Once again, the most eloquent car journalist writing at the moment elevates a car review from the mechanical facts and figures into something much greater than the sum of its parts. Carfection, bravo for trusting this artist with your content, together you are broadcasting something very special. Whimsical genius
You do such an incredible job with your videos, Henry. The artistry, and the carefulness of delivery is so apparent in your work, it compelled me to pause the video half-way and make this comment.
i don't think any of that is his responsibility, he's like an actor in a movie here, not a producer :) that said, he does his part perfectly, no doubt about that.
To be fair I do actually write what I say, choose the locations and cars and direct the sort of film that we're trying to make. The last thing I think I'd call myself is an actor!
Yet another great video Henry & team! I had the pleasure of driving this road (the C-28) last July in my Caterham 420R whilst touring the Pyrenees. It was simply 'astonishing'.
Funny, I was looking at some of the Pyrenees roads on Google maps just the other week. This video just confirms it needs adding to the list. Absolutely beautiful video and eloquently put, as always, Henry. I love these videos. I always remember your Majorca one a few years ago. This reminds me of that. I followed in your wheel tracks on the Sa Calobra then and it looks like I may have to do so again. One day I'll write a concise comment on here. That day is not today, with a video like this one though. WOW!
You're consistently #AWESOME!!! ... I wish I could do more to support your work. Until then, I'm subbed, notifications are on and I always let the ads play! 😜
I bet Carfection are glad they took you on Henry! Damian deserves a big thumbs up for that lovely videography. I had 10 minutes to do some time wasting before doing chores/starting work and when I saw this I was palpably relieved! There was a switchback climb in the Tour de France a couple of years ago that they'd not ridden before, I commented to you at the time you should take an Evora up it. Can't remember what it was called now sadly - be a good spot though...
Henry brings car reviews to another level. Sort of like blending beauty of machine and beauty of nature - transfused together. You showed me a different perspective of things thus a different kind of poetic appreciation towards automotive and nature even more. Thank you Henry.
Finally Henry brought us to the Pyrenees! Need to go there again ASAP. The region is practically empty in September. Perfect roads! Car doesn't sound like an Imprezza though, rather like a BRZ mixed with a VW Pritschenwagen.
Henry + Porsche + great Road = another awesome video! Yellow = bonus! I hope not to many people get to know this road so it can be a petrolhead-secret and not become the flooded with tourists like the Stelvio etc. (If it does the remedy would of course be to drive it before 9AM)
Great Review Henry, you really do deliver a fantastic meld of both car and journey and the level of detail is simply excellent and . videotography is second to none. Well done. PS which watch do you wear?? Jon
This part of the world has some of the most amazing driving roads. I stumbled upon many of them during a recent trip to Southern France, Andorra and Spain. Truly stunning roads with very little traffic.
Nice video Henry. Anyone who hasn’t seen it, watch his previous video in the 981 GTS Boxster in Majorca. That video inspired me to want a Boxster GTS and that’s probably going to happen this year. The engine in this model is so awful that I won’t be buying a 718.
The 718 4 cylinders won engine of the year Research all the work they put into it, you'll gain a new respect for them Also drive one and feel the response
Carfection I do like a lot of the CNET content (Cooley has done some awesome reviewing, predating Roadshow) and also their website articles. Carfection though content of late though, is like a modern day Petrolicious in terms of camera work and editing. Carfection narrative is both interesting and informative, and you have a great recipe for these kinds of pieces. Just think Roadshow could do some of the Carfection like like speeding GT 350 over a misty PCH on a spring morning and create some equally great episodes.
Henry, I was wondering if you have a website or blog with a list of all the cool roads you have driven or intend to visit. That would be awesome. Love your reviews!!
Amazing video! It reminds me a lot of a similar video from Drivetribe last year called 'One Last Pass' which also, ironically, was uploaded in February last year. However, while in that video Henry drove an R8, which I think is ugly, it at least makes a beautiful engine sound. This 718 on the other hand, as beautiful as it is, sounds disappointing. That's my only gripe with this car. Apart from that, I love it and would love to own one.
