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The pro manual viewpoint Despite my relative youth, when it comes to driving I like to think I'm in the 'traditionalist' category; a recent car purchase sees me driving around [...]

In one of his classic throwaway remarks, in March 1988 Tony Lapine was quoted in Panorama, a popular political magazine that was similar to the Radio Times, saying that it [...]

Ferry Porsche famously said he couldn't find the sports car he wanted, so decided to build his own. Cautious yet astute businessman that he was, Ferry could probably see that [...]

'We really can't wait for you to drive the new GTS,' enthuses 911 chassis director Gotz Harer over dinner. 'Our new approach to hybridisation is innovative, and we are completely [...]

Gualala, northern California. Far away from the hubbub of The Golden State's major cities, and very far away from Stuttgart and the home of the sports car that this magazine [...]

The curiosities of the 911 are almost infinite. No other car is so obsessively detailed in its history so loved by enthusiasts and praised by experts. Now in its 61st [...]

HISTORY & TECH The renown of the Porsche Turbo extended well beyond the realm of 911 fans, long before the end of the air-cooled cars. This synonym for wild performance, [...]

All seven generations of Porsche's iconic 911 Turbo line up side by side. The car that transformed the 911 from sports car to supercar has an enduring legacy as a [...]

One thousand, seven hundred and forty five kilograms. It's a scarcely believable figure when talking about a Porsche 911, long perceived as the plucky little sports car punching well above [...]

This document is a collection of letters from readers of Car & Driver magazine, sharing their thoughts and feedback on various topics discussed in the magazine. The letters cover a wide range of subjects, including reviews of specific car models, comparisons between different vehicles, and general observations about the automotive industry. The letters showcase a diverse range of perspectives and opinions, with some readers praising the magazine's content while others express criticism or disagreement. The text also includes responses from the magazine's editors, who provide explanations for their editorial decisions and engage with readers' comments. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Lotus Elan 26R Shapecraft, a rare and highly sought-after version of the Lotus Elan. The car was developed in 1964 as a competition version of the Elan, with modifications including a lighter body, upgraded brakes, and improved suspension. The Shapecraft version featured an aluminum fastback roof that improved aerodynamics. The car has a rich history of racing success and is known for its exceptional handling and performance. The current owner, Robin Ellis, has achieved notable victories with the car in various racing events. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on comparing the 997.1 and 997.2 GT3 RS models to determine which offers a better driving experience. Topics include the distinct performance enhancements and technical improvements of the Gen2 997.2 over the Gen1 997.1, the subjective qualities and driving dynamics that make each model unique, and the varying appeal of each generation despite the 997.2's advanced features and better performance metrics.

Renault Sport, known for producing high-performance cars, has recently shifted its focus to electric vehicles under the Alpine brand. However, there is still a wide selection of used Renault Sport models available on the market. The Renault Sport Clio Trophy, a supermini that received high praise in 2005, is still considered a fantastic buy. The Renault Sport Mégane 275 Trophy-R, which succeeded the iconic R26.R, is also highly regarded as one of the best hot hatches of its generation. The Renault Sport Clio V6, a mid-engined hatchback, and the Renault Sport Twingo 133, an entry-level hot hatch, are also recommended options for those seeking a thrilling driving experience. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides a comprehensive list of various car models along with their specifications and ratings. The models mentioned include Lotus Elise, Mazda MX-5, Mercedes-AMG SL55, Porsche, and more. Each car is described in terms of its engine, weight, speed, and overall rating. The table includes some positive and negative attributes of each model. Additionally, there are photos of some of the cars included in the document. [Extracted from the article]

Craig Callum, the head designer at Hot Wheels, has had a unique career path in the automotive design industry. He began his journey by pursuing his passion for car design and eventually found himself working at Mattel, the company behind Hot Wheels. Before joining Mattel, Callum gained experience in various design roles, including working at Renault Trucks and Lego. At Hot Wheels, Callum is responsible for designing die-cast models, both licensed cars and original creations. He finds inspiration in the diverse automotive culture of Los Angeles, where he currently resides. [Extracted from the article]

The MG Cyberster GT is an all-electric sports car that has generated a lot of attention due to its exotic looks and impressive performance. It marks MG's return to building roadsters and is one of the first affordable two-seater electric sports cars on the market. The Cyberster has a unique design and features scissor doors, but its suspension control and handling on challenging roads are lacking. While it offers a thrilling driving experience with its powerful electric powertrain, there is room for improvement in terms of chassis tuning to enhance control and fluidity. Overall, the Cyberster has the potential to be an appealing concept for electric roadsters, but it falls short in some areas. [Extracted from the article]

