My GT7 Log: The stars of GT7

Here they are, the stars of the recent installment of the Gran Turismo franchise, Gran Turismo 7. The Mazda RX-VISION GT3 Concept and the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo are the cover cars of the latest GT game and now's the ideal time to get to know the two hero cars of the game.

Judging by the way the producers pick these two cars as the stars of the GT7, they both have significance not just in Gran Turismo but in the motoring world we live in. These two signify the past, present, and the future of motoring in a way never seen before because with the RX-VISION GT3 Concept signifies the past and the present, the Porsche VGT signifies the future of motoring. It's like petrol power meets electric power. Everything ends and everything begins. Circle of life, ladies and gentlemen.

Let's begin with the RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT from Mazda. You may have already drove one in GT SPORT a while back but since this is one of the cover cars of GT7, this hero car is the representation of the past and present of motorsports. The RX-VISION CONCEPT made a world premiere at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show and this future sportscar incorporates the full potential of the company's Kodo -Soul in Motion- design philosophy and the game-changing SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY that has been around for almost a decade since the third-generation Demio facelift in the summer of 2011. The RX-VISION features next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine that delivers the ideal blend of performance and efficiency while letting the legendary rotary engine sound loose. It should have been one of the most promising ideas Mazda ever made but even though they have no plans to make it into production, they are still working hard on the return of the rotary engine by any ways and means. The GT3 CONCEPT turns the already vivid RX-VISION CONCEPT into a racing machine that complies to the game's Group 3 regulations. The track width's enlarged, wheel arch width increased, aerodynamics and downforce beefed up for track duty, lighter weight, better center of gravity, improved SKYACTIV-R rotary engine, and has near-perfect weight distribution.

Now, let's talk about the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo, the newest entry to the list of the Vision Gran Turismo concepts and one of the cover cars of GT7. Ever since the Gran Turismo franchise opened its doors to Porsche, the two sides joined forces to create a dream machine that reflects both Porsche and Gran Turismo. This is the result. With styling inspired by Porsches from the past and present, the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo features state-of-the-art carbon monocoque chassis and a cabin enclosed by a glass dome. It even has two electric motors on the front and rear, making it a 4WD electric dream car with the combined power output of 820kW and 1090Nm of torque.

These two dream machines really are the alpha and omega, the sun and the moon, the yin and the yang. They are polar opposites because their powertrains demonstrated us how will time take us from the age of fossil fuels to the age of electrification. As the world changes rapidly, the motoring world changes as well and cars like these are clear reflections of the ever-changing motoring landscape. This is the past, present, and future of motoring personified.

Anyway, no time to feel poetic about these two because now is the time to give these hero cars the ultimate bravery test; a quick lap in the dreaded Nurburgring Nordschleife, the ultimate proving ground for production and race cars everywhere.

Driving these two in the Nurburgring Nordschleife gave me the opportunity to examine their strengths and weaknesses. I'm familiar with the RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT because I got my dibs on the previous GT game but since this is GT7, it gave me a different perspective on how this race car behaves and of course being a race car, it can feel downright tricky to get a hold of it but a little practice goes a long way.

The Porsche VGT, meanwhile, is a different beast. Its electric powertrain and 4WD system showcased its spartan driving manners akin to the Porsche 911 and because it only has one working gear like most electric cars, the braking feels a bit weak when stopping late or now, meaning the only way to resort through it is by braking early. I know, the braking system is its weak point but its intimidating acceleration is the key element of the Porsche VGT. Scary but worth giving a shot.

Anyway, time now to roll the tapes of these two hero cars conquering the Nurburgring with all of their might.

With their bravery test done, here are the results...

RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT - 7:12.8

Porsche VGT - 6:54.505

Not the best results I've done but it looks like the times are right after all. It looks like eletrification has trumped fossil fuels and the electric Porsche VGT defeated the Mazda RX-VISION GT3 CONCEPT, massively.

After giving these two the ultimate bravery test, it's clear that in this age of new normal, electrification is becoming the gold standard, whether you like it or not, and as demonstrated by this bravery test I've showcased to these two, it feels like this is the path the motoring world will be heading; the electrified path.

I know its hard to part ways from the era of internal combustion engines because us, speedo boys, love the noise of engine starts and exhaust notes but sadly, this is the new normal and sacrifices need to be done in order to keep up with the ever-changing world we live in. Like humans, cars like these, whether if its ICE-powered or electrified, may not be forever but their legacies will be forever remembered the world over.

