Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4

Volkswagen signaled the start of a new era with their original electric car called the ID.3 and the whole world's talking about one of the most important vehicles in Volkswagen's new era. So, what's it all about?

Priced under the 40K mark, the first-ever Volkswagen ID.3 signals the new era for the German carmaker and when it was first debuted, it was the first model to don Volkswagen's new logo, showcasing its minimalism in the pursuit of becoming a carbon-neutral carmaker in the future. Yes, they're going green and blue in the name of cleansing its image after the company was hit hard by the Dieselgate scandal that caused the whole world to rethink not just diesel but the whole fossil fuels.

Before getting to know more about its electric powertrain, let's observe the styling first. Drawing inspiration from the ID Concept first seen at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the ID.3's concept-turned-reality styling is a welcoming feat for customers looking for an electric car with futuristic styling that proves that the future is now thanks to science.

The interior of the ID.3 is what made them noticed because, like most modern vehicles, the ID.3's interior goes for a more minimalist approach, something that will scare away speedo boys behind the wheel because to them, it's pointless and complicated and some might agree with them because with the touch screen's the only brain that functions the radio, the sat-nav, the aircon, and other concessions of comfort around it, it's hard getting to know about it on the first try. Complicating the touch screen master control stuff maybe, but the comfort zone still feels like any car should be. There's seating for five people and despite being rear-wheel-drive, its 385-liter boot space behind the rear seats makes it a suitable workhorse be it for work or for fun. Nice one, Volkswagen.

Being the first to run in the new MEB platform for added flexibility while incorporating its revolutionary electric mechanicals, the ID.3 has a choice of three battery sizes at launch with the largest being 77kWh (delivering 204PS of power output through the rear axle) and a range of 550km by WLTP standards. A lesser version with a 45kWh battery, 330km range, and 160kph top speed will be added later.

Despite being a rear-wheel drive electric car that spells fun for the drivers, the ID.3 behaves like a sensible electric car that fits nearly well on the city streets because of its near good turning radius, 1,719kg minimum curb weight, and compact sizing. It works like every electric car should and although it doesn't translate into fun, it's zippy and you can drive as much as you want, although there's a shocking fact that the ID.3 is jam-packed with the most advanced safety features Volkswagen ever thought of ranging from Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, multi-collision brake and Lane Assist, Side Assist lane change system, Park Assist, Park Distance Control, and so on. These techs will keep you noticed and for speedo boys, this means panic in the driver's seat.

Yes, the Volkswagen ID.3 is proof that the future is now thanks to science and with its advanced tech, revolutionary electric powertrain, minimalist interior, and futuristic styling, this is the brave new world Volkswagen's heading or perhaps it could be heading because with crossovers rule the world like Hollywood superheroes, looks like the ID.3 might need some help from its superhero alter ego, which is its crossover version.

This is the first-ever Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover, which costs over five grand more than the ID.3 hatchback, and like the ID.3, the ID.4 crossover features the same bits and bobs as seen on the ID.3 but with slightly increased height.

At first glance, it's basically donning the same styling as the ID.3 but because this is the crossover cousin, the ID.4 has a slightly increased ground clearance just like any other hatchback that spawned its crossover cousins nowadays. Although it looks rugged, it behaves just like the ID.3 because like the one I said, it features a similar choice of battery packs with the range-topper bearing a 204ps 77kWh battery pack with a 511km driving range, which is 39km less than its hatchback equivalent, probably because it's slightly heavier than the ID.3's, but still good for an electric crossover that costs less than the Tesla Model Y.

Although being a crossover, the ID.4 is rear-wheel drive just like the ID.3, meaning you can't take it offroad and you can't go all out with it because it's got a 160kph limited top speed, which is twenty less than your normal Japanese car, but thanks to its MEB platform it dons and its clever dynamics, it's still breathable to drive, it's sensible, and above all, it's all common sense.

The ID.3 and the ID.4 are proof that Volkswagen's now living in a new era where electricity is the way, truth, and life in the pursuit of purity. Like it or not, this new era really is worth the hype and Volkswagen really is on the roll towards a brighter future, whatever the reason.

Photo: Volkswagen.

Honda e

The Honda e, the tiny electric hatchback that caught the attention of most Europeans, have arrived in Japan with a starting price of 4,510,000 Yen plus additional cost. Having enjoyed its run from the streets of London and Paris, the Honda e is ready to take on the streets of Tokyo and this means investigation with the most important Honda ever made.

