2019 BMW X4

BMW practically invented the crossover coupe with the launch of the X6 in 2007. Seven years later, it rolled out not only the second-generation X6, but downsized the same formula into the smaller X4. Set to debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show next month, the new 2019 BMW X4 is both larger and altogether more advanced than the model it replaces. In its second iteration, the 鈥渟ports activity coupe鈥?has grown by over three inches in length and an inch and a half in width, riding on a 2-inch longer wheelbase. That hasn鈥檛 stopped the engineers from trimming as much as 110 pounds off the curb weight, with a lower center of gravity and perfect 50/50 weight distribution for optimal handling. The cockpit has been redesigned around the driver, with a lower instrument panel and a higher seating position for a more commanding view of the road ahead. The extended exterior dimensions translate to more legroom for the back seats, too, with a panoramic moonroof to enjoy the view out the top. There鈥檚 an oversized 10.25-inch touchscreen, optional head-up display (now 75 percent larger), and both gesture- and voice-control functionality. And there鈥檚 a wide array of active safety systems on offer, too - including active cruise control, lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic warning, parking assistant, around-view monitor鈥?everything, in short, that you鈥檇 expect from the latest premium German offering. The lower-spec xDrive20i (with 184 hp) and three diesels (with 190, 231, and 265 hp respectively) we鈥檙e fine doing without. All engines come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive as standard. The Bavarian automaker will also offer an array of packages - including xLine, M Sport X, and M Sport - to help customers cater their vehicle to their taste. Wheels range in size from 19 to 21 inches, and further options from BMW Individual stand to make it even more personal.

Since 2009, Lotus has been giving the Cayman a good run for its money with the Evora. For 2016, the Brits have updated the sports car with a new body shell and a more powerful engine, making it a suitable competitor for the Cayman GT4 and the upcoming RS. The updated supercharged, 3.5-liter V-6 is now capable of 400 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque, which should be enough to pose a threat to the GT4 RS. The extra grunt also enables the Evora 400 to hit 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and top out at 186 mph. This race car for the road will arrive in the U.S. 89,900, which puts it on par with the GT4. Those not keen on rowing their own gears, the Lotus comes with an optional automatic transmission. Find out more about the Evora 400 in our detailed review here. Alfa Romeo鈥檚 first mass-produced vehicle to arrive in the U.S. 1995, the 4C is a milder proposition to the Cayman GT4 RS. Unlike the Porsche, it carries a much smaller, turbocharged, 1.75-liter four-banger rated at "only" 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Though it鈥檚 less powerful than the base Cayman, the 4C is quite quick in a straight line, needing only 4.5 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill. 54,000. Alfa Romeo discontinued the coupe version of the 4C, but a successor with more power and better performance might arrive in a couple of years. Read more about the Alfa Romeo 4C here. Though the Cayman GT4 is arguably the hottest compact sports car around, it鈥檚 hard not to dream about a more powerful version, especially since the first GT4 is long sold out. The GT4 RS would combine everything Porsche has learned while developing the new 911 GT3 with the advantages of a mid-ship configuration, which would result in a tremendous race car for the road. Updated 03/27/2019: Our spy photographers caught the production version 718 Cayman GT4 testing at Nurburgring.The car is expected to make its world debut at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Updated 05/15/2018: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Porsche Cayman GT4 out for a new testing session around Nurburgring. Porsche is rumored to unveil the new Cayman GT4 in autumn at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Updated 02/13/2018: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Porsche Cayman GT4 out for a new testing session during cold winter conditions. New details suggest that the GT4 will be unveiled on March 6, at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

Not Porsche. Its drivers like to feel they鈥檙e in a jet fighter and there鈥檚 a dizzying array of physical toggles and buttons and knobs running the length of the centre console to control just about everything. The central control screen is larger this year, bumped up to 10.9 inches from the previous 7.2, and it鈥檚 clear and easy to use. Also new this year is an optional choice of steering wheel that borrows from the 911, and if you order the Sport Chrono package, you鈥檒l get the driving mode switch integrated into the wheel. This includes the marvellous 鈥淪port Response鈥?button - push it with your right thumb and you immediately get Maximum Everything for 20 seconds. If you鈥檙e overtaking, it鈥檚 the next best thing to a Nitrous button. Handling is apparently improved thanks to a new suspension setup that uses aluminum spring forks at the front and retuned anti-roll bars. I can鈥檛 verify that it鈥檚 actually better, however, without trying the old and new models back-to-back on a track.