This is the past, present, and future of Gran Turismo. From the era of internal combustion engines to the age of electrification, the spirit of Gran Turismo lives on...and that is the bottom line.

My FH5 Log: The best of the 997 era

Having accumulated 25 points at the FH5 Series 4 Dry Season playlist, I got my hands on what is known to be the best of the 997-era 911s. It's called the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 and I'm glad I got my hands on the best 997 ever made.

Limited to 600 units worldwide, the ultimate GT3 RS is powered by a 4.0L flat-six engine producing 500HP of power, making this the most powerful naturally-aspirated flat-six engine ever made. It was powered by a 6-speed manual gearbox to keep the purists happy to drive wherever they go but it's not just the performance of the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 delivers, it's the track-honed precision that stands out from the rest and with the extensive use of lightweight materials as well as stripping out unnecessary materials such as the rear seat, it weighs 1,360kg with a full tank fo fuel, resulting to its power-to-weight ratio of 3kg/HP. It was the first production Porsche to come with front air deflection vanes, which adds downforce on the front axle, and with the combination of the large fixed rear wing as well as other aerodynamic upgrades, it can exert an additional 190kg of force.

With the quick info done, it's time to give the best 997-era 911 ever made a short trip it will never forget. Roll the tape.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 4: Let's review Series 35 cars!

The Jeep Gladiator, Citroen DS, and the Porsche 928 are the cars Forza Horizon 4 players worked hard to obtain throughout the course of the Series 35 update, and as new challenges await, let's take a quick pause to review the trio of Series 35 cars obtained throughout the update.

The Jeep Gladiator that you've obtained from the Summer Playlist, so what is it? Well, the Gladiator name has been revived by Jeep for their first-ever pickup truck since the Comanche and it's based on the Wrangler JL. You can think of it as a Wrangler JL with a rear bed to store some raw American stuff only Cowboy Charlie can think of. Despite the rear bed space, the Gladiator works and feels just like the Wrangler and so are the choice of engines with the range-topper bearing the Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine.

Next up is the Citroen DS 23 Pallas that you've obtained from the Winter Playlist. This is the iconic hatchback that first introduced Citroen's signature hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system which uses liquid hydraulic and gas-pressured suspension instead of springs, giving it a comfy ride on all kinds of road surfaces. It was the first to use disc brakes. There was a well-known trivia that because of the Citroen DS's durability, it managed to keep the French president Charles De Gaulle safe from a failed assassination attempt, putting his loyalty to the car company behind this car.

Lastly, the one that you've obtained from the Spring Playlist, the Porsche 928. It's one of the infamous trio used on the Top Gear Patagonia Special alongside the Mustang Mach 1 and the Lotus Esprit. Unlike most Porsches derived from other vehicles, the 928 is all-original and it's the first V8 FR Porsche that caused quite a controversy from purists everywhere and so is the price tag.

Now that we got to know about those Series 35 cars, let's give this trio a quick spin just to find out what's like to be in one of these sweet rides. Roll the tape!

Enjoy your new rides!

Porsche 911 992 GT3

The long-awaited arrival of the 911 992 GT3 means fanfare for the speedo boys wishing to have a real, no-nonsense sports car with a real, no-nonsense performance speedo boys will get hooked for more. Let's get to know the return of Porsche's track toy hero and why we are all jealous to drive one.

2022 Porsche 911 GT3

With an introductory price of 170,969 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new 911 GT3 is the finest example of a real, no-nonsense sports car that caters to all needs speedo boys demand and for this new model, it's got everything; lightweight design, a choice of a manual or PDK, and the same spartan driving manners carried from its predecessors. This is the one for them.

Checking out on the design, the 911 GT3 is similar to the normal 911 992 but the aero upgrades look like it got injected by some kind of performance-enhancing drug, leaving its lightweight design a muscular stance worth punching to the face. While aerodynamics is king for the GT3, there's something fishy about the front design because it looks like a Nissan Fairlady Z Z33 that has been modified at the Opera House. The Opera Z33 RS, remember? Well, you get the point.

On the inside, it works like a normal 911 but it's got sports seats and some rollbars on it, meaning it's all work and all play on the road and on the track if you know what I mean.