So, what's it all about the Honda e, you may ask? It's a rear-wheel-drive compact electric hatchback that started out in life as an Urban EV Concept from the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and then spawned into a production vehicle that our friends from Honda Europe called their most important model as they begin their road to electrification. Of course, their electrification goals made a few sacrifices for the sake of their goal and that meant shutting down the British plant where the Civic Hatchback and Type R are made as well as its Turkish production operations. It's a sad story but such sacrifices have been done in the making of this very template they've set.

Yes, while the stying is broadly similar to the two concept cars it drew inspiration from, the interior is a real shocker because lurking through the wooden dashboard is a massive display of screens to toy around. It's like you're in the hot seat at mission control where you will have all the commands at your disposal but you're not in the Game of the Generals. You're inside of a tiny little Honda that snugs up to four people and boot space up to 565-litres, which is good enough for all walks of life. On an expensive version, you'll get tons of cool stuff such as a 100v AC power source to plug your laptop on and a premium sound system for a clearer sound experience.

Now we get to know more about its electric powertrain, the one customers are getting antsy about. Powered by a 35.5kWh Li-ion battery pack that produces 60kw of power and 315Nm of torque, the Honda e has a driving range of up to 283km per WLTC Mode standards while the Advance variant gets up to 259km of driving range. It can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes and it works as a backup generator for your home in an event of a power outage. There's your science lesson for you.

Because of its compact sizing, lightweight, high-strength platform, and RR layout a la Renault Twingo, some drivers would say that the Honda e delivers some spartan driving manners similar to the Porsche 911 but this is different because even though the electric motor is bolted at the back of the car, the Honda e is a fun-to-drive car that loves to twist itself without shouting. You'll find great reasons to enjoy its nimble dynamics that are surprisingly quirky for an electric car.

In the interest of safety, the Honda e is packed with a wide array of safety equipment that will keep drivers noticed. From its side cameras in place of door mirrors, the Single Pedal Control System similar to the one found on the current Nissan Leaf, Honda Parking Pilot, and a wide array of Honda Sensing safety tech, the list of safety features is certainly a shocker for those behind the wheel.

Is the Honda e the best electric car ever made? If so, looks like Honda's on the roll with the poster car of Honda "e:Technology" branding, a new strategy that unifies all of its electrified products under the same global name. The "e:Technology" branding kicked off with the launch of the new Honda Fit and the new Honda Accord hybrid vehicles with its e:HEV dual-motor hybrid system, and with the arrival of the Honda e, the road to electrification is in a full circle.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

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 Carrera (992)

The all-new 992-spec Porsche 911 Carrera truly is Porsche's ultimate birthday present to themselves when it celebrated their 70th anniversary last year and with the newest and still-looks-the-same 911 arrived on the road, there are more and more people to celebrate the arrival of the newest incarnation of Porsche's premiere sports car that has a love-it-or-hate-it attitude and a true status symbol for European sportscars.

2019 Porsche 911 Carrera

2019 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Truly a timeless machine, the all-new Porsche 911 retains one of the most prolific designs in automotive history while delivering a modern taste that blends the past, present, and the future of Porsche. A fitting birthday present indeed but there's more to talk about the newest Porsche 911.

The coupe version starts at 120,125 Euros (roughly 7.1 million PhP) while the Cabriolet starts at 134,405 Euros (roughly 7.9 million PhP) and while the pricing is near supercar levels, there's so much you can expect from this six-figure pricetag worth noticing.

Starting from the design, the 992 model looks almost the same as the outgoing 991 model but since this is an all-new model, who cares about being the same as the previous model. From its new intelligent LED headlamps, new wheel designs, classic styling, and the dramatically new rear lamps fit for a Daft Punk music video, the new 911's design can be somewhat a love-or-hate affair, an egoist's point of view if you may.

