Inside Autocar this month

» New Cayenne is hot, hot, hot

It’s back, it’s better and it’s even more brutal – the Porsche Cayenne proves it’s an even more capable all-rounder and, boy, is it an improvement on the original. And if it’s a combination of smart practicality and head-spinning excitement you’re after, we also test the stunning Audi RS5. Awesome.

And then we slow the pace to a regal Scottish highland cruise in one of the most beautiful cars Bentley has ever produced – the Mulsanne. But don’t let that austere exterior fool you. This vehicles is a phenomenal driver’s car.

Talking of performance, we also take four of the hottest front-wheel drive coupes on the market and let them fight it out in our gruelling group test. All this and the latest local and international motorsports news. Talk about value for money!!

First Drives

» Hyper activity
By Gordon Torbet on May 24, 2010

The Cayenne has always been a “Marmite” vehicle – you either love it or hate it: it’s neither a sportscar, a typical SUV nor a purpose-built off-roader. But it sold more than 270,000 globally. With the introduction of this new Cayenne there is far more to love and far less to hate.

» The heir apparent
By Damien Reid on May 24, 2010

I’ve been waiting a long time to drive this car, even before Bentley had signed off on the idea to build it. I was a fan of its predecessor, the Arnage which was laced with old-world charm and a few loveable flaws. I couldn’t imagine it being replaced by something conceived in the 21st century.

This month's selected shoot: Type-R and GTI head-to-head

  • Sharp edges: Not many cars are designed using origami!
  • Arabian Graffitti: The two contenders eye each other up
  • Nice dynamic angle shot from our shooter, Bdudé
  • Modernist punk vs. classic hot chic
  • The GTI's rims resemble some Viking weapon forged in the fires of Valhalla

Full Drives

» Show business
By Gordon Torbet on May 24, 2010

Do you remember the old TV advert where a youthful Indian with the aid of an elephant hammered his Hindustan Ambassador into the shape of a Peugeot 206? I like to think that Peugeot took a 308 and a picture of a TT, and tried very much the same thing.

» Micra economics
By Gordon Torbet on May 24, 2010

Nissan’s Micra has long been a familiar sight in Europe, but an unknown entity in the GCC, largely because the UK-built supermini was targeted specifically at the Euro market. However, the all-new model featured here is a true global car and it’s destined for our region in 2011.

Sport

» GT1 Storms Yas Marina

The floodlit 5.55km of Yas Marina Circuit provided the perfect setting for the opening round of the first FIA GT1 World Championship which saw former Renault F1 star Romain Grosjean and co-driver Thomas Mutsch take victory in their Matech Competition Ford GT…