Unlike most of the turbocharged 911 models, from normal to Turbo, the 911 GT3 prefers to go old-school with the naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine that produces 510PS of power and 470Nm of torque, which is nice, and it can be mated to either a speedo boy favorite 6-speed MT or a quick 7-speed PDK, which lets the GT3 accelerate from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds, which is slightly quicker than the previous model.

The 911 GT3 is famed for its spartan driving manners and the new model features improved dynamics that will deliver more combos than any of your favorite female fighters from your favorite fighting game. It hurts but it pays to get hurt while getting hooked by its improved dynamics. It's got a double-wishbone front axle for the first time in a sports car like this, allowing the 911 GT3 to behave like a racecar it draws inspiration from. It also has a five-link rear axle, larger brakes, and extensive use of lightweight materials, among many others. With such improvements, it's no wonder why the new model lapped the monstrous Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:59.927 minutes, which is an improvement from the previous GT3.

And there you have it. The all-new 911 GT3 is the real, no-nonsense Porsche that speedo boys are ready and willing to drive without explanations and the way it goes makes us jealous to drive one someday.

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Forza Horizon 4: Series 34 debriefing

If you've managed to get the two new prize cars from the Series 34 update of the Forza Horizon 4, then congratulations. You now have two new welcoming additions to your ever-growing garage. So, if you want to know the two prize cars you've obtained from the update before moving on to the next series update, it's time for a quick debriefing.

The Porsche 356 RSR from Emory Motorsports that you've won from the Summer Playlist. How was it? Yes, I know, this game has a lot of 356 models from normal ones to the other Emory-made 356 that you got from a long time ago but in-game, this is the quickest 356 you'll be familiar with.

The Emory RS is the ultimate Outlaw vehicle that blends the characteristics of both the 356 and the 964. Like most Outlaw machines, it can be fitted with either a 2.4 (seen here) or a 2.6 depending on the specific configuration. Turbochargers are optional.

The car that you've got from the Spring Playlist is the first-generation Pontiac Firebird, it's the first chapter of Pontiac's equivalent of the Chevrolet Camaro. First launched in 1967 until its full model change in 1970, the Firebird is offered in a choice of a coupe or cabriolet with a range of straight-six and V8s offered. Seen here is the range-topper with the 400cu V8 engine producing 335hp of power and 430ft-lb of torque while mated to a four-speed manual gearbox.

Now that the quick debriefing's done, let's give these two new additions a quick spin. Roll the tapes!

Enjoy your new rides!

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Speedo boys got blown away by the arrival of the first-ever Porsche Taycan, an all-electric premium sports sedan that is proof that Porsche laid their strongest card ever on the electric car wars thanks to its performance and ecology that puts its nemesis, the Tesla Model S, on its crosshairs. Thanks to the success of the Taycan, a new addition to the lineup has been welcomed, and looks like we're gonna need some extra space with this one.

The Porsche Taycan is now joined by the Cross Turismo variant, a so-called sport utility wagon that offers the same thrills as the sedan variant but now with the ruggedness to do some dirty stuff, come tarmac, gravel, or snow.

Known as the production version of the Mission E Cross Turismo Concept, just like its sedan counterpart that bears resemblance to the Mission E Concept, the concept-turned-reality styling of the Taycan Cross Turismo is a rewarding treat for speedo boys who can't wait to have one if they have a hundred pounds worth of hundred euro bills because of the pricing that starts at around 93,635 Euros plus additional costs. That's about ten grand more than its sedan equivalent but what do you get for that kind of money?

What you get is a Taycan with some extra space at the back and while it works and feels just like the sedan version, especially the futuristic dashboard that is packed with touchscreens all over and seating for five people on board, but since this is the crossover shooting brake version, the added boot space makes it suitable enough for your next weekend outing. With the rear seats present, boot space is about 446 litres, which is more than the sedan version but with them folded down, that makes it up to 1,212 litres, making the ideal business partner if you are into delivering sensitive packages to high-profile clients.

The Taycan Cross Turismo has four variants to choose from at the start and they are packed with the Performance Battery Plus with a total capacity of 93.4kWh and a system voltage of 800 volts for quicker charging times. The most powerful version, the Turbo S, has 460kW of power output but when overboost kicked in, it generates up to 560kw of kW of power, delivering a 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 250kph, slower than its sedan equivalent. Range? It's up to 419km per WLTP standards.