2019 Porsche 911 Carrera interior

2019 Porsche 911 Carrera interior

Inside, the new 911 truly blends the past, present, and the future, because while it harks back the golden days of the 911, the five-dial instrumental panel of course, those high-tech stuff loaded on the inside is worth a time-wasting moment. From its Porsche Communication Management, choice of three sound systems, apps and services, online-based navigation, the Porsche Connect app, and the Porsche Track Precision app, there's so much to toy around with the new 911 before setting off, therefore it is difficult to explain your first impressions with this new model but on the practical side, the front boot space is only good for a few groceries, meaning it's no good for taking it on the country club, playing golf. But when you say, "what about the rear seats no one could fit?", it's possible but be warned; easy to put it in, harder to get it out. Bad mark for Porsche there.

2019 Porsche 911 Carrera

2019 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Onto the performance side is where the 911 matters and for the 992 model, the 3.0L flat-six turbo engine now produces 30PS more than the previous model, giving it up to 450PS of power output. Sadly, the only gearbox offered in the 992 model is the newly improved 8-speed PDK and no manual gearbox on sight. That's bad news for the #SaveTheManuals movement but with this gearbox, the S model at bay and the Sport Chrono package, it's capable of going from 0 to 100kph in three and a half seconds (3.7 for the Cabrio) and onwards to 308kph (306kph for Cabrio). Four-wheel drive models can have slightly better 0-100kph time but slightly slower top speed as they said.

Handling-wise, the new 911 is performing better than ever thanks to its reworked dynamics, direct steering ratio, new rear-axle setting, available lift system on the front axle, and adaptive aerodynamics, not to mention the dramatic brakes that stop with a bit more feel into it. In its rear-wheel drive state, it's somewhat very enjoyable to exploit its capabilities as both a sports car and a grand tourer at the same time but dial in the four-wheel drive models, the results can differ because while it works rather well for sandblasting or singing in the rain, its enhanced front-axle drive on this powertrain made it even milder to drive, therefore it's all about the grip rather than being a balls-out sports car.

Apart from discovering the dynamics of this new model, the all-new 911 introduces the world's first Wet driving programme, allowing it to recognize wetness on the road, letting its stability management, traction management, aerodynamics, torque vectoring, and drive responsiveness adapt to such rainy conditions. Sounds clever and very convincing, I like it.

While the new 911 is basically one of the most enjoyable sportscars to drive this year, word of warning for the speedo boys owning one is that the new model now hosts a wide array of safety features such as 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. Just a reminder, of course.

So, what can I say about the new 911? Well, while the design, the boot space, and the tech is a bit of a let down for some, the improved dynamics and the engine performance really made the 911 a must have if they can afford a six-figue pricetag. That is the bottom line I can end about it but no matter how things get, good or bad, there's so much to fall in love with the new 911 but there is one very good reason why you should fall in love with it; the heritage it carries. Now that really is the ideal bottom line to end it.

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

smart fortwo cabrio (W453)

2016 smart fortwo cabrio

When smart introduced the world the next-generation of their two-door micro-mini, the fortwo, and its larger five-door equivalent, the forfour, I have a clear flashback saying that these two cars are more than welcome to be part of their garages if spending a day with a ridiculously expensive sportscar is not part of their schedule but driving one of these will make people think you're less matured and more of a Bondying.

Well, it's been two years now and the new smart range has added a new member of the family and this time, it's the open-top equivalent of the new fortwo, the all-new fortwo cabrio. Starting at 14,305 Euros, the fortwo cabrio is probably one of the cheapest convertibles to own even if you don't care just how slow selling open-tops like these are and you don't care where will you drive this car, be it rain or shine, as long as you're "smart" enough to cruise on these. Get it? I said the "smart" part, didn't I?

Even though this is just an open-top mischief in the making, this is still a smart fortwo for Pete's sake. You still get a choice of 1.0L and the 0.9L turbo petrol engines and a choice of either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed double-clutch gearbox. Whichever comes first, you are more than welcome to play around with the car's rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout that all smart cars get. At first, toying around with these cars because of its size is the most enjoyable part of having the fortwo cabrio but because it's a RR-car, expect the cabrio to have the similar behavior as an open-top Porsche 911. Nothing says mild but menacing in a different sort of way, huh?

As long as you don't see anyone in their big, expensive, sportscars driving by, the new fortwo cabrio is a nice city car to get used to it but if anyone saw it coming, they will come by laughing at you like jocks bullying nerds on recess, so don't try to pick em off, unless if you get through tight spots that those big sportscars can't because its size makes a big advantage in squeezing through tight places like little kids crawling through ducts. At least, that's the kind of stuff I'm talking about.

