The 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 might be the optimal sports car

What more can be said about the Porsche Cayman GT4 that hasn’t been said already about the Cayman S and GTS? Take the best sports car under $100k, give it more power, grip and aero, keep it under $100k still, and it keeps the title. And of course, one of the best overall sports cars period. Mid-engine, light weight, powerful and Porsche quality adds up to a near perfect package.

This 2016 GT4 is a gorgeous Sapphire Blue on 20” thin spoke wheels showing lots of big brakes and red calipers. The 20” wheels allow and dictate great body curves with an aggressive but not overly obtrusive wing. Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes, also known as PCCBs were not chosen due to the cost of the option and replacement cost if the car is tracked regularly.

This GT4 will likely be tracked at least once, and always driven with passion. The owner knows Porsches and previous cars he’s owned being a 996 GT3 and 997 GT3 RS 3.8 with lap times at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca of 1:37.7 and 1:36.369 respectively on Hoosier R6 DOTs. So rest assured this car will be driven as designed, and represented very well. Tidbit: The GT4’s front axle from the 911 GT3.

Typical Porsche quality and workmanship is featured throughout the cabin, even the pull straps in lieu of door handles are designed and installed with care and a smooth, bolt-action precision feel when opening the door from within; from a pull strap mechanism, no less! The deep, one-piece carbon fiber backed lightweight sport buckets from the 918 Spyder are very comfortable once you get used to the
fixed, upright backrest angle. However, they have an extremely wide range of height adjustment and plenty of leg room. One interior complaint is the parking brake switch, never knowing which direction activates it versus release, and the sound is noticeable. Sometimes leaving an intrusive manual lever is best.

The GT4 3.8 liter boxer 6 cylinder engine is from the Porsche 911, supposedly filling up the available space so that the PDK dual-clutch won’t fit, leaving only a manual, albeit with very tall gearing, one of the few complaints about the car. Rated at 385hp, Car & Driver magazine tested it in the ¼ mile in 12.3 seconds at 117mph; roughly the same as the new Corvette manual. This is easily a high 11-second car if it had the PDK transmission, especially with more aggressive ratios. The EPA rating isn’t exceptional at 18 city and 23 highway. Do you care about that in a high performance car? The curb weight is only 3,050 pounds!

The owner reports the brakes are extreme, the massive rotors along with the 245-front, 295-rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s mounted on 8.5” and 11” wheels had a 70mph-0 braking distance of 151 feet which is exceptional. Understeer has been reported by the magazines but keyboard warriors probably don’t know an aggressive, track-oriented alignment could change that. From a lapping perspective, Randy Pobst, clocked a 1:37.43 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. This is quicker than the new Corvette and any other sub-500hp car. except of course, a 997 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 3.8 liter. Motor Trend used to have a summary of their excellent "Laguna Lap" reference, but now Fastestlaps.com is keeping track for therm.

The sport exhaust has a great tone, very sporty yet not overly obtrusive nor obnoxious. It fits its size, power and intent. Especially with the auto rev-match downshifting which makes anyone sound like a pro. The Cayman GT4 is easily a daily driver or a track star with a purity that is quickly going away: Normally aspirated, light weight, rear wheel drive, no hybrid assist, manual transmission yet still livable and practical enough despite the mid-engine layout with impressive performance. Does it really get any better?

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Pirelli World Challenge is the best racing you have never seen

On Sunday, September 13th of this year, the best racing in the western hemisphere concluded its season at nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca but few actually witnessed it. Why is it so good? Because the Pirelli World Challenge GT cars are closely related to what is sold to the public, it is a 50 minute sprint, and the action is fierce. The short race duration means it is easy to follow without a
scoreboard, there is no pit stop, driver change or fueling strategy. It is intense and spectator friendly.

The problem is awareness, competition from another series, lack of a timely broadcasts on a major network and overall malaise regarding auto racing in the US. Imagine seeing your favorite exotic and performance cars racing neck and neck in a big group of twists and turns. These are not overweight, under-tired, under-braked special construction cars that go around in circles with no relation
whatsoever to what is on the street.