Porsche says that the Cross Turismo is almost capable of doing offroad stuff thanks to its raised ground clearance like most crossovers had but since this is a soft offroader, the only surfaces it can tackle are tarmac, gravel, and snow, even sand. Probably because with the Cross Turismo, there's an additional Gravel mode that allows the Cross Turismo to traverse through the dirt like a decent rally car but with some added sensibility.

When you had enough fun doing the rounds on the dirt, you can enjoy the Cross Turismo the same way you did in the sedan version of the Taycan and although it feels bulky to drive as the saloon equivalent, it's still worth satisfying to drive until you are fully satisfied and thanks to a wide range of driving aids, it's safer as well.

So, would you want this over the sedan version? It's hard to say but if you are thinking you need a Taycan that can deserve more, consider this.

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Porsche 911 (992) Targa

The previous 991-spec 911 Targa proved that it's all about being a throwback machine rather than being a sportscar destined to be parked somewhere in the South of France. We all love the folding mechanism that shows that it's a real targa top sportscar and nothing else and with the arrival of the 992-spec 911 Targa, looks like the evolved version still wants to carry on the footsteps of its predecessor, any way it can.

Priced at 128,486 Euros plus additional costs, the Targa completes the normal 992-spec 911 range with the coupe and cabriolet in sight, and with the other two are enjoying the fruits of their labor because of more powerful versions on the horizon, the Targa feels like it's like being the only son in the family of girls, whatever that means.

While it retains the same folding mechanism from its predecessor, the new 911 Targa is powered by the same 3.0L flat-six turbo engine as the other variants, producing up to 450PS of power output and while mated to an 8-speed PDK, it can go from 0-100kph in less than four seconds and onwards to about 304kph. That's about the same as the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet of course.

While it's bulkier than the Cabriolet, the 911 Targa still packs the sane mild and tangy driving feel of its derivatives, be it a 2WD RR or a 4WD and compared to its previous model, it's performing better than ever because of its dynamics,  direct steering ratio, rear-axle setting, available lift system on the front axle, and adaptive aerodynamics as experienced in other variants, not to mention the annoying ones like the Lane Keeping Assist with traffic sign recognition, Lane Change Assist with visual warning, Night Vision Assist with thermal imaging camera, ParkAssist, Surround View, and other safety features worth noticing.

Which of the normal 992 911 variants would you want to drive? The coupe? The cabriolet? Or the Targa?

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Porsche 911 (992) Turbo

The Porsche 911 Turbo is back in the 992 version and the new model promises to be as fast as any supercar it come across because of its supercar-esque performance in modern sports car looks, which sounds awesome for high-rolling speedo boys who got their hands full on their phones filming while driving on top speeds, which is annoying for everyone.

2021 Porsche 911 Turbo

2021 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

The 911 Turbo has always been the alpha dog of the range when it first emerged since the dawn of time and with the newest version, the all-new Porsche 911 992 Turbo lineup still got some spartan driving manners just like the previous 991 model but with all that power beefed up to supercar levels.

In its full-blown S version, which costs speedo boys 212,711 Euros plus tax and delivery, the all-new flat-6 3.8L engine with two VTG turbochargers churns out a massive 650PS of power and 800Nm of torque and with the 8-speed PDK, the only gearbox offered on this guy, and the optional Sport Chrono pack, it can go 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and a top speed of a mind-blowing 330kph. Now that's supercar fast.

Apart from the performance it delivers, the all-new 911 Turbo, be it in coupe or cabriolet, still has that mild but spartan driving feel when enjoyed on track days. Apart from its four-wheel drive system that goes around and comes around through all corners in a mild way, the new 911 Turbo featured some of the updated dynamics and aerodynamics that will keep itself enjoyed for more as well as some other new stuff such as PASM sports chassis and the rather showy sports exhaust system.

It maybe quick on the straights and ovals but it's worth a try in the corners because of its four-wheel drive system and some reworked dynamics. It's as good as the styling it possess and for taking things quietly on a weekend drive, the 911 Turbo is worth a journeyman's drive from sunrise to sunset.

So, speedo boys, is the all-new 911 992 Turbo the best 992-spec 911 to drive because of its performance that eats supercars for breakfast, lunch, and tea?

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Porsche Taycan

Porsche is one of the luxury carmakers that jumped into the electric revolution by creating a German equivalent to the Tesla Model S which promises to be the most revolutionary Porsche ever made; delivering zero emissions to the environment while delivering the same experience speedo boys get from the Porsche. Say hello to the first-ever Porsche Taycan electric sports saloon, the most revolutionary Porsche ever made.