Like I said, the new Cabrio starts at 14,305 euros and if you can take advantage of other extras in store for this car, it can be somewhat a very classy city car for the masses indeed, despite its open-top character from the outside. Although not made to be a city car for the masses, the new fortwo cabrio is just one of the city cars that likes to squeeze through the crowd with ease.

Photo: Daimler AG

smart fortwo & forfour (W453)

2015 smart forfour

2015 smart fortwo

The smart duo compacts, the fortwo and the forfour, have now been regenerated with a brand new look and improved mechanisms that will keep these city cars well-refined for the next generation of first-time buyers but which smart would you want?

If you're single and if you don't have any friends, you might want to go with the fortwo, but if you have friends, well three of them, you can opt for the forfour. Either way, they're now both based on the latest Renault Twingo and just like that latest Twingo, they're rear-engined, rear-wheel drive just like a Porsche 911.

Of course, you might think that being a rear-wheel drive hatchback can be quite as enjoyable as a day at the theme park with your dabarkads but on these two, they're on a totally different story and how you drive these two will provide the same feeling that you felt after your field trip that starts with the boring part and ends with the exciting part.

The fortwo starts at 10,895 Euros while the forfour starts at 11,555 Euros and what do you get from these two are the same choice of petrol engines you can expect from the latest Renault Twingo such as the 1.0L and the 0.9L turbo engine. The 0.9L turbo engine that powers both the smart cars develops 90PS of power and 135Nm of torque.  As for the transmission, you can opt in for either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed double-clutch gearbox. Yes. There is a manual gearbox on a smart car so praise the driving gods! Sort of...

Although lacking in the power department, these little mice can have as much fun as they want but sometimes, those unswitchable driving aids are going to end your fun preemptively when you keep jamming the throttle. Also, when you go too fast on the corner, these cars tend to understeer and that's odd for these German city cars that had the same drivetrain as the Porsche 911.

For first-timers, they don't really care how problematic its handling is but what will appreciate these smart cars are the best-in-class turning radius and its refinement similar to its front-wheel drive oppositions like the Peugeot 108, Citroen C1, Fiat 500, VW up!, and many other Cozy Coupe-sized chunks.

2015 smart forfour interior

2015 smart fortwo interior

Well, even though they're larger than your baby boy's Cozy Coupe, both of these smart cars are really are cozy and, of course, convenient. You can opt in for some more extras including the one with the satellite-navigation system with hands-free connectivity so you can listen to your favorite playlist while on the go. And depending on the variant, they have enough space for your shopping bags after your weekend shopping spree with your mates.

Evaluating these two microcars are hard because, let's be honest, even though the new fortwo and the new forfour are different to each other, they still have the smart sense not as a city car, but a good car for a stop. These two cars are more than welcome to be part of their garages if spending a day with a ridiculously expensive sportscar is not part of their schedule but be advised for the macho men because driving one of these will make people think you're less matured and more of a Bondying.

Maybe these new smart cars makes you feel like a Bondying if you asked me.

Photo: Daimler AG

Renault Twingo III

2015 Renault Twingo

This is the brand new Renault Twingo and it's now on its third generation for Renault's city car that is small enough to do big things even rodents can't do in their spare time. Judging by the looks of it, the new Twingo isn't as good looking as the previous one and what shocked previous Twingo owners looking for an upgrade, the new model is now transformed from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive and the engine is now sitting on its bum rather than on the tummy or in the face. Which means, this compact car is now comes with the same layout as a Porsche 911 because the 911 has a reputation of having its engine placed on the butt.

A hatchback with an engine on the back? Wow, that was a rare sight and I wonder how does it perform well as a tiny car with a big attitude? I'll just talk about that later but for now, let's take a look on the outside first.

It may not be as good looking as the previous generation but the new Twingo is better looking than the first generation, which is the one with the hideous-looking frog eyes that is as creepy as French cars look in the 90's. Renault says that this new boxy look draws inspirations from the two concept cars; namely the Twin'Run Concept and the Twin-Z Concept but whatever you ask, don't think this is more of a spiritual successor to the ancient Renault 5 because both of them are from a totally different league in a totally different time. What's also bizarre is that unlike it's predecessors, the brand new Twingo is now available exclusively as a 5-door judging from the implementation of the secret rear doors that provides access to the rear seats.

