Pontiac G8 GXP laps Nurburgring in 8:30

The G8 GXP has garnered some serious love from the press and those lucky enough to drive it first hand. The ride has been called a "budget E39 M5" by several folks. And the comparisons may be well deserved, as Der Auto Inshiderfahvenberger is reporting that the GXP ran around the 'Ring in 8:30 -- a mere two seconds off the E39M5's time.

The run was supposedly set by one of the GXP's development engineers – not a professional driver – but as always, we're wary of any development mule setting "unofficial" lap times, particularly when a roll cage is fitted, aiding in chassis rigidity. Regardless, it's hard to argue with a four-door sedan coming in under $40-large and delivering this level of performance.