2020 Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan starts at a very expensive 105,607 Euros plus additional costs, which is more costly to own than the Tesla Model S but despite the outrageous price tag for an electric sports saloon, the Taycan promises to be one of the most surprising cars of the new decade and Porsche really laid down their strongest trump card on the EV wars with this one, although unsure about how it lives to its name.

2020 Porsche Taycan

First of all, the design draws inspiration from the Mission E Concept car, meaning that the Taycan almost has all of the bits and bobs from the concept car it was based on so therefore, it's great to look at, although the naming is worth a headscratcher. Look at the grade list; there's the word Turbo on it and it's impossible to be called a Turbo because being an electric car, there are no turbochargers on it, but for the Porsche folks, they redefined the Turbo meaning to their cars to serve as the most powerful and fastest variants ever made and they do have a point. Anyway, let's talk about that later on because it's time to get inside and see what's it like.

2020 Porsche Taycan interior

The interior is as futuristic as the exterior design itself because on the driver's side, the dashboard's heavily dominated by so many touchscreens to toy at, which is very next century-ish but you would really want to keep it clean with your cloth used to clean your glasses after touching it. You wouldn't want to leave fingerprints on such screens, of course. On the passengers' side, it's about as spacious as a Panamera as well as a boot space big enough for today's trip to the country club or a five-star hotel. Either way, living in a Taycan is anything fancy for those got their hands on it and whether if its drive or be driven, this Porsche does it all.

2020 Porsche Taycan

The Taycan uses two electric motors bolted on each axle with the rear takes good care of its two-speed gearbox. The utterly misleading Turbo variants have a normal power output of 460 kW but because this is the top-tier variant of the range, they come with an Overboost feature, which in Turbo S guise, churns out up to a smashing 560kW, that's more than today's Model S range-topper by a narrow margin. With that kind of power, the Taycan Turbo S can do 0-100kph in less than three seconds and limited to 260kph. Now that's Porsche'level fast for an electric car but it can't outrun a speeding rocket heading straight towards bull's eye.

On the dynamics side, the Porsche Taycan features active suspension management and torque vectoring technology, which all sounds very nice but be warned because handling one is like a double-edged sword because when you take it through the corners, it feels mild and menacing for an electric sedan and when things get rough, it's an arm-breaking experience. 

Despite that, the Taycan is worth drivable over and over again until you are fully satisfied with the way it behaves and when you get the hang of its mild and menacing grip, it's very exciting.

2020 Porsche Taycan

When you had enough fun, you can really ease yourself in the Taycan because even though it's a sportscar at heart, it works like a luxury car on the streets. It's surprisingly comfortable to live with and safer as well thanks to its wide array of safety features too many to list.

Porsche really did laid their strongest card on the electric car wars with the Taycan and with its electric powertrain, performance, style, and comfort, there's no denying that this is going to be one of the best new cars of this brave new decade. Everyone's anticipated for this but sadly, there's one major problem with the Taycan; Gran Turismo completely ruined it.

Yep, the Gran Turismo folks featured the Taycan first on the GT SPORT game and as I said, cars that featured first and only on Gran Turismo are downright terrible just like the Toyota GR Supra. Face it, nobody likes a car featured first and only in the world of Gran Turismo like the Taycan, and if you're thinking about having one, please don't if you value your collection of super fast cars and your dignity. That is all.

Available colors; Weiβ, Carrara Weiβ Metallic, Dolomit Silber Metallic, Vulkan Grau Metallic, Schwarz, Tief schwarzes Metallic, Enzian Blau Metallic, Frozen Blue Metallic, Mamba Gun Metallic, and Karminrot.

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Forza Horizon 4: Emory Special

The Porsche 356 has been a common piece in Forza Horizon 4 and no game has featured so many 356 variants than this. We got the coupe, the speedster, the Gmund Coupe, and now this.



What this is is no ordinary Porsche 356 because an Oregon-based specialist named Emory Motorsports created those handbuilt Porsche 356 "Outlaw" restomods to cater every Porsche aficionado's special needs.



The Emory Special is a bespoke 356 made to cater every customer's desires with Rod Emory's eye for detailing. Because no two Emory Special are the same, the bespoke Special benefits from all of Emory Motorsports' restoration standards with some modifications that will set other clients apart. Every Emory Special is equipped with the Emory-Rothsport Outlaw 4-cylinder engine, which is based on the 3.6L dry-sump engine architecture from the Type 964 but displaces from 2.4 to 2.6-litres, depending on the specific configuration.