Actually this spot and its surroundings offers so many great roads to drive on! Hey but don't tell anyone 😉😂 Great vid by the way! As again proper XCARS content 👍
Another killer video from Carfection. Pity you can't do a deal with Amazon or Netflix. These videos are much better than some produced by the - ahem - well-known trio.
I still consider that The Transfagarasan Highway in Romania is the best driving road in the world. I know that you liked The Transalpina Highway more. I drove on both of them, and you can have a lot of fun in any car!
I want to drive through there on 11/03/18, do you think I could or would it be closed because of snow? I know some roads they keep clear and others they close.
I think they try to keep this clear through winter because of the ski resort at the top of the pass. You should be able to find out fairly easily if its open in advance.
Thanks for the tip - shall I take the MX5 ND 1.5 BBR Super 160 or the 08 Cayman 2.7 6 Speed Sport Chrono PASM with Sports Exhaust? O decisions! No, it'll be the 1986 Austin Mini.
I respect the opinions about not loving the flat four in the Cayman, since they dropped the flat 6. I however have no bias, I happen to have love for all kinds of engines, being high strung NA inline 4's, Rumbly UELManifold Flat 4's, or the more raspy and smooth EL Manifold Flat 4's, or Flat 6's all sound great. I love VW's VR6's like the 2.8's and the Golf R32 versions especially when in an echo-y canyon drive, or either type or crossplane or flat plane crank V8, and then there's Rotary Engines which have a sound all their own while being able to rev to whatever rpm you desire. My point is that, it doesn't matter that this engine type became well known in a more economy type car like a Subaru, the engine sounds unique and still it makes great power and because Porsche has some seriously balanced cars especially these mid engined Cayman's. I just don't mind the sound track at all, I think it sounds great in it's own right. So what if it sounds a bit like a WRX or and STI, I can guarantee the driving dynamics will still put a smile on your face every time you hustle it down a back winding road. Bottom line, all automakers are having to downsize engines, and it was bound to happen.
Damn I'd drive this road even in a rental Toyota Aygo! Of course it is underpowered. But there's something about it not being able to go uphill in 2nd gear - you have to pick gears carefully. Driving one in rural Italian areas was still one of a kind experience.
I'm going to keep commenting on these videos until it happens. Please make these longer, fully fledged videos? I'm talking 20-30 min sort of stuff. The quality is so high, it's genuinely better (for purely petrolheads and not people who enjoy forced comedy) than TG or GT.
So I mean the real question is do you get one of these nicely optioned or do you get a stripper 911 T? They're close in price. I feel like the T has some cache and will be more rare, while this possibly being the better car will be just another cayman.
Totally agree re the cylinders, such a shame Porsche went down that road. I wonder if they will reverse the decision, watch the resale values drop like a stone on the four cylinder cars if they ever do.
As a current gen1 Cayman S owner, the engine/sound in the new cars makes me sad. When I upgrade soon, I'll have to look at a previous gen cayman or 991. I don't think the GT4 would really work well as a daily.
As someone who’s traded his 987 for the vastly superior 718, especially the engine, I really don’t understand why Brit reviewers witter on about engine sound because they’re talking bollocks. True sixes sound best, but this engine isn’t really audible until you really rev it, which is an improvement because talking to someone while the six was droning was difficult. Then it has a pleasing rasp. The 718 does 2000 at 80 instead of over 3000, so it’s more relaxed and the extra power is effortless. Finally, I wonder if I have a later and different car, because it never sounds like the ones in these tests. I hope your silly comments do push people towards a lesser car, because nothing drives like a Boxster.
