's blurb takes a swipe at its Bavarian competitor: “Extensive testing on the bigV6 has proven the superiority of mechanical charging. In conjunction with direct injection it is far superior to twin turbochargers.”

Well, so says Audi. Whatever the case, the S4 versus 335i will make one of the most keenly awaited face-offs of 2009.

Be prepared: it's the motto of the Scouting movement and could just as easily be applied to the Scout, Skoda's entry into the compact sports utility vehicle market.

Based on the Octavia 4x4 wagon, the Scout is aimed at those who want a refined yet rugged vehicle with the practicality of a station wagon. That is, a model that is prepared for almost anything.

The Octavia Scout 4x4 has been developed to be as happy on the street as it is in mud, sand, snow, or on gravel.

Key to this flexibility lies in its second-generation Haldex clutch, which allows power to be transferred between the front and rear wheels when it is required, reacting faster than the first generation mechanism giving better traction on loose surfaces.

And with 180mm ground clearance and 17in Proteus alloy wheels, there's little terrain that can stop it in its tracks.

Power to the wheels comes from the tried and tested Volkswagen 2 litre TDI turbo-diesel engine with particulate filter as standard producing 103kW of power and 320Nm of torque via a six-speed manual transmission.

Acceleration from zero to 100km/h is a claimed 10.2 seconds, with a top speed of 197km/h.

The Scout is said to use 6.6 litres of fuel per 100km (43 miles per gallon) on the combined urban/highway cycle from a 60 litre tank and put out 178g of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

It will tow a trailer with brakes up to 1600kg, 650kg without.

At 4581mm, the Scout is 9mm longer than the standard Octavia 4x4 wagon and is 15mm wider and 17mm higher at 180mm, making the ground clearance 40mm greater than the two-wheel drive Octavia.

It also looks very different from its sibling with chunky bumpers at the front and rear, moulded side protective strips and profiled door sills, all giving greater protection for the bodywork.

Black roof rails reinforce the practical nature of the vehicle, as do circular fog lamps below the headlights.

Protective wheel-arch strips, unique kick plates on the front door sills and sump guards below the front and rear bumpers are all standard. A four-spoke multifunction steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake are trimmed in leather, while special seat fabric and a grab handle on the dashboard ahead of the passenger seat are unique to the SUV.

The wagon gets a swag of standard equipment including heated front seats, dual zone air-con, electronic stability control, six airbags, rear acoustic parking sensors, cruise control, twin chrome exhausts and unique Scout touches throughout the cabin.

And the generous 580 litres of rear cargo space can be increased to 1620 litres with both back seats folded flat.

Cargo can be anchored down by means of an expandable net and a privacy cover retracts at a single touch.

During a drive in the Victorian Alps over bitumen, gravel and in mud, the Scout proved to be all it claimed and more.

As well as producing a comfortable ride under sometimes trying conditions, the car never once lost its footing.

The cabin was welcoming and quiet, with little intrusive engine sound, and minimal road and wind noise even at the legal speed limit.

Altogether it's a surprisingly functional and smart package which, at a starting price of $39,990, takes it right up to rivals for value and versatility.

Options include Columbus satellite navigation ($2490) and the usual additions such as sunroof ($1730) Alacantara and leather seats ($2490), xenon headlights ($1730) and front park distance control ($490).

The Scout could suffer some initial sales resistance due to the fact there is no automatic gearbox on offer.

But it is already on a winner with former world surfing champion and Gold Coast resident Mark Ochilupo about to take delivery of one as a Skoda ambassador.

After rejecting the increase initially, the Senate has approved an increase in the tax from 25 percent to 33 percent after a second round of voting.

“This is an unsatisfactory outcome, made worse by further exemptions. It makes the Luxury Car Tax more confusing than ever,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase said.

“The concessions to the minor parties simply muddy the issue and, for car dealers, will add to the complexity of applying this unjustified tax.”

The Senate yesterday rejected an Opposition proposal to have the Government's planned luxury car tax increase applied only to vehicles worth more than $90,000.

All seven balance of power senators sided with the Government to vote down the Coalition amendments, 36 to 34.

The Government's legislation seeks to lift the luxury car tax, which applies to cars worth more than $57,180, from 25 per cent to 33 per cent.

An amendment by the Greens would exempt cars priced up to $75,000 if they use less than 7.0L/100km of fuel.

The Coalition yesterday sought to amend the Government's Bills so that only vehicles worth more than $90,000 would be taxed at the increased rate, while cars worth between $57,180 and $90,000 would be taxed at the current rate.

The Coalition believed such a change would ensure people with 4WDs and people movers would not be slugged with the increase.

The deputy leader of the Government in the Senate, Stephen Conroy, attacked the Opposition's proposal.

"This is just another part of the raid on the budget surplus,” he said.

"By lifting the tax threshold, they are giving a tax break to Porsche drivers.”

VACC now hopes the Henry Inquiry into taxation will have the courage to tackle the issue of Luxury Car Tax and recommend it be abolished.

“It is the VACC’s view that LCT is out-dated and unjust. How can cars attract a unique additional tax, when other ‘luxury’ items such as plasma TVs, holidays, and yachts do not?” Mr Purchase said.