This series features raced prepped models such as: Ferrari 458, Porsche GT3, McLaren 650S, Mercedes SLS, Audi R8, Bentley Continental, Nissan GT-R, Aston Martin Vantage, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW Z4, Cadillac ATS-V* and Acura TLX*. The last two are notable because of the extreme modifications to allow them to participate and be competitive. The ATS-V is essentially a purpose-built race car with the engine relocated much further back in the chassis. Same with the Acura but all wheel drive is added. So neither translates well at all to the street version, but manufacturer involvement is always good and the racing is close.

For some reason there are no privateers racing Corvettes unlike past years. The base LT1 engine would need modifying and the Z06 LT4 engine is unsuitable for motorsport circuit racing because it is supercharged. Next year will likely see the Lamborghini Huracan making an appearance. And soon the Ferrari 488 GTB will show up as well, but detuned like the McLaren, down to roughly 550hp to
keep parity. Parity is always a topic of debate, the desire to keep the racing close yet still let the cars do the talking. Since the Viper,  McLaren, Ferrari are all over 600hp stock now, and Porsche has had 600hp-plus production engines, it would be a good time to let the cars run at stock power levels instead of de-tuned.

The series had multiple support races occurring over the weekend as well as some vendor booths for the fans that always have some really cool clothes, memorabilia, artwork and more. The Maserati Trofeo race sounds and looks great, but isn’t the fastest. Unfortunately the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) series is diluted with multiple, slower classes that make tracking and caring about the results too complicated. GTS, GTA, TC, TCA, TCB etc. is just too much. Granted amateurs should be recognized as well as the pros, but this many classes just makes for a big, “Who cares?” Most fans just want to know the finish order, not what classes did what. It was purer when it was just GT and Touring Car only.

The final race was an exciting one, with hard charger Olivier Beretta moving up from 12th in his Ferrari 458 GT3 challenging Johnny O’Connell in the factory Cadillac ATS-VR GT3 for 3rd place with 10 laps to go. A bad pass attempt by Beretta spun them both, and a drive-through penalty still had Beretta ahead of O’Connell for the series championship but unfortunately contact with the wall 4 laps before the finish gave the championship O’Connell and Cadillac, their 4th consecutive one. Just shows what a great race car Cadillac built and what a great race car driver Johnny O’Connell is. Even if you scoff at a factory effort, special construction car competing against the exotics, it is still a notable accomplishment.

Next year Nissan will be involved with the GT-R (one of the taller race cars), the aforementioned Ferrari and Lamborghini will appear as well as the Mercedes AMG GT. The Pirelli World Challenge series will be in the Bay Area twice in 2016. First at Sonoma Raceway the weekend of September 17th & 18th and back at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca October 8th & 9th. Don’t miss it this time!

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The 2015 San Francisco International Auto Show review

The 58th annual San Francisco International Auto Show is being held Saturday, November 21st through Sunday, November 29th at the Moscone Center featuring thirty-eight of the major manufacturers in in the world. Skipping Thanksgiving, the show hours go until 9pm except Friday and Saturdays until 10pm. Tickets are a bargain at only $10, and children under 12 are free. Just make sure they respect the cars…

Numerous special attractions are always part of the show such as special interest vehicles and driving simulators. Test drives are available, and although downtown San Francisco is hardly ideal, bumpy city streets and a short stint on the highway can reveal a lot. Ford, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Smart and Toyota all offer test drives, including some electric models. If you're attending or a shopper, be sure to stop by the Myhopscotch.com car buying service booth and enter to win a $1000 cash prize. Changing the car buying experience, they claim a $4480 average savings for their clients.

The Academy of Art Classic Car Collection is always impressive, with excellent examples on display. Be sure to find the Auto Salon, it can be easily missed in the Esplanade Ballroom. Race cars from past and present in Gasoline Alley can have some highlights as well as real duds. The Ferrari Club of America is gracious enough to have cars on display, always an open question of what will be there, past and present models. The classic car collection is a must see for aficionados this year but the Ferrari display is by owners and has no new models.