Well said. They sound different. The 718 sounds aggressive, the 981/987 a bit more operatic, but its personal preference, just like the looks. I have heard quite a few, and it seems from 2018 they sound far better. Also the base engine is less harsh than the 2.5L. Having got my first taste of Porsche with a 987, can honestly say the 718 knocks it (and the 981) into a cocked hat in every department. 911s are getting big and almost too much car for our roads in the UK. The 718 is a sublime package which does what Porsche sports cars are renowned for. In time people will realise how bloody stupid these engine comments were.
This guy is the best , followed by Jethro then Harris a distant 3rd IMHO. Catchpole has the right temperament and syntax to talk about cars. He's probably the secret love child of Clint Eastwood and some British librarian ; ) Dirty Harry with glasses .
Awesome video as always . P.s personally would go for the automatic. :P ik ik . Btw is this a 4 cylinder ? Sorry might have not listened to you that well , got distracted by the beauty of the road and the car :)
Porsche really need to improve the sound of their turbocharged engines. BMW too. Mercedes is doing very well in that department imo.Even a RS3 or a Quadrifoglio sounds better.
Once again, the most eloquent car journalist writing at the moment elevates a car review from the mechanical facts and figures into something much greater than the sum of its parts. Carfection, bravo for trusting this artist with your content, together you are broadcasting something very special. Whimsical genius
You do such an incredible job with your videos, Henry. The artistry, and the carefulness of delivery is so apparent in your work, it compelled me to pause the video half-way and make this comment.
Hear, hear!
i don't think any of that is his responsibility, he's like an actor in a movie here, not a producer :)
that said, he does his part perfectly, no doubt about that.
To be fair I do actually write what I say, choose the locations and cars and direct the sort of film that we're trying to make. The last thing I think I'd call myself is an actor!
Missed this kind of videos, keep them coming.
I totally went and checked that road out on google maps, including exact bends he drove through
Henry Catchpole could possibly the best motoring journalist in the last 10 years......
Another amazing bit of film. Yes i've never heard about that road before, and yes I put it in my list of roads to drive on now.
can't wait to drive this in my straight-6 engined.... rear-wheel-driven...open diff...2003 Chevy Trailblazer...on dry rotted 3-season tires...with warped brake discs...and significant engine knock.
Yet another great video Henry & team! I had the pleasure of driving this road (the C-28) last July in my Caterham 420R whilst touring the Pyrenees. It was simply 'astonishing'.
Fantastic video Henry. You are one of the best to make you feel emotions
The videos from Carfection just keep getting better and better!
Love your videos especially the camera work..love the beautifully articulated roads and editing
Funny, I was looking at some of the Pyrenees roads on Google maps just the other week. This video just confirms it needs adding to the list. Absolutely beautiful video and eloquently put, as always, Henry. I love these videos. I always remember your Majorca one a few years ago. This reminds me of that. I followed in your wheel tracks on the Sa Calobra then and it looks like I may have to do so again. One day I'll write a concise comment on here. That day is not today, with a video like this one though. WOW!
Well done Henry. Nice film, staggering scenery. Thanks for this.
WF
I'm sure I won't regret it! What a beautiful scenery. Great video as usual. Keep it up!!
Wow I just love the perfect combination of car and road in your videos !
Fantastic video again !
That slide-drift aerial view at the end while fading black gave me chills... awesome editing/narrating/video!!!
Love this little video. Short, sweet, perfect automotive journalism.
He is the voice of any car if it could talk. Amazing. Keep up making these films.
Great Video as always. We have been there this summer although in our 90 HP Diesel G-Wagon it was not quite as exciting a drive.
You're consistently #AWESOME!!! ... I wish I could do more to support your work. Until then, I'm subbed, notifications are on and I always let the ads play! 😜
that overhead shot of the power slide at the end was sublime. Very unique view.
I bet Carfection are glad they took you on Henry! Damian deserves a big thumbs up for that lovely videography. I had 10 minutes to do some time wasting before doing chores/starting work and when I saw this I was palpably relieved!
There was a switchback climb in the Tour de France a couple of years ago that they'd not ridden before, I commented to you at the time you should take an Evora up it. Can't remember what it was called now sadly - be a good spot though...
