Reviews & Test Drives

2022.07.13Reviews & Test Drives, Mercedes-Benz

Test-Driving the Mercedes-Benz E200 Coupe: How It Compares with the S-Class Coupe and BMW

[TOC] A Luxury Coupe When I think of the E-Class Coupe, I’m reminded of the 300CE driven by Tom Cruise’s character in the 1993 film The Firm. It was a convertible, but it belonged to Mercedes-Benz’s upscale mid-size class—the W124 generation—and I remember how much I admired it as a student. Since then, I’ve owned a Honda Legend Coupe (KA8), and more recently I’ve driven an R129 SL500 and an AMG S63. I’ve always loved...

2022.07.13Reviews & Test Drives, Mercedes-Benz

Reviews & Test Drives

2022.07.06Reviews & Test Drives, Mercedes-Benz

Father Is Mercedes, Mother Is Porsche! Driving the AMG-Tuned Mercedes-Benz 500E, the E60

The 500E: A Mercedes-Porsche Family Tree Have you heard of the Mercedes-Benz 500E (renamed the E500 for later models), part of the W124-generation E-Class? The W124 was an early predecessor of today’s E-Class. While the lineup originally included models such as the 230E and 300E, the 500E was created to accommodate the V8 engine from the SL500, Mercedes-Benz’s top-of-the-line sports car at the time. Porsche’s Weissach development center was responsible for the 500E’s development, and...

2022.07.06Reviews & Test Drives, Mercedes-Benz

Reviews & Test Drives

2022.06.23Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

Test-Driving the New Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package (992)

I had the chance to drive the new GT3 we all love—and in the Touring Package, no less. Here’s a closer look at what makes it special. What Is the GT3 Touring Package? The GT3 Touring Package first appeared late in the 991 generation. I’ve owned one myself, so it’s a model that holds a special place for me. Porsche 911 GT3 Finally Delivered! – Delivery Day Documentary This latest GT3 Touring is its successor,...

2022.06.23Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

Reviews & Test Drives

2022.06.13Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

My View of Air-Cooled Porsches Has Changed: Driving a Manual 964

A Porsche Gathering on the Royu Driveway Recently, I had the chance to drive an air-cooled Porsche 964 with a manual transmission. I had such a great time behind the wheel that it changed the way I think about air-cooled Porsches—and I wanted to share the experience. A few days earlier, my husband had driven up to the Royu Driveway that morning. When he got home, he said: A 992 GT3 Touring owner came all...

2022.06.13Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

Reviews & Test Drives

2022.06.11Reviews & Test Drives

Test-Driving the Porsche 911 GTS (991.2): How It Differs from the 991.1 GTS and What the ...

The Popular Porsche 911 (991) The Porsche 911 (991) has been growing steadily in popularity. It’s one of the 911 generations with a major difference between its early and later models: the 991.1 has a naturally aspirated engine, while the 991.2 is turbocharged. I recently had the chance to drive a 991.2 GTS. In fact, I once borrowed a 991.2 GTS for about a week, and my wife and I shared our impressions on the...

2022.06.11Reviews & Test Drives

Reviews & Test Drives

2022.06.07Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

Test-Driving the Last Air-Cooled Porsche: The Porsche 911 (993)

The Porsche 911 (993) I’ve had the chance to drive and review a number of air-cooled Porsches over the years, but somehow I’d never written about the 993. This time, I finally got the opportunity to test-drive the Porsche 911 (993), the last air-cooled 911, and share my impressions. This Guards Red car is a 993 Carrera S with a Tiptronic transmission. The Carrera S was introduced for the 993’s later model years and, like...

2022.06.07Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

Reviews & Test Drives

2022.05.24Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

Porsche 911 (992) Touring Through Shikoku and Kyushu: Part 3

Taking the Ferry from Shikoku to Kyushu in a 911 I’d set my alarm for 5 a.m., but woke up even earlier. It must have rained hard overnight, but the skies had cleared by morning, leaving the air wonderfully fresh. I got ready and set off with plenty of time to catch the 6:20 a.m. ferry. The hotel was right in the middle of a residential neighborhood, so firing up the 911’s engine early in...

2022.05.24Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

Reviews & Test Drives

2022.05.19Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

Shikoku and Kyushu Touring in a Porsche 911 (992) — Part 2

Starting the Day at Katsurahama Beach Day two begins in Nankoku City. The skies are clear again. I’d planned to get up earlier and take a morning stroll along Katsurahama Beach, but I overslept. I hurried to get ready and check out. First, I drove the 911 to Katsurahama. Ever since I visited Watatsumi Shrine (Ryuo-gu) at Katsurahama, I’ve felt that my luck has been on the rise, so I wanted to go back and...

2022.05.19Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

Reviews & Test Drives

2022.04.29Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche Macan

My Week with the Porsche Macan: How Does It Compare with the Cayenne and 911?

Macan S The other day, I took my early 991 Carrera 4 GTS to the dealership for its inspection. While it was there, I was lucky enough to borrow a Macan S as a loaner, so I’d like to share my impressions. This Macan was from before the current interior’s touchscreen setup. It was the 2019 facelift model, identifiable by its full-width rear light bar, and is often referred to as the second-generation or mid-cycle...

2022.04.29Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche Macan

Reviews & Test Drives

2022.04.12Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911

The Most Powerful 911 Ever? Porsche 911 GT2 RS Review: Can You Tame This Beast?

The Ultimate 911: GT2 RS with the Weissach Package I’ve written plenty of reviews of the GT3, but this is my first time behind the wheel of a GT2 RS. Before getting into the drive, let’s take a closer look at what makes the GT2 RS a step beyond the GT3. Porsche’s GT lineup spans five models. The best-known is the GT3, joined by the GT4 for the Cayman and the GT for the Cayenne....

2022.04.12Reviews & Test Drives, Porsche 911