Motorweek Season 33 Episode 7 2014 Porsche Cayman S & 2014 Nissan Versa Note
In episode 7 of season 33 of Motorweek, the show explores two very different cars - the 2014 Porsche Cayman S and the 2014 Nissan Versa Note. Both cars are in different price ranges and are designed for very different buyers, making this episode ideal for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of cars.
The episode starts off with the review of the 2014 Porsche Cayman S, a car that many consider a benchmark for sports cars. The audience is given a brief history of the Cayman S, with its origins traced back to the first Boxster introduced in 1997. From there, the host delves into the new features of the car, which includes Porsche's new mid-engine platform, offering a more balanced driving experience compared to the previous model.
The exterior of the new Cayman S is also discussed, with its sleek and modern design. The interior, too, receives high praise for its driver-focused design, with comfortable sports seats and a less cluttered dashboard than previous models. The host goes on to talk about the new engine, a six-cylinder that produces 325 horsepower, an improvement on the previous model that only had a four-cylinder engine. The impressive power output is matched with a smooth-shifting seven-speed PDK gearbox. The car's handling is impressive thanks to its new suspension and aluminum frame that makes it’s nearly 70 pounds lighter than the previous-generation Cayman S.
After the review of the Porsche Cayman S, the show takes a sharp turn to focus on the 2014 Nissan Versa Note. The Nissan is in stark contrast to the Porsche, and quite frankly, is much more affordable. While it doesn't offer the same speed and handling, the Versa Note is praised for its practicality and affordability.
The host starts by discussing the exterior of the Versa Note, which, while basic, is still an improvement over the previous model. The interior receives even higher praise, with the Versa Note being compared to a mini-van, due to its ample space and cargo capacity. The focus of the review, however, is on the direct-injection engine from Nissan. At 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque, the four-cylinder engine performs well for the car, providing adequate acceleration and power, while still sipping fuel.
Another exciting feature of the Versa Note that gets attention is the Around View Monitors. This system uses four small fish-eye cameras mounted on the front, rear and sides of the car, which provide a full 360-degree panorama of the car’s surroundings. The host provides a vivid demonstration, showing how it works and how it makes parking so much easier.
Towards the end of the episode, the host summarizes the main features of both cars and declares them both winners. On the one hand, the 2014 Porsche Cayman S is the epitome of a sports car, with a perfect blend of style, performance, and comfort. On the other hand, the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is an excellent choice for those looking for a spacious, fuel-efficient, and practical hatchback. Both cars have their distinct and unique selling points, making this episode informative for anyone interested in cars, whether you are looking to buy a sports car or a more affordable hatchback.
Overall, season 33 episode 7 of Motorweek is an excellent episode for those interested in exploring multiple types of cars. By featuring both a sports car and an affordable hatchback, the show can give an in-depth look into the various factors that determine a car's cost, performance, and features.