Let’s say you’re lucky enough to own a collection of classic and exotic Porsches. When it’s time for an engine rebuild on a 356 or 911SC, that task can be farmed out to any number of shops specializing in Porsche, since parts are available and neither model is very specialized.

On the other hand, when it’s time for a complete restoration on your 959 or original 550 Spyder, do you really want to trust that work to anyone other than Porsche itself? For customers that want Porsches restored to original specs, in some cases by the workers who originally built the car, there’s Porsche Classic.

Part of Porsche AG, Porsche Classic exists to restore and maintain classic road-going Porsches. They won’t touch your Porsche racer, since that’s the job of Rennsport, but they’ll to everything from routine maintenance to a rotisserie restoration on your classic street-legal Porsche.

The division also stocks parts for any car that’s 10 years out of production, ensuring that you can always get an exhaust manifold for that Porsche 928 you’ve been restoring. Parts can be ordered by any Porsche dealer worldwide, but they’ll always come from Porsche Classics 35,000-part inventory.

If you’re looking for custom work, look elsewhere. Porsche Classics won’t turn your 1980 911 into a 930 replica, but it will restore the car to as new specifications if that’s what your after. It’s no surprise, then, that a Porsche Classic restoration can add more value to a car than a complete restoration done by a third party shop. After all, no one on the planet knows Porsche as well as Porsche.

When it comes to having a lot of time on your hands, not many can compare to Fernando (Sheepo) who occupies himself by building some of the most interesting Lego vehicles. Fernando doesn’t just build small-scale Lego cars, this guy takes his builds to the next level by turning them into fully functional remote control Lego cars and trucks. One of his latest projects, a Land Rover Defender 110, is probably the most amazing Lego creation I have ever seen on a small scale.

For Fernando, the Land Rover is a supercar, as he explains on his Sheepo’s Garage blog. The Lego truck, among his other projects, is built from original Legos but has a fully functional radio control system with gears, disc brakes and a running engine to boot.

I welcome you to check out Fernando’s site where he posts about other Lego vehicles he has constructed such as a Porsche 911 Cab, Mini Cooper, Dodge Viper and Bugatti Veyron. His attention to detail in the realm of what you can do with Legos is simply astonishing. He has even entered the vehicles into competitions and of course walked away with a victory. Hit up the videos below to see some of his latest projects in action for yourself.

‘Superb Performance, Luxury and Infotainment’

Midsize crossover sport utility vehicles continue their strong demand by consumers looking for a vehicle that they can use for many purposes-comfortably transporting up to five adults, cargo carrying flexibility, and towing capabilities for their boat, atv’s, jet skis, etc, up to 3,500 pounds.

With its distinctive styling, high levels of performance, luxury, comfort infotainment inside and advanced technology inside, the new Platinum Edition is like no other crossover sport utility on the road.  This new addition to the Murano nameplate is distinguished by adding standard 20 inch aluminum alloy wheels, DVD players behind the front head restraints, and Nissan’s latest Navigation system.

All 2012 Murano’s feature a powerful yet fuel-efficient 260hp VQ-Series 3.5 liter, all-aluminum, DOHC V6 engine that incorporates a Twin Nissan Variable Induction Control system, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces.  Diamond Like Carbon coated valve lifters, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity mufflers round out this truly high-tech engine.  It is mated to a smooth and quiet advanced Xtronic CVT transmission that is one of the best that I have ever tested.  It also comes with Nissan’s Adaptive Shift Control that provides you with a sporty driving experience and the smoothness that only a CVT offers.

Murano is available in standard front-wheel drive or the optional Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system, and all Murano’s come with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control to help you maintain control of the vehicle when driving on the edge of adhesion in sharp turns.

Murano’s sculpted exterior features a wide front end with a dynamic front fascia design and wide grille.  Murano is again available with quad-cylinder style HID, bi-functional Xenon projector headlights and standard foglamps to lighten the darkness up ahead and increase your safety.  The wide hood sweeps into the sculpted dynamic bodylines, with pronounced wheel arches that the Platinum’s 20X8 inch tires and wheels fill up giving it a more aggressive stance.  Large chrome door handles and optional roof rails add both functionality and visual accents.  Murano’s equally distinctive rear end features a unique rear glass shape that flares out, integrated rear roof spoiler and large rear LED taillights that accents the body side character lines.  Dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips give the rear another aggressive look.  My loaded Platinum model came with rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, and a large dual panel power glass moonroof with 2^nd row skylight that provided an open-air experience for the rear seat passengers.

