メルセデス・ベンツ GLS580
Reviews & Test Drives

Test Drive Review of the Mercedes-Benz GLS580|How Does the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL Perform?

GLS580 4MATIC My younger brother, who occasionally appears on this blog, bought a car as usual. This time, it’s the Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4MATIC Sport Chauffeur Package. As of the time of writing this blog, the GLS580 has already been removed from the Japanese lineup, and currently, the only new models available are the GLS400D and the AMG GLS63. Previously, I considered purchasing the GLS400d and even test drove it. At that time, I was somewhat...

718ケイマンGT4RS
Reviews & Test Drives

Test Driving the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Let’s See What the GT4 RS Can Really Do

Recently, among Porsche’s new models, the one that has caught my personal attention is the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. I’ve put in an order, but with production slots being quite limited, I’ve almost given up hope (laughs). This time, I had the opportunity to test drive the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, so I’d like to share my test drive report. 718 Cayman GT4 RS This is the top-tier grade of the Cayman, enhancing the performance...

992 カレラS カブリオレ
Reviews & Test Drives

Testing the Porsche 911 (992) Carrera S Cabriolet with PASM Sports Chassis

PASM Sports Suspension I’ve driven many current 992-generation Porsche 911s, but this time it’s a somewhat rare model equipped with the PASM sports suspension. The PASM sports suspension, also known as the PASM sports chassis, features a ride height lowered by about 10mm. The spring rates are increased, making it an option designed to boost performance even further. This PASM sports suspension is standard equipment on GTS models from 991.2 onward (except the Targa), as...

GTS logo
Reviews & Test Drives

Thoughts on Owning Two GTS Models: Boxster (981) and 911 (991 Pre-Facelift)

Two Beloved Cars I want to keep every Porsche I own forever, but there are two in particular that I especially want to hold onto. Those are the Boxster GTS (981) and 911 Carrera 4 GTS (991 pre-facelift), both made around the same time. Both are the ‘GTS’ grade, standing for Grand Touring Sport, and both feature naturally aspirated flat-six engines from before noise and environmental regulations became as strict as they are now. The...

シボレー・コルベット C8
Reviews & Test Drives

Test Drive of the New Chevrolet Corvette (C8)|Beyond All Expectations

The Coolness of American Sports Cars I haven’t been able to travel recently due to COVID, but I usually go on business trips to the U.S. once or twice a year. Whenever I do, I always rent a slightly higher-grade car and try to travel by car as much as possible. For example, I’ve done grand tours from LA to Las Vegas and then to San Francisco, which is one of the pleasures of business...

MINI JCW
Reviews & Test Drives

MINI JCW (MINI John Cooper Works) Test Drive Review

MINI John Cooper Works The other day, a friend purchased a BMW MINI JCW (John Cooper Works), and I had the chance to take it for a test drive. This time, I wanted to review it with as few preconceptions as possible, so I didn’t do any prior research before the day arrived. The JCW I saw for the first time had a completely different vibe from a regular MINI. The first things that catch...

マカン(第3世代)
Reviews & Test Drives

Test Drive Report of the New Macan (3rd Generation Base Model)|Winding Roads & Summary

Testing the New Macan (3rd Generation) on Winding Roads Continuing from the previous article, this is a review of the new Macan (3rd generation). This time, I’m reporting on my impressions when taking the Macan onto winding roads. When you think of the Macan, it’s a very sporty SUV, and calling it merely sporty doesn’t do it justice—it’s a car with the athleticism that makes you want to call it a ‘sports car’. The strong...

マカン(第3世代)
Reviews & Test Drives

Test Drive Report of the New Macan (3rd Generation Base Model)|City and Highway Review

New Macan (3rd Generation) This time, I borrowed the current new Macan (3rd generation, also called Macan 3 or facelift model) as a loaner for my 991 Carrera 4 GTS, so I’d like to share an honest review after driving it for about a week. This Macan is the latest current model, the simplest base model. It has only minimal options, mainly just the 14-way comfort seats with memory function. The wheels are standard 19-inch,...

996型ポルシェ911
Reviews & Test Drives

Test Drive the Porsche 911 Type 996|A Masterpiece That Deserves More Recognition!

Porsche 911 Type 996 On this blog, I have experienced and reported on quite a number of 911s, from the original 911 to the ’73 Carrera and all the way to the 992 GT3, but for some reason, there are hardly any articles about the 996 and 997. Regarding the 996, I have done only one review of a later model Carrera 4S, but that car had modified suspension and wheels, so it wasn’t a...

メルセデス・ベンツGLB200d
Reviews & Test Drives

Test Drive of Mercedes-Benz GLB200d 4MATIC: Engine Sound, Suspension, and Handling (Part 2)

Following up on the previous test drive of the Mercedes-Benz GLB200d 4MATIC: Differences from the GLA (Part 1), here is the second part of the report. GLB200d 4MATIC GLB200d Engine Sound One more notable point about the GLB’s engine is the sound it makes when revved. At first, since it’s a diesel engine, I thought it would either be simply quiet or just noisy, but it’s neither. The engine produces a sound that’s clearly audible...