Letting the Emory-Rothsport Outlaw 4-cylinder engine for just a minute, you will realize just how special is the Emory Special is and thanks to its Emory magic underneath its vintage skin, it drives like a modern sportscar at so many levels. You'll find plenty of good reasons to enjoy this bespoke masterpiece from the best Porsche 356 specialists from Oregon.



It's true that no two Emory Special are the same but just how different is the Emory Special? I've summoned other Emory Special drivers and take this masterpiece, acquired from the recent Horizon Winter Playlist, for a spin on the Ice Flats and at the Festival. Ready, Go!

Guess mine's different than the rest of the Emory Special drivers.



The Emory Special really sets the Porsche 356 models apart because of its one-off styling fit for clients' needs, its Outlaw 4-cylinder engine, and improved driving feel that lets drivers think that this car is so much than just being a restomod. As a matter of fact, it's far more complicating than that and that's what makes the Emory Special, you guessed it, special.

Enjoy your new ride.

Porsche Cayenne Coupe

Porsche is one of the latest German carmakers to succumb to the coupe utility niche with the launch of the first-ever Cayenne Coupe, a coupe utility vehicle that offers the same blend of performance and utility from its normal Cayenne, now with the sloping roof line that can be somewhat surprising but annoying. Time to flip the "why card" over Porsche's first coupe utility vehicle that got the speedo boys noticed.

2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe

With prices start at 83,711 Euros plus on road costs, the Cayenne Coupe is Porsche's entry to the coupe utility niche that  offers the same blend of performance and utility from its normal Cayenne, now with the sloping roof line. At first glance, it looks similar to the normal Cayenne but the Coupe offers signature features apart from its sloping roof line such as an adaptive rear spoiler. rear bench beneath the two seats, and a choice of two different roof styles.

Of course, you can expect the same high-tech interior stuff from the normal Cayenne but since this is the Coupe, it can only accomodate up to four people aboard. As a family car, the Cayenne Coupe is a tad pointless but for bringing out with your mates for a tailgating party, it works rather well, especially when it has boot space nearly identical to the normal Cayenne, meaning there's enough roof for a Coleman full of drinks and some snacks for the gang.

Under the hood, you can expect the same choice of engines as the normal Cayenne, with the Turbo carrying the 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, which produces 550HP of power and 770Nm of torque with 286 km/h of top speed.

The normal Cayenne's sportscar DNA in an SUV packaging has been slightly improved from the past generations when it first arrived years ago and with the coupe version, it still bears the same story. It balances the things that are right such as its improved dynamics and braking, with the things that are wrong such as understeering. Although it has very limited offroad capability like most crossovers today and too heavy for track days, it's not bad to drive on the road. As a matter of fact, why would you want your Cayenne Coupe to be a fit for all?

Anyway, while it's too complicating to answer, the Cayenne Coupe shows that Porsche has gone to different ends to make a coupe utility no one's asking and with current SUVs in the range such as the normal Cayenne and the Macan, this new addition shows the bleak side of Porsche's greatness.

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Forza Horizon 4: The Ferrari 512 S

Several moments ago, I managed to get a hold of the legendary Porsche 917 LH in the world of Forza and this Le Mans legend truly lives up to its reputation. Now, the recent series update on Forza Horizon 4 brought up its arch-foe, the Ferrari 512 S. I got a hold to its rival Le Mans machine and find out what's what.



First and foremost, just what's it all about Ferrari's Porsche 917 arch-nemesis and why this and the Porsche 917 became the centerpiece of another Le Mans legend told in the history books? Following Fiat's takeover, Enzo Ferrari began building this car that can take part in the 1970 World Sports Car Championship in Group 5. For homologation purposes, they made 25 of these.

It uses the similar tubular space frame as the P4 and the 612 while being powered by a 5.0L all-alloy V12 engine producing 550hp of power and capable of hitting the 340kph top speed. Its first appearance is at Daytona, where it won third place, and its biggest achievement is winning Sebring and Kyalami at the Manufacturers' World Championship in 1970 and 1971. Sadly, the Porsche 917s were proven to be too difficult to beat for the Scuderia's trump card.