Some of the featured cars from each make are roped off. The Corvette Z06, the Hellcat Charger, Cadillac CTS-V, Lexus GS-F, Porsche 918 Spyder, Audi R8, and Ford GT350 could not be accessed. There is no Viper or Viper ACR, no Acura NSX, no Ford GT, no Porsche GT3, or any new Ferrari. Bentley and Maserati have limited access areas for good reason because their cars look amazing.

How they manage the crowds and sticky hands from children must be a sight to see. The Japanese automakers seem to all be moving towards taillights that sweep forward into the side body of the car, a trend they really need to move away from, and quickly.

Surprises included a Pagani Huayra, Bugatti Veyron, and the Porsche 918. The race car display should be relocated to the esplanade where the Auto Salon cars are located since they are harder to find and far more interesting. However since many are roped off with hoods closed, repetitive four door sedans and few if any fact sheets, it was rather boring along with limited photo opportunities because of being parked so close together and roped off. The “stance” cars all look like they have broken axles and as for the modified ones, an enthusiast in California would ask how many have actually seen a track or a passing smog certificate? In theory, with 40 awards to be handed out, just nearly every car there can win one. It is a must see, regardless of your opinion of them.

The show is excellent, providing variety for everyone and the $10 entry fee a bargain considering parking will cost more than the entry fee. The spokespersons in attendance are knowledgeable about the cars for the average shopper and if they don’t know an answer, are able to obtain answers when asked. The show appeals to enthusiasts, shoppers and the curious looking for something to do. Be sure to attend the best new car auto show in Northern California.

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The Quail Motorsports Gathering expands in 2015

Not much can be said about The Quail automotive event that hasn’t been already. Held on Friday, August 14th at The Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Carmel-By-The Sea. It was the must-attend event on that day. When one stays at a “car show” from 8:30am to 4pm as an attendee, you know it is something very special. I was barely able to wrap my head around its awesomeness, I finally set out to experience a variety of cuisines and they were amazing. This year the show expanded across the street at the expense of very close parking to include additional displays, vendors and food tents.

Ferrari was prominently on display this year, whether it was the spectacular custom coachbuilt Ferraris that seemed underappreciated, a gaggle of F50s which is almost unheard of in the US or a couple of LaFerraris with stunning paintwork.

Other categories were the Long Tail Cars of Le Mans, Iconic Pre-1965 Porsches, Pre-War Sports & Racing, Post-War Sports, Supercars, and Sports & Racing Motorcycles. The manufacturer displays were amazing as always. BMW in the center with their colorful 3.0 CSL Hommage R, Bentley had their stunning 1/1 EXP 10 Speed 6, Lamborghini President Stephan Winkelmann presented the world debut of the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster, Pagani had a large display with a bunch of cars cleverly spread out for lots of photo opportunities. Porsche had the 911 GT3 RS and the previous generation RS 4.0. Also, Acura, Audi, Cadillac, Koenigsegg, Lincoln, Maserati, Rolls Royce (that Wraith!) and others all had the latest or amazing on their stages. The stunning Speedback GT, a rebodied, reimagined Jaguar XKR by David Brown Automotive harkened back to the days of custom coachwork sports cars.

Speaking of custom, the Coachbuilt Ferraris were extra special. Based on the blazing fast F12 grand tourer, the elegance of the Touring Superleggera Berlinetta Luso matched the name beautifully. Another highlight was the visit by the Ford GT350s who were racing and hotlapping at nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. And several of those GT350s were brand new if you catch my drift…

The food pavilions featuring the cuisines from Bangkok, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Hong Kong, New York and Paris were absolutely delicious, representing locations of the Peninsula Hotels. Spending the entire day from media preview to close meant sampling nearly everything. Unfortunately, this meant missing the nearby Bonhams Auction although the walk there was like attending an exotic car show in itself. In the other direction, the Porsche Zentrum building featured the Porsche Cayman GT4.