Thanks for this nice vid and nice watch you have
Yes, "...a sound track that matches the scenery..." Love it, thank you Henry. Maybe Porsche will get the message.
Drove there yesterday, amazing beautiful and very technical... loved it!
Henry brings car reviews to another level.
Sort of like blending beauty of machine and beauty of nature - transfused together. You showed me a different perspective of things thus a different kind of poetic appreciation towards automotive and nature even more.
Thank you Henry.
Henry, you're a true artist. One masterpiece after another.
So glad this was Henry.
Add another one to the list from Henry.
Finally Henry brought us to the Pyrenees! Need to go there again ASAP. The region is practically empty in September. Perfect roads!
Car doesn't sound like an Imprezza though, rather like a BRZ mixed with a VW Pritschenwagen.
I like the idea of reviewing not only the car but the road too.. nice video!
Henry is really one of my all time favorite reviewers!
5:18 perfectly timed piano rif with the drift! Great editing work!
This is the video that introduced me to Henry. The greatest reviewer
Excellent video.
Underrated channel
Henry + Porsche + great Road = another awesome video! Yellow = bonus! I hope not to many people get to know this road so it can be a petrolhead-secret and not become the flooded with tourists like the Stelvio etc. (If it does the remedy would of course be to drive it before 9AM)
Great Review Henry, you really do deliver a fantastic meld of both car and journey and the level of detail is simply excellent and . videotography is second to none. Well done.
PS which watch do you wear??
Jon
This part of the world has some of the most amazing driving roads. I stumbled upon many of them during a recent trip to Southern France, Andorra and Spain. Truly stunning roads with very little traffic.
Nice video Henry. Anyone who hasn’t seen it, watch his previous video in the 981 GTS Boxster in Majorca. That video inspired me to want a Boxster GTS and that’s probably going to happen this year. The engine in this model is so awful that I won’t be buying a 718.
eSysman “So awful”? Wow. Where on the doll did it touch you?
The 718 4 cylinders won engine of the year
Research all the work they put into it, you'll gain a new respect for them
Also drive one and feel the response
Henry, you've nailed it yet again, now that you are familiar with the place, next time you'd take something more sonorous over there.
Beautiful video.Missing videos of Scotland countryside driving
Carfection is showing Roadshow (CNET on Cars) how it is done. Awesome videos, content, camera work and editing. More of the same.
Carfection I do like a lot of the CNET content (Cooley has done some awesome reviewing, predating Roadshow) and also their website articles. Carfection though content of late though, is like a modern day Petrolicious in terms of camera work and editing. Carfection narrative is both interesting and informative, and you have a great recipe for these kinds of pieces. Just think Roadshow could do some of the Carfection like like speeding GT 350 over a misty PCH on a spring morning and create some equally great episodes.
Henry, I was wondering if you have a website or blog with a list of all the cool roads you have driven or intend to visit.
That would be awesome. Love your reviews!!
I don't, I'm afraid. Perhaps I should do one!
Amazing video! It reminds me a lot of a similar video from Drivetribe last year called 'One Last Pass' which also, ironically, was uploaded in February last year. However, while in that video Henry drove an R8, which I think is ugly, it at least makes a beautiful engine sound. This 718 on the other hand, as beautiful as it is, sounds disappointing. That's my only gripe with this car. Apart from that, I love it and would love to own one.
I drove this road in 2016 and even in a rented diesel Golf it was incredible! Twisty and on a sunny Septe9day, deserted!
Actually this spot and its surroundings offers so many great roads to drive on! Hey but don't tell anyone 😉😂
Great vid by the way! As again proper XCARS content 👍
Nailed it again Henry.......
Another killer video from Carfection. Pity you can't do a deal with Amazon or Netflix. These videos are much better than some produced by the - ahem - well-known trio.
I still consider that The Transfagarasan Highway in Romania is the best driving road in the world. I know that you liked The Transalpina Highway more. I drove on both of them, and you can have a lot of fun in any car!
