Porsche Cayman Coupe

Fair warning to our future selves: It's going to be a challenge to write the review for the next-generation Porsche Cayman. Because the current generation, which kicks off with the 2014 Porsche Cayman, is a nearly perfect sports car. It's usually easy to see how a car could be improved, even when it's considered the segment's latest and greatest, but this Cayman has us scratching our heads. Short of giving this coupe wings, or perhaps making it amphibious, we're not sure how Porsche could do any better. However, we certainly wouldn't complain if Porsche gave the 2014 Cayman more power. Given its midengine layout, which makes it inherently better balanced than the rear-engine Porsche 911, the Cayman has the potential to be a superior sports car. But in deference to the 911's illustrious legacy, Porsche steadfastly withholds its top motors from the Cayman lineup. Also on our short list of quibbles is the Cayman's new electric-assist power steering system. Although the steering effort is spot-on and its precision is inch-perfect, it lacks the tactile feedback that distinguished the original Cayman's steering. It's not a deal breaker, but in the eyes of die-hards, it keeps Porsche's midengine sports car from being truly flawless.

And in an emergency braking situation, when the driver suddenly releases the accelerator, the brake system "pre-charges" the pressure in the brake lines which ensures maximum effect as soon as the brake is applied. Characteristic AMG styling with the new face of the brand. The exterior of the eight-cylinder top-of-the-range model has also been refreshed. Following the example of the SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG, the G63 AMG has also taken on the new face of the AMG brand. The high-gloss black "twin-blade" radiator grille with four chrome inserts makes the new G-Class model instantly recognizable as an AMG. The grille design is consistent with the car's classic contours, with an off-road look perfectly integrated into the vehicle's overall appearance. Another completely new feature is the AMG bumper, with three generously dimensioned openings as airflow inlets. Vertical high-gloss chrome stainless steel inserts create a distinctively masculine look for the G63 AMG. New LED daytime running lamps are fitted below the bi-xenon headlamps. The AMG model also has characteristic fender flares, stainless-steel running boards and side protective strips with stainless-steel inserts. Other distinctive features include the "V8 BITURBO" logo on the front fender and a standard brush guard on U.S. Stylish new-look interior with increased comfort.

Round six of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship takes place around the streets of Monte Carlo. It’s the shortest, yet most demanding track on the calendar, and the drivers love the challenge of F1’s original street race. The Monaco Grand Prix was on the inaugural F1 calendar back in 1950 and it’s been a regular fixture since ’55. The layout of the 3.3km circuit has remained largely unchanged, the biggest updates taking place in 2004, when a new pit complex was built. The track has the slowest average speed of any circuit in F1, but the proximity of the barriers and the lack of run-off make it mentally absorbing for the drivers. Most of the corners are blind and the track surface is often slippery, particularly at the beginning of the race weekend. Pirelli will bring the combination of its Supersoft and Soft tyre compounds to the race. The teams have yet to race the Supersoft rubber this year, so they will have plenty to learn when practice gets underway on Thursday. Monaco has been a happy hunting ground for McLaren.

The team has taken 15 wins in the Principality, more than any other team, and Jenson and Lewis have each won the race once, in 2009 and 2008 respectively. They’ll be hoping to spray more champagne this year. “I remember last year having a fantastic car beneath me and feeling really confident that I could challenge for the win. As it happened, circumstances beyond our control worked to pull that opportunity away from us, but I go back to Monte-Carlo with a little bit of unfinished business. I’d love to win for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, the team has a great history around Monaco and I’d love to add my name to McLaren’s Monaco winners’ list. “This year, we’ll be running Pirelli’s Supersoft compound for the first time - which should be interesting. And while our car isn’t especially suited to the tighter confines of a track like Monaco, I’m optimistic of getting on top of the balance issues that have affected me for the past two races.

“Monaco is a very special circuit. It’s up there with Silverstone as the place where I most want to do well at. “Even though Monaco has the slowest average speed of all the circuits we visit in a season, it always feels incredibly quick. That’s because the acceleration is so rapid and the walls so close: there really is no room for error. Apart from the run-off at Ste Devote, and the tiny escape roads at Mirabeau and the harbour chicane, there’s no room to make a mistake. But when the stakes are at their highest, I just find it more exciting. “Still, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that, despite pushing for the win, consistency and scoring decent points is currently the most sensible way to tackle this world championship. I’ve scored points at every race, and I’m only eight points off the lead of the championship.