2015 Renault Twingo interior

On the inside view, it's not so bad to look at considering that the top-range models will feature a sat-nav for the first time on the Twingo plus Renault's R-Link telematics system. The speedo's now change featuring a very high-tech digital thingy on the middle that tells the driver the fuel consumption, temperature, distance travelled, blah blah blah... And even though it's shorter than the old one, the added wheelbase makes it more roomier for your mates at the back.

Because it's an RR compact and the engine's on the back, you might think that it has room on the front, just like what Porsches and Ferraris do but no. There is little room in the front trunk because of such sizing and because this is rear-wheel drive, the rear boot space really suffers a bit, meaning you don't get to put a certain Ross Kemp on it just like what the previous Twingo did.

The new Twingo isn't like the 5 Turbo or the Clio V6 where the engine occupies the entire back room because for a small car with a 911-ish layout, the engine is located under the boot floor rather than exposing it like what the 5 Turbo and the Clio V6 do. That sounds genius but I had greater fears about putting stuff above the boot floor where the engine is placed under but let's put this fear under consideration for us so in the meantime, the performance.

2015 Renault Twingo

Now you may have wondering how the heck did Renault managed to made a rear-wheel drive city and the main reason why is that possible isn't from Renault but a joint collaboration from Germany's Daimler. Yes, Daimler's collaboration is the main point because thanks to the new Twingo's rear-wheel drive layout, it served as the basis for the next-generation smart car, namely the forfour and the fortwo compacts. These compacts are all developed by Renault and Daimler engineers at Renault's Parisian technical center.

Despite being a rear-wheel drive, the new Twingo feels so mild to drive. You don't get oversteering but it feels so agile, so quiet, so tight, and so nimble in all the right barrels and to explain what I'm on about, kindly refer this to Ridge Racer's Wild Gang. The Wild Gang. It's that little compact with a mild handling but you get the idea while driving the Twingo because...it's like that Wild Gang I mentioned.

For engine choices, there is a 1.0L petrol engine that produces 70PS of power and a smaller and turbocharged 0.9L petrol engine that delivers 20PS more than the bigger one but with lesser emissions as well. For the transmission, it has a 5-speed manual gearbox that does pretty decent in shifting gears, which is nice.

2015 Renault Twingo

So, should you buy it? The new Twingo starts at 10,800 Euros, which is more expensive than the modern city cars of today, especially the Peugeot 108 and the Citroen C1, but let's remember, this is a rear-wheel drive hatchback and you can have fun in the Twingo as much as you like as long as you need to take good care of it, no matter the outcome.

Available Colors: Blanc Cristal, Rouge Flamme, Bleu Pacifique, Noir Etoile, Brun Cappuccino, Bleu Dragee, and Jaune Eclair.

Photo: Renault

Porsche 911 991 GT3

One day, I was heading to the nearest EO Executive Optical at some mall in Alabang for some eye checkups. Yes. Some eye checkups because as we know, we all need eye checkups every year. Several minutes later, the eye doctor told me to pick some glasses. Of course, wearing normal glasses will make everyone think you're geek or a nerd perhaps sunglasses will make you look cool. Science tells us that it takes 7 pairs of sunglasses to make the wearer not seeing any light at all. Well, it's I Can Do Science Me stuff you know. After choosing the glasses of my choice, I had to pay a very expensive price and then left EO.

Anyway, enough about the whole eyeglasses stuff because what I'm going to tell you about today's treat. If this was Tekken, it would be Xiaoyu. If this was Ridge Racer, it's the Himmel EO. If this is iDOLM@STER, it would be Azusa Miura. Except this isn't but it's fairly close to those. Richard Hammond, eat your heart out.

2014 Porsche 911 GT3

This, I believe, is the brand new 911 GT3. The ultimate version of what Richard Hammond claims to be the perfect car, although it's an agreement for Porsche fans everywhere. The GT3 is the stripped-out model that took Porsche decades of German engineering that brought into this and like its normal model, the 911 GT3 provides some stylish design and spartan driving manners. Some say that with its organic bodywork, "mild" driving feel, and a decade-old philosophy, the brand new GT3 sure knows how to rack up the points on track and on the road. Running in all walks of life, the brand new 911 GT3 provides timeless pleasure and always sing to the sound of speed unlike any other.

