I had been waiting to drive an R8 since the original launch, but to no avail. Yet the more recently launched V10 was obviously the ultimate and it finally arrived in R-tronic configuration. It’s a supercar in every respect and truly rates very high, being among the best cars I’ve ever driven.

This highly appealing convertible is the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class range. An open-top two-door, it features the classic fabric soft top of the pure cabriolet.

The X1 is the latest derivative in the 1-series range and its development was almost a foregone conclusion. Yet, in reality it manifests as a vehicle that will fulfill certain dreams and excite mostly appreciative comment.

Four-door ‘coupés’ are de rigueur in 2010, even Aston Martin and Porsche are betting high stakes on them. A little down-market of these offerings are those of the German contenders: BMW and Audi. The latter’s A5 Sportback is a seriously appealing vehicle, which should fulfill most items on the wish-list of those in the mid-range sports saloon category. The 3.0TDI is the flagship.

Almost half a century ago, I went to college in Liverpool with a Hong Kong Chinese chap whose family was then immensely wealthy. He is now the patriaiarch and he’s pushed the financial envelope all the way. What does he drive, a Rolls or Bentley? No, a top-of-the-range Lexus sedan.

Grey cloud, thin misting rain, rolling hills, wooded slopes and a wet race track gleaming like gun-metal. It’s 10.30 in the morning in late October and this is the legendary Salzburgring. We are here to drive the X5M and X6M, BMW’s latest M cars, AWD SAVs that perform like supercars and as such, are totally purpose-built.