Great British Sports Cars (GBS) is a relatively unknown company that has been building and selling its Zero sports car since 2007. The Zero is a modern take on the Lotus Seven and has gained a small but dedicated following. GBS manufactures the majority of the Zero's components in-house and offers a range of engine options, including the 2.5-liter Ford Duratec. The company is focused on producing fully factory-built cars and is aiming to capture a modest percentage of the Seven's market share. The Zero offers a spacious and comfortable interior, solid handling, and a powerful engine, making it a viable alternative to the Caterham Seven. GBS is also involved in engineering consultancy work and has a diverse range of projects in the pipeline. [Extracted from the article]

The Aston Martin Valour is an ultra-rare and ultra-expensive car that is based on old-generation hardware. It is a tribute to the muscular DBS and V8 Vantage models of the '60s, '70s, and '80s, particularly the highly modified DBS V8 known as 'Muncher' that raced at Le Mans. The Valour is a manual transmission car with a 705bhp twin-turbo V12 engine and a carbon fiber body that offers almost limitless customization options. While it may lack some drama and refinement, it is a compelling creation that showcases Aston Martin's design and engineering capabilities. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the addition of a manual gearbox to BMW's Z4 model and compares it to its manual Toyota Supra cousin. The decision to add a manual gearbox to the Z4 is seen as a way to enhance driver engagement and appeal, despite the trend towards automatic transmissions for improved efficiency. The Z4 and Supra share the same platform and drivetrains, and the manual gearbox was developed by ZF for both models. The article also provides a comparison of the two cars' performance and handling characteristics. [Extracted from the article]

The Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo is a new open-top version of the GranTurismo. It was developed alongside the coupe and shares many components, including the chassis and production line. The convertible version has a hybrid construction with 65% aluminum and additional bracing for rigidity. It is powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 542bhp and 479lb ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds. The GranCabrio offers a comfortable and stylish driving experience, with a spacious interior and a soothing ride quality. The convertible version is also available in an all-electric variant called the Folgore, which has 750bhp but is heavier and lacks the same mechanical interaction as the Trofeo. Overall, the GranCabrio offers a unique blend of performance, comfort, and style at a lower price point compared to its rivals. [Extracted from the article]

This article compares the infotainment systems and gearboxes of the Morgan Plus Four and the BMW Z4. The Morgan Plus Four does not have a touchscreen infotainment system but offers Bluetooth connectivity for phone pairing and navigation instructions through the car's speakers. It has a digital display for speed and gear readouts. The BMW Z4 has a high-quality infotainment system with physical buttons for climate control and a mix of touchscreen controls, a clickwheel, and shortcut buttons. The Morgan Plus Four has a more engaging manual gearbox, while the BMW Z4 has a lighter clutch and smoother engagement. The article concludes that the BMW Z4 is the winner due to its usability, practicality, and interaction with the manual gearbox, while the Morgan Plus Four is the runner-up with its improved cabin quality and fuel economy. [Extracted from the article]

The article compares the Morgan Plus Four and the BMW Z4 M40i with Handschalter Package. The BMW Z4 is more affordable than the Morgan, but lacks the handbuilt nature of the Plus Four. The Z4 offers a modern driving experience with refined handling and a powerful three-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine. It is more comfortable and quieter than the Morgan, making it suitable for everyday driving. However, the Morgan retains its value better and has a more luxurious interior. The Z4 has a larger boot and more practical storage options. Overall, the article provides a detailed comparison of the two sports cars, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides a review of the Morgan Plus Four, comparing it to the BMW Z4. The Plus Four is a bespoke car that can be customized with various add-ons, resulting in a higher price. It features a classic design with hand-shaped rear arches and a wooden frame attached to an aluminum chassis. The car is equipped with a BMW engine, offering 255bhp and 350Nm of torque. Testers found the Plus Four to be sophisticated and engaging on the road, with good fuel efficiency on motorways. The cabin has a unique and special feel, although there are some minor criticisms of certain details. The Plus Four has made improvements in terms of usability and external design. The car's cabin is comfortable, although space and storage are limited. The boot is more like a shelf, and the roof can be easily removed and folded behind the front seats. The Plus Four's cabin has a feel-good factor, and air-conditioning and a heated windscreen are available as options. The car's practicality is limited, but it offers a unique driving experience with a rorty exhaust note and turbo sounds. The Plus Four has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 46-liter fuel tank, and a top speed of 149mph. It has two airbags as standard but lacks advanced safety technology. The hood is manual but less fiddly than previous models. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers a preview of multiple Porsche 911 cars, including the 911S with its high-performance specs, the 911L as a standard luxury model, and the 911T as an entry-level option, detailing their engine capacities, power outputs, and production figures.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of acquiring, restoring, and emotionally connecting with various Porsche 911 models, including a rare 1985 M491 Coupe and the joys and challenges of owning classic cars.