Serban Mirica Îmi pare bine sa vad un român pe canalul asta. :)
Cosmin Oprea Si mie ;) Sigur suntem mai multi, doar ne leaga aceeasi pasiune!
Ai dreptate. Asa ar trebui sa fie. :)
Pacat ca transfagarasanul si transalpina sunt inchise toata iarna. Dar asta le face si mai speciale :D
👌
For viewers: search for C28 road until Baqueira. Actually it's a very nice road from C13, starting from Sort.
Hey Henry, why do I want more)
We need more Catchpoles on this planet
Perfect car review, none of that sideways nonsense. And it explains why the 981's values are creeping up.
That road and a 911R is all I need
why can't this video be longer :(
I want to drive through there on 11/03/18, do you think I could or would it be closed because of snow? I know some roads they keep clear and others they close.
I think they try to keep this clear through winter because of the ski resort at the top of the pass. You should be able to find out fairly easily if its open in advance.
Henry Catchpole thank you, your videos are always getting better, keep them coming.
Drove it to Spain last Sunday, was a great road. I would say it's better going towards France rather than towards Spain.
It's clear that the people who didn't talk about this road simply wanted it to remain some kind of an internal secret.
was the stability turned off completely on the power over steer?
Thanks for the tip - shall I take the MX5 ND 1.5 BBR Super 160 or the 08 Cayman 2.7 6 Speed Sport Chrono PASM with Sports Exhaust? O decisions! No, it'll be the 1986 Austin Mini.
It's a mix between the Maloja and the Julier Pass. Good stuff!
As for the GTS. I'm glad I have the 981 version!
Could you write down the name of the road somewhere? I'm sorry but I tried my best but can't figure out what he said. Port de la ????. (I'm German)
port de la bonaigua
Oh, i somehow didn't catch that. Thanks a lot!
I respect the opinions about not loving the flat four in the Cayman, since they dropped the flat 6. I however have no bias, I happen to have love for all kinds of engines, being high strung NA inline 4's, Rumbly UELManifold Flat 4's, or the more raspy and smooth EL Manifold Flat 4's, or Flat 6's all sound great. I love VW's VR6's like the 2.8's and the Golf R32 versions especially when in an echo-y canyon drive, or either type or crossplane or flat plane crank V8, and then there's Rotary Engines which have a sound all their own while being able to rev to whatever rpm you desire. My point is that, it doesn't matter that this engine type became well known in a more economy type car like a Subaru, the engine sounds unique and still it makes great power and because Porsche has some seriously balanced cars especially these mid engined Cayman's. I just don't mind the sound track at all, I think it sounds great in it's own right. So what if it sounds a bit like a WRX or and STI, I can guarantee the driving dynamics will still put a smile on your face every time you hustle it down a back winding road. Bottom line, all automakers are having to downsize engines, and it was bound to happen.
LOL at 3:20 When I clicked forward and all I heard was something like "it doesn't seem to match your ass-hole".
Damn I'd drive this road even in a rental Toyota Aygo! Of course it is underpowered. But there's something about it not being able to go uphill in 2nd gear - you have to pick gears carefully. Driving one in rural Italian areas was still one of a kind experience.
I'm going to keep commenting on these videos until it happens. Please make these longer, fully fledged videos? I'm talking 20-30 min sort of stuff. The quality is so high, it's genuinely better (for purely petrolheads and not people who enjoy forced comedy) than TG or GT.
Was time of year was this filed please
So I mean the real question is do you get one of these nicely optioned or do you get a stripper 911 T? They're close in price. I feel like the T has some cache and will be more rare, while this possibly being the better car will be just another cayman.
Henry when are u driving rhe audi rws
What do you think Henry, compare to the Hahntennjoch? Gf germany!
Still can't get over how good a car show Top gear could have been with Henry, Jethro and Harris
Mate, have you heard of Trollstigen?