I'm slightly a fan of vintage racers but getting behind the wheel of the 512 S reminds me back of one of my experiments where the mighty 917 LH trumped the 512 S in ye olde Le Mans but since this is far, far, away from now, it's best to take a spin round Britain's finest and by driving one, it's hard to say how much of a vintage racer the 512 S is because while it was built to be the antithesis to the Porsche 917 LH that I drove a while back, there are some similarities between the two and this is why I called my old friend to have a quick draw with its arch nemesis.



The rivalry between these machines as reenacted by Steve McQueen in the Le Mans film, it feels so far away now to me, but still, that doesn't stop me to conduct another one of my Forza Horizon experiments between the two machines.



Fighting on castle grounds, my little experiment is all about which one is the fastest. Everybody knows that the 917 is famed to kick Ferrari's butt at Le Mans but now that I'm experimenting these machines near castle grounds, it's time to put that little hypothesis to the test.

After a little experiment near Bamburgh Castle, I am shocked to say that both of these machines lapped in 0:58.926! Incredible! Even though they have different specs and performance, they have similar results in the end. I'm definitely scratching my heads now.



The 917 and 512 have made a massive mark the history of motorsports because of the famed rivalry that got Steve McQueen's attention to recreating it on the big screen. Witnessing such rivalry is like I had a choice between Ford V Ferrari or Le Mans but whichever rivalry we went into, it's great that we are fans of vintage racers like these.

GT SPORT: Soul, electrified

With the world braces for an electrified future, Porsche accepts the electric car challenge by creating their first-ever electric car that delivers the same Porsche feeling in a zero-emission promise.



The result is the birth of Porsche's first electric sports saloon, the Taycan, and GT SPORT has the exclusivity to bring the new Taycan to the virtual world for all to witness the electrified vision of Porsche.



Only Gran Turismo Sport players have been given the opportunity to have their first taste of Porsche's electrified vision with the Taycan and now that it's here in the world of Gran Turismo, let's investigate more about Stuttgart's first electric car that promises pure Porsche DNA in an electric car packaging.



Unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Taycan is Porsche's first fully-electric sports saloon which marks the beginning of the new era for the German sports car maker responsible for the legendary 911, the 718, the Panamera, and other models. At launch, the Turbo and the range-topping Turbo S will be offered and it's very confusing why they gave a Turbo naming on an electric sports saloon like this even though it has no ICE that powers it.

Anyway, wrong naming aside, the range-topping Turbo S unleashes up to 560kW overboost power from its unique electric drivetrain with 800v of system voltage and 93.4kWh Performance Battery Plus, meaning it's capable of going from 0-100kph in less than three seconds.

Apart from the electric powertrain that leaves them a first impression, the Taycan features a wide array of centrally networked chassis systems that will keep the electric car sporty and comfortable wherever it will go.



Upon trying out the Taycan firsthand in the game, the acceleration is worth a first impression to me because with all that power, it can get away quicker than the competition, but in terms of handling, it's a different story. Because it weighs about two and a half tons and with four-wheel drive, it feels bulky to drive and mild to handle, meaning it's too grippy to let loose and can be easily prone to understeer if you are approaching to the corner. It might be worth a break in the ligaments but if you keep driving with this Porsche, the more you will appreciate about the Porsche DNA the Taycan carries. It maybe difficult to get round corners with precision but it's worth a shot in a Taycan.

To explain what I'm on about, I had a little spa day on my own and if by spa day, it's not what you expect.





At long last, the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is back in the world of Gran Turismo and the return of the Belgian track is the perfect sandbox for Porsche's first electric sports saloon.





From Eau Rouge to Rivage, I can really feel all the drama the Taycan went through and with all that mildness and all the grip, feels like the struggle is real and my arms are starting to leave an impression on the Taycan's grippy and mild driving feel, no matter the ever-changing elevation I've been through during my so-called spa day. Speaking of which, I did a timed lap to see how fast the Taycan went through Spa and I have a little footage for us to watch.

I did it in a 2:46.806, meaning that despite the weight and handling that upsets me the most, the Taycan is surprisingly a decent and enjoyable track day car that you can challenge yourself with if your arms are fully prepared for the worst.



It's still too early to tell the outcome of Porsche's first-ever electric sports saloon but thanks to GT SPORT, we have the experience we need to understand how the Taycan is made. If you haven't got the chance to experience what's what behind the wheel of the Taycan, be sure to play Gran Turismo Sport right now because this is the only chance you'll need to experience Porsche's electrified vision.