Always entertaining, the Fireside Chat with German Formula One Champion Jochen Mass delighted the crowd with accounts of his 114 Formula One World Championship Grand Prix races while interviewed by Alain de Cadenet. British Sports Car Racing Champion DerekBell and his son, Justin Bell, British race car driver and renowned U.S.-based media personality traded stories from their combined decades-long careers on the main stage .

In the morning, The Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, joined by William E. Connor and Christian Philippsen opened the day by detailing plans for a new international automotive award, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best. Starting in 2016, the new award will bring together the best of show winners from six of the top concourse events from around the globe to The Quail stage, to compete for the title of the most exceptional car in the world. Truly a destination event in itself.

This year, the Best of Show went to the 1968 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale seen in the slideshow. Exclusive, and expensive, The Quail is a unique and splendid experience that every enthusiast should include on their bucket list.

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The McCall Motorworks Revival party of magical machines with tires

Kicking off the Monterey Car Week, Gordon McCall’s Motorworks Revival celebrated its 24th anniversary on Wednesday, August 12th, 2015. Held at the Monterey Jet Center in two hangers, the party once again thoroughly entertained all who attended. Starting at 5pm with a photo opportunity and being greeted with a flute of Champagne, it was a red carpet experience.

Seemingly more aviation themed than the past few years, automotive and motorcyclist enthusiasts were not disappointed. There are not many other events where you can speak with Horace Pagani in front of his artful supercars or with Christian von Koenigsegg at his One:1 display. There were many other notable displays. Honda brought their new NSX as well as the HondaJet aircraft, Maserati, Singer Porsche, McLaren with a 650S Spider and 570S and seeing the new Ford GT in person was a real treat. Mecum brought in vehicles to preview before their auction at the Hyatt as well which was another photo opportunity.

Tickets started at $350 or $425 the day of the event, but besides the airplanes, helicopters, and all types of wonderful automobiles, guests enjoyed complimentary champagne and wines from Bernardus and Roederer Estate along with delicious hors d'oeuvre and lite bites, an oyster bar and various desserts. It was quite divine from a culinary perspective besides a visual perspective.
Benefitting the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation for spouses and children of fallen officers, an auction was held featuring a 1956 356 Porsche replica, a Baume Mercier Capeland chronograph timepiece, a four-day driving experience at the Bondurant High Performance School of Driving, a vintage styled electric bike with CHP motif and a collection of products donated by CosBar of Carmel.

And of course well known attendees included Keanu Reeves, Wayne Carini, Adam Carollla and Reggie Jackson. Other notables from the motorsports arena included last names such as Bondurant, Brock, Sullivan, Rainey and Lawson. The only minor negative was not enough seating for the ladies in their glamorous attire with corresponding shoes. The thoughtful gift bag included a very nice color program, bottled water, a McCall hat and some little snacks. Truly a kickoff, it’s a sneak peak of all the awesome cars that are seen or spotted throughout the week with access like none other. It’s an opportunity to feel like a VIP, to truly attend and experience something magical among works of art and science that happen to have tires.

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The 59th annual Hillsborough Concours D'Elegance

Located at the ideal setting of a golf course and notably the last remaining Concours show in the Bay Area, the 59th annual Hillsborough Concours D’elegance was held July 19th at Crystal Springs Golf Course in Burlingame, CA. One would expect lots of road noise from the nearby I-280 expressway but that isn’t he case, nor is it what attendees heard.

Despite the hot weather, and thankful it wasn’t a pavement based show with heat reflecting off the asphalt, the commentary on the public address system by the ever-smooth John Joss was delightful. And so was the variety of automobiles, from pre-war luxury cars, newer exotics, racers, a small collection of motorcycles and basically everything that is cool whether old, new, slow or fast. Rolling
artwork and sculptures, as always.

Heavy on giving back, the Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organization. There are numerous other sponsors and charities involved. One particularly special moment was the remembrance of friends of the show that had since passed on. Instead of a moment of silence, it was a rev-off. A superbly clever idea of revving the engines of the participating cars at the top of the pre-announced hour as a tribute to those no longer with us. A great and memorable idea.

