This year鈥檚 Rally Germany will feature a new Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Rally Concept. The car may not be too new as it is essentially a stripped down version of the Cayman GT4, but there鈥檚 still plenty to be excited about. The Clubsport still features a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated flat six engine. For the Cayman, that means 380 horsepower being routed to the rear wheels through a six-speed PDK. What that means for the Clubsport is anyone鈥檚 guess so far. But the Clubsport is reportedly 84 pounds lighter and has a race-spec mechanical locking rear differential. The frunk sports an extra set of lights. You鈥檒l also find a roof scoop, as well as a flat bottom protected by skid plates. Porsche opted for Michelin Pilot Sport tires. OMP tow loops on the front and rear also stand out. The doors also feature side-impact foam, something new to World Rally Championship cars. Based on reception at the WRC鈥檚 Ralley Deutschland, Porsche will be deciding whether to take the car out of the concept stage and into development. Romain Dumas, who drove the Volkswagen I.D. R electric rally car at Pikes Peak and claimed the time attack record, will be piloting the Clubsport, so if the car is up to the challenge, you can expect good things to happen. Have you subscribed to Man of Many? You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The freestanding 10.25-inch flat screen Control Display comes as part of the standard-fitted iDrive operating system. The rear seat backrests can now be split/folded 40: 20: 40, allowing the capacity of the load compartment to be increased in stages from 580 to a maximum 1,525 litres. This is 75 litres of more boot space compared to the outgoing model. Numerous stowage compartments, plus door pockets also contribute to impressive levels of functionality in everyday and touring use. Automatic tailgate operation is also included in the standard specification for the all-new BMW X6. The tailgate can now be both opened and closed via remote control and from the driver's seat at the touch of a button. Maximum convenience when loading and unloading items from the all-new BMW X6 is provided by the hands-free tailgate opening and closing functions. Sensors detect foot movements underneath the rear apron and send out signals which prompt the electric tailgate into action. The all-new BMW X6 is much more refined and better looking than any of its previous models. The all-new BMW X6 continues with the unique features visible on all SAV coupes of the X family. Be warned, this is an SAV suitable for anyone looking for a luxurious, powerful and striking SUV with a coupe qualities. For practicality I ad rather you opt for the BMW X5 or start saving for the X7 SUV which will be launched soon.
It must be a nightmare replacing a car like the original Range Rover Evoque. To recap, the new Evoque sits on a very heavily modified version of the old car鈥檚 D8 platform - different enough, it seems, to earn a new name: Premium Transverse Architecture. It has pretty much the same footprint as the outgoing model, but the wheelbase has been lengthened slightly in a bid to improve rear-seat accommodation. The main reason for the switch to PTA, though, is powertrains - and Land Rover鈥檚 desire to offer 48-volt electrification. In fact, the entry-level, front-wheel-drive diesel Evoque is the only model in the range that does not have some form of hybridisation on board - and at the end of this year, a plug-in hybrid version will arrive. For now, though, there鈥檚 a 48V integrated starter/generator system. It allows the car to cut its combustion engine out completely below 11mph, and helps to smooth out any judder when it fires back up again.
That basic 148bhp diesel is also the only front-drive car in the line-up, and it鈥檚 the only new Evoque with a (six-speed) manual gearbox to boot. Every other version comes with four-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard. The goal for Land Rover鈥檚 engineers was to make a car that felt more grown-up than before, without treading on the toes of its cousin, the Jaguar E-Pace. And after several hundred miles in a 237bhp Evoque diesel on the roads of Greece, we鈥檙e inclined to say that they鈥檝e succeeded. The biggest single gain comes in terms of refinement. The hybrid technology helps the diesel out around town, too, where any harshness above 2,500rpm (and there is some) could be more cruelly exposed. Instead, the electric motor cuts in as you come to a halt and is impressively smooth, while its assistance with start-up helps the Evoque to get around with a minimum of fuss. On twistier roads, though, there is a clear difference between the Range Rover and the E-Pace.
The Evoque鈥檚 steering has more slack around the straight ahead, and while the response does quicken as you apply more lock, it never feels as keen to turn and aim for an apex. There鈥檚 more body roll, too, so the Evoque is less happy with any sudden changes of direction. Land Rover has clearly set the car up to be an accomplished cruiser that stays just about composed enough on more winding roads. And that feels a pretty good place for the smallest Range Rover, especially with that polite powertrain taken into account. It鈥檚 worth pointing out at this juncture, though, that our test car had the optional 21-inch wheels that come only as part of a pack with adaptive dampers. It still rode commendably well considering the wheel size, but we鈥檙e in the dark on whether 18-inch or 20-inch items, with regular suspension, would deliver an even better experience on the UK鈥檚 awful roads.
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