The article focuses on founder of Madlane Kazuki Ohashi's innovative project, the Porsche 935 ML, a modern reinterpretation of the classic Porsche 935. It details Ohashi's journey from a childhood fascination with cars to his creation of a custom-built 935 ML, highlighting the technical and design modifications he made to transform a 964 Carrera into this unique vehicle.

The article focuses on the evolution of the Porsche 911 Turbo as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The piece highlights the development of this iconic sports car through various generations, showcasing how the model has advanced in terms of performance, technology, and design. It also emphasizes the Porsche 911 Turbo's historical significance, performance characteristics, and the changes made over the years from the early 930 to the latest 992 Turbo S.

The article offers a preview of the "Porsche 993 Carrera", a classic sports car, from Porsche.

The article discusses the second-generation MG HS, a family SUV that aims to compete with popular mid-size SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, and Ford Kuga. The new MG HS offers a starting price of £24,995, undercutting its competitors by several thousand pounds. It comes with a generous standard-kit list, including dual 12.3-inch displays, sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various driver-assistance technologies. The interior has been upgraded with improved material and build quality, although the infotainment system can be tedious to navigate. The new HS also offers increased space and practicality, with a wider body, longer wheelbase, and larger boot space. The MG HS is currently available with a petrol or plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a full hybrid version coming in 2025. The petrol model has a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine and is available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The driving experience of the petrol model is not particularly impressive, with poor response, strained engine noise, and issues with the brakes and steering. However, the pre-production plug-in hybrid version offers instant power delivery, a large pure-electric range of 75 miles, and improved braking. The plug-in hybrid version starts at £31,495. Overall, the new MG HS offers good value for money, modern looks, impressive interior quality, and plenty of tech features. However, [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the history and experiences of a Bristol car enthusiast named Neil Clifford. Clifford recounts his early fascination with Bristol cars and his eventual purchase of a turbocharged Brigand in 2008. The article also provides background information on Bristol Cars, including its origins as a subsidiary of the Bristol Aeroplane Company and its use of BMW designs. Clifford's collection includes a 1947 Bristol 400, the company's first car, and a Bristol Fighter, one of only nine ever built. The article describes the driving experience and features of both cars. Clifford also shares his acquisition of the iconic Bristol Cars sign from the company's showroom. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Ferrari Testarossa, a flamboyant and extravagant supercar that was often misunderstood. Despite its appearance, the Testarossa was actually a practical and docile car to live with. The Testarossa was introduced in 1984 as a replacement for the 512BB and featured a 12-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder. It was longer, wider, and lighter than its predecessor and remained in production until 1991. The Testarossa gained popularity and achieved sales of almost 10,000 cars. Today, it is considered undervalued compared to its contemporary rivals. The article also highlights the personal experience of the owner, Merlin McCormack, who has turned the Testarossa into a daily driver and has traveled extensively with it. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the unique and visionary 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Riva 'Serenissima' Berlinetta. The car was a collaboration between engineer Guido Cattaneo, Count Giovanni Lurani, and the Riva brothers. It featured a lightweight and rigid tubular chassis, independent suspension, and a brand new 2.5-liter Alfa Romeo straight-six engine. The car was manufactured by Carrozzeria Riva and was known for its excellent road behavior and elegant design. The car has a fascinating history, including being sold to the USA early on and undergoing restoration in recent years. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the design philosophy and approach of Dacia, a car brand known for its affordable and practical vehicles. The company aims to create cars that serve a purpose and get people from point A to point B, while also appealing to their hearts and personalities. Dacia emphasizes simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in its designs, focusing on good proportions and removing unnecessary accessories. The article also highlights Dacia's commitment to providing value for money and its understanding of its customers' needs and preferences. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores a Porsche enthusiast's experiences on a Norway trip and their journey back to owning a Porsche 911. Topics discussed include the adventures driving various Porsche models in Norway, the intricacies of air-cooled 911s, and the process of purchasing a new 911 with a PDK transmission.