Hopefully the show will continue its wonderful existence with its outstanding community support and sponsors as a premier event in the Bay Area while a preview of the Monterey Weekend at a fraction of the cost. Be sure to check out the website for more information, the class winners and the Best of Show, a stunning 1964 Ferrari 250LM.

The snarling supercharged Jaguar F Type R coupe

Jaguar wowed the performance car arena when it introduced the voluptuously curved F-Type coupe. A front engine two seater available as both a coupe and a convertible, the more seductive model is actually the one that cannot take off its top.

This particular 2015 example is the supercharged R model producing 550hp routed to the rear wheels via an 8 speed automatic torque converter transmission. This particular combination is extremely responsive and with the Dynamic Mode, the exhaust provides regular conversation of the impolite kind. The Type R sounds so good, the engine start-up helped close the sale of this particular example.

The owner, an experienced track day participant has had a variety of high performance cars,
most recently a Mercedes C63 coupe which is possibly one of the best all-around performance
cars on in the sub $100k market. But it isn’t exotic and visceral as this fast feline. The Nissan GT-R was briefly considered but should be part of the Infinity dealer experience, not Nissan. And the styling is dated and definitely lacks artsy, enticing curves.

This one is Ultimate Black with a nice metallic flake, optional blacked out trim and darkened wheels. A nice touch and partially addressing the widely reported tail happiness, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires upgraded one size to 265s in the front and 305s in the rear. When on public roads, the limits are extremely high, and only a fool would explore them with stability control switched off. To experience
the tail happiness, you’re either drifting or going way, way above the posted speed limit.

Some also say the interior is space is too tight but there are much more cramped two-seaters on the market. This one fits two six foot plus adults easily. Extra passenger legroom beyond what was needed was limited; reclining the 14-way adjustable seat meant having the seat bottom automatically move forward, or moving the seat back meant the backrest automatically moving upright. It was done quietly without the sound of creaking leather at the limit of seat travel. Another refined touch was the fact that the footwell didn’t get warm despite multiple blasts of acceleration. The interior is eautifully finished in black trim accents, black leather and red stitching. Configurable lighting adds a custom touch and the flat bottom steering wheel looks aggressive and was part of the blackout package.
Everything looks properly luxurious, designed with care and well made.

Multiple aspects are especially appreciated, per the owner. The sound of course, yet the mufflers can be hushed with a rocker switch on the center console! The styling is exceptional, it’s very omfortable and a quiet cruiser at speed on the highway and the adjustable shocks make for a nicely compliant ride. Another surprise for the owner….no squeaks or rattles!

Asked about any disappointments, a little bit of slop in the knobs and buttons was one item, although they looked quite good. Also his opinion was that the Meridian Sound System was lacking. What is appreciated about the ’15 model from a purist’s perspective, is the rear wheel drive. The 2016 R models are all wheel drive only.

The F-Type R is a sexy beast that sounds far better than the supercharged V-6 non-R models. Truly a fun, curvaceous grand touring two seater that makes for a strong argument for a fast, engaging personal luxury coupe with real sounds and organic curves that is immensely fun to drive but practical enough for a trip to the grocery store or the gym.

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Abolish wasteful and unfair HOV Lanes and FasTrak restrictions

HOV lanes waste gasoline and are bad for the environment. How often have you sat idling, virtually motionless when an occasional vehicle drives by? How about watching the traffic reports on the news and seeing the HOV lanes severely underutilized while hundreds or thousands of cars sit idle or barely moving? Imagine the wasted fuel and exhaust emissions as tens or hundreds of thousands of
vehicles sitting twice a day for hours while an adjacent lane is open. Let’s toss in the ill-conceived notion of FasTrak access while we’re at it.

Wasting gas and contributing to polluting the environment are the major drawbacks of HOV lanes. Discriminatory access is patently unfair. Productivity delays and wear and tear are secondary. The intent of the expressway system is to allow as much traffic as possible to move efficiently and safely. That’s it, no other function or purpose. People will carpool if possible. They already use mass transit when they can. The cost of living is high, gas prices are never satisfactory, automobiles are expensive and people will carpool with the incentive of reducing costs. Penalizing other drivers by forcing them into less lanes while one lane is underutilized is nearly criminal in its stupidity, discrimination and environmental impact.