Nissan’s advanced ‘D’ platform provides a solid foundation for family adventure-style crossover duties and fun.  This platform, which is similar to that used in the 2011 Altima, has been optimized for Murano using aluminum and high-strength lightweight steel.

Taking advantage of the premium rigid and torsional structure is the standard four-wheel independent suspension also with an extensive use of lightweight aluminum for a reduction in unsprung weight.  The suspension design features cradle-type front subframe and multi-link rear design with improved geometry and large front and rear stabilizer bar, provides increase stiffness with no noise, vibration or harshness.  The suspension in combination with high performance dual flow path gas-charged shocks helps provide sure footing and increased ride comfort on rough surfaces.

Helping to guide you around slow moving city traffic, at high speeds on the freeways and when busting trails if you order the AWD model, is the twin-orifice speed-sensitive power rack & pinion steering system that provides the proper levels of boost with excellent feel for the road, quick reaction to your inputs and a great on-center feel.  It was a pleasure guiding this exceptional CUV around town and on the freeways.

Quickly and safely slowing the Murano Platinum down from speed are great, 4-wheel disc brake with vented discs at all four wheels, very unique.  Up front are 12.6 inch rotors clamped with dual-piston calipers and 12.1 inch discs in the rear clamped with single-piston calipers.  Keep your in control during severe braking time and when braking on slick or wet pavement are standard ABS, EBD and BA.

Open the doors of the new Platinum and view a sumptuous, well designed interior cabin with the latest technology, safety and infotainment features.

The 8-way power bucket driver and 4-way passenger seats are double-stitched, very comfortable and very supportive with a memory system for two drivers.  The beefy leather wrapped steering wheel features power tilt-telescoping for the optimal angle and reach.  The advanced ‘mobile suite’ interior, embodying warmth and modern style starts from its sweeping instrument panel, easy-to-see instrument cluster, it its wide console, all with ambient lighting.  The center console features rich wood trim, dual cupholders and two-tiered storage box under the padded armrest.  The 60/40 fold-flat rear seat is available with a convenient power return feature, with the touch of a button on either side, while heated seats are standard front and back.  The back also features a pull-down center armrest with dual cupholders.

Standard equipment in the new Platinum Edition Murano not mentioned above includes wood tone trim on the door switch plates, console, cruise-control with steering wheel controls, rear view TV camera, 7 inch QVGA color display, Bose audio system AM-FM-CD with 9-speakers and dual subwoofers, XM satellite radio, USB with interface system for iPod, Bluetooth hands free phone with steering wheel buttons, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control with front/rear vents, Nissan Intelligent key with keyless entry, push button start/stop, power front windows with express up-down, power door locks, dual pane sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-remote/heated sideview mirrors, Homelink Universal garage door opener, grab handles above each door, dual map lights, dual lighted vanity mirrors, aluminum door kick plates, dual head-restraints mounted monitors,  voice recognition, floor mats with carpeted cargo area with under floor storage, and three 12-volt DC power outlets.

Standard safety features include driver/front passenger front/side and curtain airbags, active head restraints, LATCH system for child seats, rear side curtain airbags, 3-point safety belts with front pretensioners/load limiters, front/rear crush zones and side impact steel beams.

The new 2012 Nissan Platinum Edition puts the proven Murano up to a higher level competing against the best luxury crossover vehicles from Germany and Japan.

Copyright: 2012 Harvey Schwartz

SPECIFICATIONS

• Price: Base Murano S MSRP $29,960 As-Tested $42,840.00 including destination charges
• Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC V6 260 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm 240 lb.ft. torque @ 4,400 rpm
• Turning circle: 38.1ft.
• Wheelbase: 111.2 inches
• Total length: 189.9 inches
• Total height: 67 inches with roof rails
• Total width: 74.1 inches
• Track: f/r-63.4/63.4 inches
• Minimum ground clearance: 7.4 inches
• Breakover angle: 15.8
• Approach angle: 28.8
• Departure angle: 25.7
• Headroom: f/r-40.1/39.4 inches with moonroof
• Legroom: f/r-43.6/36.3 inches
• Curb weight: 4,025lbs.
• Fuel tank: 21.7 gallons
• Passenger volume: 140.4cu.ft.
• Cargo volume: 31.8 cu.ft. with 2^nd row upright
• Cargo volume: 64.5 cu.ft. with 2^nd row folded flat
• EPA fuel economy: 18mpg/city 24mpg/highway

The 2013 BMW 135is coupe. Image: BMW AG

BMW’s 1 Series M is heading out of production, and (as far as we know) all inventory has already been spoken for. If you missed your chance to buy one, BMW will soon offer you the next best thing: the 2013 135is.