2014 Porsche 911 GT3

Well, don't get to excited about this one because there are a couple of chinks behind this knight in shining armor and to explain what I'm on about, I want you to visualize something a bit more...BRAINIAC-ish. Think about, putting a figure of Xiaoyu on the microwave however that figure I just mentioned is not yet on sale until this fall so for a substitute...how about...a figure of Azusa Miura instead? Of course, as Richard Hammond might say before this; "STOP! The following experiment is dangerous. Do not try this at home. No really, DON'T!". Since PVC is another form of plastic, a certain Brainiac would need something to blow this off such as CD, light bulb, christmas lights, alcohol, anything metal and then he closed the door of the oven.

Imagine you are in a drag race between the new GT3 against the microwave waiting to explode. Which is faster? Well, as the GT3 and the oven starts, it starts. The all new GT3, it does 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds, faster than the old one, and top speed...315kph, 3kph more than the old. I suspect that it should have more firepower and more speed thanks to its 3.8L flat-6 engine mated with a 7-speed PDK gearbox but just before it reaches 0-100mph, the microwave explodes, blowing poor little Miura-san alongside with it.

It maybe not quite quick enough to outrun an exploding microwave oven but what else does it do for the new GT3? Like I was saying, the new GT3, being a stripped-out 911 for track days, has some spartan driving manners so it will take some manners mastering the grip of this German engineering beauty. Mild driving feel? Yes. Very. It maybe another ugly machine for those who doesn't like Porsches but it's still renowned for the exuberance it brings to anyone who owns one.

Thing is though, you might like the 9,000rpm rev-limit because reaching through here is the exact moment when a microwave full of junk explodes without warning. If a Brainiac drives one, it would be proper comedy to abuse such a German sportscar with cutting-edge technology. However, there's just one thing I'm not particularly fond of and it's the 7-speed PDK because past 911 GT3 models are rigged with manuals because shifting with these is the ultimate expression of freedom as an enthusiasts but for the new one, it's flappy paddle or nothing. The same thing happened to the brand-new hot Renault Clio. The manual gearbox has been removed in favor for the rather tasteless dual-clutch gearbox but as they say, "Responsibility Demands Sacrifice" because making it faster demands a lot of sacrifice.

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 interior

In the new GT3 though, sacrificing a manual gearbox in favor of a new kind of PDK is no ordinary task because this one shifts as low as 100 milliseconds in "Race Track" mode. With close-ratios, this PDK makes the GT3 feel as fast as thoroughbred supercars and shifting through the paddles is like trying blow more microwaves one by one by one. Brainy!

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 interior

So, the verdict. Although, the new GT3 lost some of the things that "purists" love but it's still a fast one. It's still the ultimate version as we know it even if it has a bit of a problems with it and being lost by an exploding microwave oven with lots of flammable stuff. If Richard Hammond drove this one, I'm awaiting his reaction about the new model's double clutch, its new cutting-edge technology, its mild driving feel, and the organic bodyline that has been around since the beginning of time itself. But still, I'm not willing to have one, even though with an ultra-expensive 137,303 Euro pricing because for me, it's still the kind of sportscar that took me trips to Executive Optical.

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (991)

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

The same goodness you would get from the new Porsche 911 Carrera (Type 991), is now carried over to the new Cabriolet version.

Forever being the king of European sports cars, the legendary Porsche 911 is became sacred to the brand since the first one came out in 1963. Now, 48 years has passed and after undergoing several model changes, this is it. The much awaited full model change for the king of European sports cars is made to be more stunning, sleek and stylish.

At first glance, the 991 looks the same as the outgoing 997 but take a second look and you'll see all the body panels are new as are the Porsche design DNA carried from the Panamera saloon. In fact, you can see the Porsche label spelled it out at the back. This design really more like an attractive swimming instructor in her racing swimsuit. That looks nice.

Now at the interior, it is well-sculpted and well-refined to meet up with its Porsche design DNA and this exactly looked like the Panamera and the second-generation Cayenne. What's amazing is the new high resolution multi-function screen for the best user-friendly experience. It can be somewhat very essential when it comes to navigation and this is the one that works, well kind of. This looks a lot nicer than the 997's interior that is somewhat "it's cool if you're an 11 year old boy" but it's certainly cool.