Silence is the best "soundtrack"!
who could live with that sound .....
A destination like that made me wish this was a slighty longer and more indulgent video. But consider my appetite whetted.
Ganas!
Prefer the Cayman style to the 911, always have. Also the basic price of about £39k (at last look ) is a steal.
i'm pretty sure there will be more traffic in the SUMMER! :p
Surprised it drove so well in that cold with summer P Zeros.
Had an opportunity to drive one at a PDE center and it felt fine. The muted noise did not bother me.
you should try the Red Tock Road
Totally agree re the cylinders, such a shame Porsche went down that road. I wonder if they will reverse the decision, watch the resale values drop like a stone on the four cylinder cars if they ever do.
The road from Chengdu in Sichuan province to jiu zhai guo national park in China is a phenomenal road. Meandering snake path. In the mountains.
Best road? Go anywhere in the north island of New Zealand and you’ll be on the best road.
Scott I Mate there are some stunners in the south island as well
I like your Omega Speedmaster.
As a current gen1 Cayman S owner, the engine/sound in the new cars makes me sad. When I upgrade soon, I'll have to look at a previous gen cayman or 991. I don't think the GT4 would really work well as a daily.
As someone who’s traded his 987 for the vastly superior 718, especially the engine, I really don’t understand why Brit reviewers witter on about engine sound because they’re talking bollocks. True sixes sound best, but this engine isn’t really audible until you really rev it, which is an improvement because talking to someone while the six was droning was difficult. Then it has a pleasing rasp.
The 718 does 2000 at 80 instead of over 3000, so it’s more relaxed and the extra power is effortless.
Finally, I wonder if I have a later and different car, because it never sounds like the ones in these tests.
I hope your silly comments do push people towards a lesser car, because nothing drives like a Boxster.
Well said. They sound different. The 718 sounds aggressive, the 981/987 a bit more operatic, but its personal preference, just like the looks. I have heard quite a few, and it seems from 2018 they sound far better. Also the base engine is less harsh than the 2.5L.
Having got my first taste of Porsche with a 987, can honestly say the 718 knocks it (and the 981) into a cocked hat in every department. 911s are getting big and almost too much car for our roads in the UK. The 718 is a sublime package which does what Porsche sports cars are renowned for. In time people will realise how bloody stupid these engine comments were.
I'd definitly go there!
If I had the time... and the money.
It's a great car but sounds meh for a sports car but that makes me excited for the 718 Cayman GT4!
Com vagin gaire al Port de la Bonaigua durant l'hivern i els pilli una nevada... :'')
And an omega speedmaster - perfect
Still going on about the engine sound? "Insert dead horse beating joke here."
What a great fucking job Hank has. I'm jealous as fuck, while I sit here at my engineering desk, workin' for the man.
Haha. Yeah, Hank. Here in the US, Hank, is short for Henry.
See? You can learn something new everyday. Not all of us Americans are dumb oafs, like Trump. Lol.
This guy is the best , followed by Jethro then Harris a distant 3rd IMHO. Catchpole has the right temperament and syntax to talk about cars. He's probably the secret love child of Clint Eastwood and some British librarian ; ) Dirty Harry with glasses .
i undestand the noise is not great but everything else is perfect.....
I'll have the alpine a110, thanks.
Awesome video as always . P.s personally would go for the automatic. :P ik ik . Btw is this a 4 cylinder ? Sorry might have not listened to you that well , got distracted by the beauty of the road and the car :)
Akash Gupta yeh it’s a turbo 4, that’s why it sounds sort of like a wrx sti :)
Porsche really need to improve the sound of their turbocharged engines. BMW too. Mercedes is doing very well in that department imo.Even a RS3 or a Quadrifoglio sounds better.
AntonioMM RS3 is 5 cylinder though...
Lucky for you Porsche still create flat six NA engines, but then you'd need money to afford those.
Bwwwwaaahhhh +shift+ Bwwwaaaahhhhh +barf+