^{Video: Bryce Levido.}

Competitors from around the country battled it out at Oran Park Raceway south of Sydney for two elusive spots at the World Championships to be held in the USA in November.

The event featured two full days of drifting action, which also included the Toyo Tyres Super Drift Series, Expression Sessions, Max Entry Speed runs and trick motorbike action.

Beau Yates (Toyota TRD AE86 Sprinter) won the final round with second place going to Adelaide’s Leighton “The Crab Man” Fine (Team CTS Nissan 180SX) who gained enough points to become the 2008 champion.

Third place went to Luke Fink (Holford Motors Nissan Silvia) with a strong performance all weekend.

Teaming up with its in-house electric-drive production/advanced technology team, ENVI, Chrysler have already fitted the Grand Voyager, the Jeep Wrangler and a Dodge performance sports car with the advanced electric–drive technology to give consumers a taste of what’s in store.

The car giant will produce a combination of all-electric vehicles, and range-extended vehicles that use a small petrol engine.

The all-electric vehicles use a simple three component system -an electric motor to drive the wheels, a lithium-ion battery to power the electric motor and a controller to manage energy flow.

The range-extended vehicle uses the same three component system but with a small petrol motor and electric generator for additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed.

Dodge EV

The rear-wheel drive Dodge EV is the only all-electric prototype. It produces 200kW and 650Nm and reaches 100kms/h in a very rapid sub five seconds, on its way to a top speed of 120.

With a continuous driving range of around 300kms, Chrysler claims the Dodge EV can travel more than three times the distance of the average daily commute for most Americans before needing a recharge.

Jeep EV

With range-extended electric technology, the Jeep EV produces 200kW and 400Nm. Using around 36 litres of petrol it can travel up to 650kms, including 65kms of all-electric power.

Chrysler EV

Outputting similar numbers to the Jeep for fuel economy, the Chrysler uses a 190kW motor that produces 350Nm of torque. It gets from 0-100kms/h in around nine seconds.

Sadly, none of them look like the three concept vehicles the American brand featured at this year’s Detroit Motor Show in January, but the pentastar bosses are adamant they are serious about alternative fuels.

“We have a social responsibility to our consumers to deliver environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, advanced electric vehicles, and our intention is to meet that responsibility quickly and more broadly than any other automobile manufacturer,” said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO – Chrysler LLC.

“The introduction of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicles provides a glimpse of the very near future, and demonstrates that we are serious and well along in the development of bringing electric vehicles to market.

“We’re not ready to announce what our first electric vehicle production model will be, but we are developing a full portfolio of electric vehicles and range-extended electric vehicles for production.

This technology will be applied to front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms over the next several years.”

The local utiltiies sales which has grown by 61% over the last five years, little wonder Isuzu is looking for a piece of the action.

The new D-MAX range includes 4x2 and 4x4 variants in ute and cab-chassis configurations, all powered by Isuzu’s reputed 3.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel, with up to 360Nm of torque and class-leading fuel economy.

“As a new entrant in the crowded Australian car market, Isuzu UTE is looking to its presence at AIMS to launch our exciting and economical new D-MAX Ute range to the public of greater Sydney,” said IUA’s managing director Hitoshi Kono.

The D-MAX is the latest version of the Isuzu-designed one-tonne ute range that has been sold in Australia as the Holden Rodeo for the last 28 years.

Isuzu owns the Rodeo name and IUA decided to adopt the worldwide D-MAX nameplate to link more closely with the reputation for excellence of Isuzu’s light commercial vehicles.

As well as being one of the world’s leading diesel engine manufacturers, Isuzu Motors is the world’s top-selling light-to-heavy truck brand, with a worldwide vehicle shipment volume totalling 642,000 last year.

Isuzu D-MAX will be among more than 40 concepts and all-new or updated vehicle models which will be unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show on October 9.

As with the first generation Mazda6 MZR-CD that it replaces, the newcomer will be available as a wagon or a hatch but with a 2.2-litre variable geometry turbo diesel that produces 136kW and an epic 400Nm. This output is well in advance of anything comparable in its class.

Pricing will be under $40,000. The diesels join a line-up that otherwise uses the same 125kW/226Nm 2.5-litre petrol from its entry-level $27,990 sedan to the $42,990 luxury sports hatch. But, as with the previous 6 diesel, its appeal will be greatly limited by the availability of a manual transmission only. Mazda Australia is unable to say when the company might produce or source the necessary automatic capable of harnessing this torque. Emission and consumption figures are yet to be ascertained, but the company is hopeful of achieving a figure of less than six litres per 100km.

Mazda's Glenn Butler says MZR-CD has more power and torque and will use less fuel than any diesel of similar capacity.

“People tend to think Europeans lead the way in diesel but none of our rivals get close,” Butler says.

Mazda has also announced a mostly cosmetic midlife update of its BT-50 utility pickup range, which retain their choice of four-cylinder diesels. Prices start at $23,295 for the DX 4X2 single cab with five-speed manual rising to $45,590 for the topline SDX 4X4 dual cab with five-speed automatic.