Here are a couple of video clips from the UK’s Fifth Gear television show, comparing a BMW 135i to a Porsche Cayman. They run them through three tests: (1) 200m slalom, (2) drifting contest (complete with subjective judging), and (3) time attack.

I wouldn’t call the test scientific since its two different guys driving (presumably the 2 hosts?) and the guy driving the BMW 135i even cheated a bit before the slalom course by warming up his tires. Surpisingly, the BMW 135i (even though it has 60 more horsepower and 100 lbs-ft more torque) doesnt really smoke the Cayman. In fact, I’d say its pretty darn close. I was actually surprised the BMW 135i was such a crappy drift car (again, probably the driver) because the 135i does pretty darn well drifting in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue .

Part 1: Slalom and Drifting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-4yqvcpDE4

Part 2: Time Attack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obeofxn1Zi4

BMW 135i + PS3 + Gran Turismo 5 Prolgue + Logitech G25 Steering Wheel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QxLwUb2B58
(man, watching that video, the Logitech G25 looks like it reacts a lot like a real steering wheel.. unlike my Logitech Driving Force Pro)

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I just got an email from David Rahemi, Sales Director for Hard Media Inc, publisher of DSport Magazine, stating that starting with the April 2008 issue, they’ll be rolling out a new look for the magazine.

I like it. I think it looks very professional and a little “J” (thats J for Japanese).. only, more professional. The new look was designed by Kevin Convertito, who originally designed Import Tuner when it was launched many ages ago by the same crew that brought you Turbo Magazine (before McMullen Argus originally bought them). It’s ironic that Kevin was the one who re-designed DSport considering I, and many I have spoke to, have long felt that DSport’s “look” closely resembled Import Tuner (I havent seen Import Tuner in a while though since I was removed from the comp list and would never pay $8 or whatever they charge for it).

I’m sure the inside of the magazine will hold the most improvement. I remember flipping through some old DSport mags thinking that some of the stories had some funky graphics. I personally felt it was hard to read, but I figured I wasn’t the “target market”.

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