The original intent of the carpool lanes is to encourage or reward people who share rides going to work. Let's look at who it penalizes:

1. Company employees who don't have co-workers living near each other.
2. People whose schedules require them to do things outside of the normal commute to work and home. This could include children, classes, gym, errands, appointments, etc.
3. Any employee whose job requires travel such as sales, repair, delivery, services, either regularly or sporadically.
4. Flex-hour" employees who drive before 9am or after 3pm.
5. Any person who is off work during the week and must plan on traffic back-ups during the week while attending to personal business.
6. Those that cannot afford, need or can drive a qualified hybrid or electric vehicle. How many minivans and pick-up trucks qualify for carpool lanes? Should they qualify? We’ll address that too.

Now let's look what at the NEGATIVE aspects of more cars forced into LESS lanes
means:

1. Long back-ups consume more gas. Far more than the gas saved by the carpools.
2. Carpool lanes contribute to congestion. Every commuter on 280, 680, 237, 85, San Tomas, etc. recognizes this every weekday. They force traffic into less available lanes. One estimate is twenty percent greater congestion: www.thenewspaper.com/news/10/1047.asp
3.  Longer back-ups cause more pollution. These are environmental disasters in every area where thousands of cars idle while there are under-utilized lanes that would allow the average speed of all traffic to increase significantly.
4. Delays, pollution and consuming more gas negatively affect the economy. The money spent could be channeled elsewhere.
5. Large speed differentials in two different lanes is dangerous due to visual perception, merging, etc.

And of course the failed logic of both carpool and FasTrak lanes:

1. FasTrak lanes are not enforceable. Many don’t have cameras to count occupants and how will it count rear seat occupants anyway. FasTrak lanes with license plate cameras cannot know how many occupants a registered FasTrak owner has in the vehicle, penalizing the FasTrak owner if not solo when in a monitored lane. It’s ridiculous in the sheer stupidity.
2. Enforcement is unrealistic. Wasting police time and slowing traffic spotting solo drivers only to find out there is a small child or infant obscured by legally tinted windows. Cameras won’t work for the same reason.
3. Why do more fuel efficient vehicles get to travel more efficiently when less efficient vehicles are stuck in inefficient back-ups?
4. Why do two people in a 15mpg truck have HOV access instead of an over 40mpg diesel (Update: actually 50mpg until the upcoming VW recall) in the regular lanes? Why are 40mpg gas/diesel vehicles not allowed when a hybrid SUV is allowed, possibly with a solo occupant is getting 28mpg and likely far less.
5. If the HOV lanes are fully utilized, then all the lanes are at capacity so what difference does it make that there is a restricted one?
6. And finally, why do archaic toll booths even continue to exist? To waste more fuel due to congestion?

The current and proposed incentives are also illogical. Motorcyclists, electric vehicle and (most) hybrid owners don’t need discounts, they are already saving fuel! Taxing gasoline isn’t a solution because hybrids and electric vehicles don’t consume as much gas but they still contribute to highway wear. The ride-sharing public? They already recognized savings and discounts by their act alone.
There is a real hypocrisy with hybrid SUVs and luxury sedans that are efficient, but do not "save" fuel consumption versus a less powerful or smaller sized vehicle. In other words, a larger, heavier or more powerful hybrid whose fuel efficiency is the same as a non-hybrid still receives a carpool sticker. This makes no sense.

If revenue must be realized by vehicles on the road then the best method is a reader system like the Washington State “Good To Go!” program. Their solution is a coded decal on the windshield or motorcycle headlight or a license plate mounted unit and supplemented by license plate readers for those who don’t have an account. Every vehicle on the road then accounts for its presence. Those who do not have an online account or credit card on file will simply be mailed a monthly bill. But NO method should ever be used to restrict lane access.