The article explores the Porsche 996 Carrera as a significant model in the 911 lineup, highlighting its transition from the air-cooled 993 to a water-cooled design. Topics discussed include the 996's design evolution, performance and market reception, and its current status as a classic car with varying values.

This article provides a comparison of two British sports cars, the Lotus Emira i4 and the Morgan Plus Four, based on a road trip taken by the author and their colleague. The author discusses their initial impressions of the Morgan, noting some drawbacks such as wind noise and lack of cabin storage, while expressing admiration for the comfort of the Lotus. The article highlights the similarities in price and engine size between the two cars, but emphasizes their distinct design briefs. The author also reflects on the importance of companionship and shared experiences during a road trip. Despite the power advantage of the Lotus, the author finds that the Morgan is able to keep up on the road. The article concludes that both cars have their merits, but the Morgan Plus Four offers a unique and enjoyable driving experience. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the experience of driving a Caterham Seven on various roads. The author emphasizes that the right car can make even local roads a great driving experience. They describe the feeling of driving a Caterham Seven, highlighting the heightened senses and the sense of freedom it provides. The article also includes personal anecdotes from different authors who have driven the Caterham Seven on different roads, showcasing the car's ability to handle various terrains. [Extracted from the article]

This article compares the Jaguar F-Type and Toyota Supra as used car options. The Jaguar F-Type is praised for its attractive design, comfortable ride, and high-quality interior. It is available with various engine options, including a four-cylinder version. The Toyota Supra, on the other hand, is lauded for its dynamic driving experience and strong performance. However, it is criticized for its stiff ride and lower-quality cabin. Both cars are available on the used market, with prices for the F-Type starting at around £23,000 and the Supra starting at around £33,000. Overall, the article suggests that the F-Type is the better buy due to its comfort and value for money. [Extracted from the article]

This article compares the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club and the Subaru BRZ tS, two small sports cars with distinct personalities. The author discusses the interior and exterior features of both cars, highlighting the Mazda's space efficiency and the Subaru's more spacious cabin. The powertrain and performance of the two cars are also compared, with the Mazda being lighter and more fuel-efficient, while the Subaru offers better acceleration and braking. The driving experience is discussed, with the Mazda being praised for its handling in tight corners and the Subaru for its grip and body control. Ultimately, the article concludes that determining a winner between the two cars is a close call. [Extracted from the article]

This text is a compilation of reader comments and letters from the March/April 2024 issue of Car and Driver magazine. The readers express their diverse perspectives and opinions on various topics, including their experiences with different car models, opinions on articles and columns, and questions about technical aspects of vehicles. Some readers are satisfied with the increased content, engaging format, and improved quality of the magazine, while others criticize the thicker pages, larger font size, and wasted space. Overall, readers appreciate the effort to make the magazine more readable and visually appealing, although some have concerns about the changes. The magazine editors provide explanations and responses to some of the questions raised by the readers. [Extracted from the article]

The article evaluates a customized '66 Corvette, a classic American sports car offered by Dynamic Corvette and Streamline Custom Designs (SCD).

The article discusses the history and significance of the Hotchkiss automobile, a French car manufacturer that was founded and managed by Americans. The company was established in 1903 and produced cars until 1955. Hotchkiss cars were known for their high-quality construction and were used in both military and civilian applications. Despite their success in racing and rallying, the company struggled after World War Two and eventually ceased production in 1952. The article highlights the charm and performance of the 1936 Hotchkiss Type 686 Paris/Nice Côte d'Azur model, which is considered a rare and important sports car of the 1930s. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 NART Spider, a rare and innovative car that will be unveiled at The Quail, Monterey. The car, one of only five created between 1974 and 1981, has not been seen in public since 1988. The NART Spider was designed by Giovanni Michelotti for Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team (NART), and it pre-empted many styles of later eras. Chinetti was a prominent figure in the Ferrari racing world and played a significant role in promoting Ferrari in the US. The NART Spider has a unique history and is considered a valuable and well-built car. [Extracted from the article]

An engineering consultancy turned sports car manufacturer, Porsche was always concerned that the driving environment of its cars reflected what Ferry expected owners would want from his cars. The buyers [...]

It doesn't take long to realise the 911 is probably the only sports car that's stayed close to its roots over the course of a full six decades. The engine [...]

The article evaluates the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, a classic sports car offered by Chevrolet.