Reviews - page 24

In the halcyon days of the 1980s, the Porsche 959, with its 2.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, roared onto the automotive scene, making its claim as the fastest supercar of its era, and the first Porsche with a twin-turbo engine. Then, as the millennium dawned, Porsche gifted the world with the Carrera GT. It vroomed with a highly symphonic V10, a heart borrowed from motorsports, reminding many that it was perhaps the final analog supercar. But evolution, as they say, is inevitable. Enter the Porsche 918 Spyder, the spiritual successor to the Carrera GT and the world’s first plug-in hybrid supercar with two electric motors and a naturally aspirated V8 engine.

It was not long ago when BMW wanted a piece of the pie in the full-size SUV segment, where American brands such as Ford, Cadillac, and GM have been thriving for over a decade. Joining late to the full-size sports-utility bandwagon, the BMW X7 is the most practical BMW you can buy right now.

The automotive world has seen its fair share of legends, but few can hold a candle to the illustrious Porsche Carrera GT. Born from the ashes of Porsche’s aspirations at Le Mans, the Carrera GT became Stuttgart’s answer to Maranello and Sant’Agata Bolognese.

The 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is a topless successor to the Diablo VT Roadster. It is based on the same L140 platform as the Murcielago coupe, and aesthetically, the Murcielago Roadster is pretty similar to its hard-top sibling. The engine cover opens rearwards and is a unique feature reminiscent of the Miura. Lamborghini also strengthened the Roadster by adding a reinforced metallic grid (also available in carbon fiber) beneath the engine cover. Lamborghini added a pretty flimsy fabric soft top that is indicated for temporary use in case of sudden rain. It is something that you have to install manually and requires two people to get the job done, which is not ideal for an expensive supercar.

Porsche introduced the third-generation Cayenne for the 2019 model year, ushering in a new era of performance and refinement for the brand’s flagship SUV. Riding on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB EVO platform, the redesigned Cayenne featured a sleeker, more athletic exterior that maintained its distinctive silhouette while incorporating modern Porsche design cues. Its cabin was inspired by the Panamera sedan, offering a perfect blend of luxury, technology, and sportiness. New technologies like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and semi-digital cluster with two integrated displays promised better connectivity while treating occupants with top-notch comfort with massage seats.

Blending sleek aesthetics with practical utility, coupe SUVs burst onto the scene with the original BMW X6, which pioneered this niche in 2008. Porsche joined the fray in 2019 with its 2024 Cayenne Coupe (9Y3), built on Volkswagen’s MLB Evo platform shared with the Q8. This new addition to the third-generation Cayenne lineup aimed to capture buyers seeking a sportier silhouette without sacrificing the brand’s performance pedigree.

Limited to just 2,500 units globally, the all-new 911 Dakar is the newest trim in the sports car’s lineup and celebrates Porsche’s 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally victory. Based on the 992-generation platform, this model is the most expensive non-Turbo trim in the 992.1 lineup, sitting above the Carrera 4 GTS and commanding a hefty $222,000 starting price. Interestingly, Porsche initially planned to name it "Safari," but Tata Motors’ existing trademark forced a change to "Dakar."

The 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T marks the return of the lightweight, performance-focused variant to the 992.1 generation lineup. Discontinued in 2019 with the 991 generation, the Carrera T or "Touring," slots between the base and S, offering enthusiasts a track-oriented package at a more accessible price point. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged boxer-six engine producing 379 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, the 992 generation adds nine horsepower and a seven-speed manual transmission, with an optional eight-speed PDK, fulfilling the expectations of purists via a compelling powertrain package.

The 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet was based on the 997 generation, succeeding the 996 (1999-2004) and running until 2013. This four-seat convertible packed a 3.6-liter flat-six engine producing 325 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual or optional five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. As the entry-level convertible in the 911 lineup, it offered an attractive blend of performance and open-top driving pleasure.

The 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe marked a significant refresh for the iconic sports car, ushering in the 996.2 generation. This update brought many changes, including a sleeker exterior design, an upgraded interior, and a new 3.6-liter flat-six engine replacing the previous 3.4-liter unit. As the entry-level model in the 911 lineup, the Carrera offered an irresistible blend of performance and everyday usability.

The 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo from the 996 generation, first went on sale in the United States for the 2001 model year. Slotting between the Carrera 4S and hardcore GT2, the Turbo brought racetrack-ready performance to the street at a more palatable price point. One of the most important changes bought by the 996 Turbo was a new Mezger 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine tuned to make 415 horsepower. Such power was enough for a 0-60 mph time of four seconds and a top speed of 189 miles.