The bottom line is carpool lanes need to be abolished. All lawful drivers have the right to use all the lanes. If revenue must be raised, the only fair, logical, environmentally friendly and enforceable method to collect funds is license plate cameras or coded windshield decal headers regardless of the vehicle type of number of occupants. Its time our local and state representatives as well as CalTrans wake up and do what is right for commuters and the environment. Until then, the rest of us should drive in whatever lane is available and most efficient.

2015 Porsche Cayman GTS review and test drive

The 2015 Porsche Caymen GTS is the now the best all-around sports car under one hundred thousand dollars, replacing the prior title holder, the Porsche Caymen S. Take everything the prior S model is, add horsepower and a more track and driver oriented, visceral demeanor while retaining streetability, and that is the GTS. Besides horsepower, it adds a new body kit, a sport exhaust system, 20”
wheels and a lower ride height versus the S.

Conveying the balanced perfection of a Cayman isn’t easy unless it’s driven. The latest generation gives it a more exotic, grown-up look. Inside, the familiar ideal seating position with excellent outward visibility. Every surface visually sculpted, everything that is touched has an engineered quality with logic of the controls. For performance driving or track days it has a lower ride height, among the lowest center of gravity among production cars, and an engine placed where it’s supposed to be, right behind you.

The sport exhaust reminds the driver that there is a constant interaction and involvement driving the car. The ride is firm but not choppy, giving the driver constant, subtle communication of what is going on with the road surface. With the Porsche Active Stability Management (PASM), the Sport mode provides a firmer ride without being punishing.

Additionally, the Sport Chrono package has a digital and analog lap timer along with a Sport Plus mode ideally suited for track duty with a firmer ride and more responsive steering. It’s as if it is ready to pounce and roar with the slightest provocation. In both the Sport and Sport Plus modes, the active transmission mounts provide an even more direct feel.

While 340hp isn’t a lot, Porsche lists the curb weight at 3,031 pounds for the 7speed dual clutch (PDK) transmission equipped model. Quite extraordinary in a modern vehicle. The S model is a high-12 second car in the quarter mile, quicker than most. The GTS is quicker still. The competition is still quicker, but this car is so good, so well made, you don’t care. And the mileage isn’t so bad either, 22mpg city, 31 highway. This isn't a high strung, fragile exotic. Porsche quality is among the best, their recall rate is among the lowest, the warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles and it has 12 year corrosion warranty.

Purists may scoff at an automated transmission, but this dual clutch unit is wonderful. And so precisely dialed in with the engine, it’s like driving a precision watch and being the puppet master of machinery. Pull a paddle, the tachometer needle immediately goes to a higher rpm reading with an associated sound, pull it again, make more music, press on the throttle and feel the direct response as a result of foot pressure. It sings, it talks, it snarls, its snarky and it can just cruise effortlessly. Listen to the start-up sound clip at the bottom.

It isn't just the driving experience, the cockpit layout, the controls, the 18-way adaptive seats with ventilation, the seatbelts are easy to reach, especially for a coupe. The  cargo area in the rear has a cover that moves with the hatch back. Up front, the frunk also offers usable space along with tools and an air compressor for tire inflation. A cover for the battery and fluid reservoirs is easily removed and right below the windshield. The owner, a longtime Porsche owner is very happy with this GTS, which replaced the Cayman S I reviewed previously. The only aspect he would change would be a front end lift for driveways and speedbumps as well as a front camera but is more than happy as equipped.

Porsche upped the ante in with the new Cayman GTS. More power, a crisper, more aggressive mode for the street or track, more aggressive styling and luxury amenities combined with the ideal dimensions and engine layout. It’s not the fastest, but it is among the best. Perhaps most importantly at the sub-$100k price point, the most satisfying overall.

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A review of the extraordinary Ferrari LaFerrari

You could hear it coming from behind as you walk on the sidewalk of Main Street. A deep mechanical humming with a 12 cylinder bark at low speeds. It wasn't visible yet, the Giallo Triplo Strato (pearlescent yellow) would soon stand out, despite being absurdly low to the ground. It sets off car alarms in the downtown area. And then it appears, all sorts of mechanical noises from the back, the long nose in front. And a stunning touch, blue carbon fiber instead of black. Giving the ultra-rare car an even more custom, specially tailored look.