Seems that this one is perfect for the road and track because the Porsche 991 remains the same RR (Rear-engine, Rear-wheel-drive) layout that became the epitome of the 911 history for 48 years. At the normal 911 Carrera, it is powered by a 3.4L boxer engine that produces 350PS of power and 390NM of torque. The hardcore 911 Carrera S is powered by 3.8L boxer engine that produces 400PS of power and 440Nm of torque. With the 7-speed PDK is considered to be available, get ready for this because the new Porsche 991 comes with the world's first 7-speed manual transmission! That's right folks, a 7-speed manual transmission. Seven gear stickshift! This is definitely the first of its kind because over the years the maximum gear of a manual transmission is six, which of course we love it, but is there such thing in a world is a 7-speed manual transmission? Here in Porsche, it exists and its exclusive to the 991, providing combined fuel economy of 9,2 Liter/100 km at the standard 911 Carrera Cabriolet and 9,7 Liter/100 km at the flagship 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. We are very jealous to see this legend equipped with the world's first 7-speed manual.

Available in 14 colors: Schwarz, Indischrot, Carraraweiss, Racinggelb, Basaltschwarz, Aquablau, Platinsilber, Dunkelblau, Anthrazitbraun, Achatgrau, Rubinrot, GT-silber, Cognac, and Limegold.

My Comment:

So, this soft-top version of the 991 has the same feeling you would get from the original hardtop version. There's still more to come to the 991...

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

Porsche 911 Carrera (Type 991)

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera interior

Forever being the king of European sports cars, the legendary Porsche 911 is became sacred to the brand since the first one came out in 1963. Now, 48 years has passed and after undergoing several model changes, this is it. The much awaited full model change for the king of European sports cars is made to be more stunning, sleek and stylish.

At first glance, the 991 looks the same as the outgoing 997 but take a second look and you'll see all the body panels are new as are the Porsche design DNA carried from the Panamera saloon. In fact, you can see the Porsche label spelled it out at the back. This design really more like an attractive swimming instructor in her racing swimsuit. That looks nice.

Now at the interior, it is well-sculpted and well-refined to meet up with its Porsche design DNA and this exactly looked like the Panamera and the second-generation Cayenne. What's amazing is the new high resolution multi-function screen for the best user-friendly experience. It can be somewhat very essential when it comes to navigation and this is the one that works, well kind of. This looks a lot nicer than the 997's interior that is somewhat "it's cool if you're an 11 year old boy" but it's certainly cool.

Seems that this one is perfect for the road and track because the Porsche 991 remains the same RR (Rear-engine, Rear-wheel-drive) layout that became the epitome of the 911 history for 48 years. At the normal 911 Carrera, it is powered by a 3.4L boxer engine that produces 350PS of power and 390NM of torque. The hardcore 911 Carrera S is powered by 3.8L boxer engine that produces 400PS of power and 440Nm of torque. With the 7-speed PDK is considered to be available, get ready for this because the new Porsche 991 comes with the world's first 7-speed manual transmission! That's right folks, a 7-speed manual transmission. Seven gear stickshift! This is definitely the first of its kind because over the years the maximum gear of a manual transmission is six, which of course we love it, but is there such thing in a world is a 7-speed manual transmission? Here in Porsche, it exists and its exclusive to the 991, providing combined fuel economy of 9,0 Liter/100 km (11.1km/L) at the standard 911 Carrera and 9,5 Liter/100 km (10.5km/L) at the flagship 911 Carrera S. We are very jealous to see this legend equipped with the world's first 7-speed manual.

Available in 14 colors: Schwarz, Indischrot, Carraraweiss, Racinggelb, Basaltschwarz, Aquablau, Platinsilber, Dunkelblau, Anthrazitbraun, Achatgrau, Rubinrot, GT-silber, Cognac, and Limegold.

My comment:
Sacred to the Porsche brand, the new Porsche 991 would become the best Porsche ever built because of its new design, weight loss, and the world's first 7-speed manual transmission. Forever be the king of European sports cars.

The Carrera will be the first 991 model to offer in Europe this month while the 911 Convertible will come next year. Turbo, Targa, 4S, and others may follow soon.

Now all we can do is wait until PGA Cars will bring the new Porsche 991 to arrive in the Philippines soon.

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