Available in both coupe and convertible flavors, the 135is comes with a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, good for 320 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. A performance exhaust system ensures that the car sounds good, too, and a larger capacity radiator should be able to handle the stress of summer track days. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual transmission or BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, ensuring that the 135is has broader appeal than the 1 Series M.

The 2013 BMW 135is convertible. Image: BMW AG

Underneath, the 135is gets a sport suspension, although we’re pretty sure it won’t allow the same cornering speeds as the M-designed suspension on the 1 Series M. The 135is comes with the now-required electronic stability control, but traction and stability control can be dialed back for a bit more fun on dry roads. For track days, both systems can be defeated entirely, which is good news for driving enthusiasts.

The 2013 BMW 135is interior. Image: BMW AG

The cars will hit dealer showrooms this fall, with prices starting at $44,145 for the coupe and $48,845 for the convertible. We doubt these will be limited production, either, meaning that there should be plenty of inventory for all interested customers.

We don’t want to sound ungrateful, but quite frankly we’d rather see the M135i hatchback that Europe is getting. Forget the idea that Americans don’t want hatchbacks, especially when they look as good as the M135i three-door hatchback concept that BMW exhibited in Geneva.

The new Scion FR-S, along side of the Subaru BRZ, will be among the most affordable new rear-wheel-drive sports cars around. To demonstrate the sportiness that can be had for just over 24 grand, Scion has released its new FR-S commercial reiterating how the ‘Sport Is Back’.

All together, the new 2013 Scion FR-S commercial seems to be well thought-out and enthusiast driven. Even the drift action will raise the eyebrows of non-carbuffs who may cultivate a desire within them to check out the most exciting thing to hit a Toyota/Scion dealership showroom in a very long time.

The new 2013 Scion FR-S will officially go on sale June 1^st with a starting MSRP of $24,930.

Porsche's latest Boxster. Image: Porsche AG

When it comes to reports about future models from Porsche, here’s a bit of free advice: believe about half of what you hear. Earlier this year, sources reported that Porsche had stopped work on an entry-level sports car that was to slot in below the Boxster. Why? Because the sales gains wouldn’t offset the dilution of the brand, and because Porsche (at that moment, anyway) had its eyes on higher-end, higher-performance models with larger profit margins.

Fast forward to March, when Porsche insisted that the sub-Boxster, code named the 551, was very much alive but possibly delayed for a “new generation” of buyers. Now comes word from Automotive News (subscription required) that plans for an entry-level roadster have been scrapped in fear of alienating traditional Porsche customers. In other words, not everyone is supposed to be able to afford a Porsche.

Rumors of a new sedan in the Porsche lineup have been downplayed, too. Last week, some outlets reported that Porsche had begun work on a smaller version of the Panamera, in order to combat sales of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This actually makes some financial sense, since the Panamera sedan has been a sales success for the brand.

Now comes word that Porsche has “no immediate plans” to develop such a model, although it could be added to the product line in five or six years. In other words, Porsche is neither confirming nor denying any reports of future models at this time, but don’t expect that to stop the rumor mill.

Earlier this past weekend, a horrific crash between a rare Ferrari 599 GTO and a taxi cab claimed three lives. The accident took place on an intersection where the Ferrari allegedly ran a traffic light with excessive speed crashing into a taxi cab full of passengers.

The unfortunate circumstances of this accident bring about a harsh reality of those who fail to obey the rules of the road. Just recently, a video of this incident taking place was posted online from the dashboard cam of some very lucky individuals crossing the same intersection.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the three individuals who died as a result of this dreadful crash. Please people, be safe out there.

Sean Kennedy, about to drive Mark Heidaker's Ford GT into the record books.

The concept is pretty simple: find a straight, wide and under-utilized concrete runway, preferably as long as possible. Invite the fastest cars and bikes you can find to drop the hammer for a set distance, usually a half or full mile, and document the results. That was the recipe for success followed by last weekend’s Houston Half Mile, which builds on the success of similar events such as the Texas mile.

At last Saturday’s Houston Half Mile event, Mark Heidaker’s 2,000 horsepower Ford GT (tuned by Hennessey Performance) ran 212.9 mph over the half mile with driver Sean Kennedy behind the wheel. As far as we can tell, that’s a new world record for a production-based car, and it easily beat the half-mile speed of 204 mph set by Kennedy in the same car during this year’s Texas Mile. That means owner Heidaker and driver Kennedy now own both the standing mile and the standing half mile speed records, which is no minor accomplishment given the number of participants.

The record speed in the standing mile sits at 257.7 mph, so the new benchmark is 260 mph. If conditions are right, expect the team to break the 260 mph barrier at the next Texas Mile event, coming in late October.