This is the LaFerrari. A name you quickly don’t mind once you see the car in person. It’s forgotten when you hear it start up and rolling. Only 499 of these will be made by Ferrari. Seeing them roped off at Goodwood and passing by at a distance, I was non-committal about the car. Now, having time to view it at all angles up close, and then being a part of the V-12 experience, it’s now my favorite car, of all time. I don’t care if it costs 1.5 million dollars. Its a hypercar and I'm in love.

The V-12 produces 789hp by itself. A stunning number and one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines in automotive production history. It has a throaty roar at low rpm and a deep scream in the upper rpm range. The sound is simply glorious and it trumps everything else that isn’t a mid-engine supercar. This is the only way to go, a large displacement mid-engine and it must be experienced at least once.

Asking the owner who has spent some time with the car observing the factory break-in, one of the most surprising elements is how quiet, smooth and comfortable the car is, including space in the cabin. Besides the passenger leg room being compromised, it is a very comfortable car with fixed seats from the factory as part of the carbon fiber occupant tub. The pedals are adjustable and the seatback angle is the only seat position adjustment measured by the factory. The back-up camera is a much liked and appreciated feature, although a front camera is needed with the long, low nose.

Other dynamics that stand out are the razor sharp throttle response. There is no lag, no hesitation, the acceleration rate occurs based on throttle position until you lose traction. And what accompanies all that is glorious, howling V-12 soundtrack. It is the acceleration and volume control that goes to eleven. The transmission shifts are perfectly adaptable to around town driving yet fast and sudden during monster full-throttle runs.

Steering and turn-in are extremely responsive and said to be similar to his Ferrari 458 Speciale. When taking an on ramp at a speed that seemed impossible for anything that seats four adults, let alone two, hard jerks on the wheel to the inside of the turn redirected the nose into an even tighter arc without lean, delay or slop. This car demands comparisons to open-wheel race cars.

P1 comparisons are also inevitable since he owns both, and the track could be the deal breaker for picking a favorite. However the LaFerrari is quieter at cruising speeds, has a more compliant ride, quicker throttle and steering response, more interior room, a more stylish interior and puts the power to the ground better. This is a case where 950hp is better harnessed having a big, heavy V-12 close to the drive wheels with ultra-wide 345 series special model Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires providing traction. Under similar conditions, the  traction control doesn’t seem as intrusive and we speculated that the rear brakes are not activated as quickly or programmed to be less intrusive. There is less “scrabbling” for traction from the tires. Another interesting point, is the electronic differential may also play a role versus the open differential in the P1. Perhaps the recent Motor Trend test of the same car I reviewed suggests this as well. While the McLaren has the swoopy, outrageous styling, it appears shorter by more than the 5”. However the sound of the V-12 trumps all. It is that compelling, that memorable.

The only potential improvement in this masterpiece is lighter weight. The chosen color combination of the metallic yellow, blue carbon fiber, blue brake calipers and black wheels is masterful. I’m uncertain a traditional red colored model could be better configured from a visual standpoint.
There is a hybrid function, very limited by itself for approximately 6 miles but an extra 161 horsepower never hurt anyone except in weight gain. There is an engine stop-start function that should never have been offered. On second thought, hearing the V-12 start often could be a plus.

The center of gravity is 1.4 inches lower than its predecessor, the Enzo. At speed it produces an amazing 800lbs of downforce. Acceleration is brutal. At full throttle the sound is filling your ears while pinning your head against the headrest. First and second gears occur so quickly, that in 3rd gear you’re over 90mph and that sinking feeling in your stomach is building in intensity and
not falling off as speeds approach the triple digits.

Ferrari has made a glorious machine with extraordinary capabilities, a driving experience that is comparable to a race car but on pump gas, with a warranty and pedigree of a successful motorsports company. The question now is what would be different besides less weight if the electric portion of the powertrain is removed?

Photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.638460112925370.1073741853.378354382269279&type=1&l=471632dee9