Outraged at PorscheI agree with Winfield’s comments about standardization of manumatic formats. But he is behind the times on BMW. I own a 2001 X5 that shifts as he describes—for-ward for an up shift, toward you to down-shift. Image my surprise when my car was in for service (all too common an event, unfortunately) and the 2002 loaner’s shift pattern was the opposite—forward for a downshift, toward you for an up shift. My salesman informed me that BMW had quietly made the change on all 2002 models, with no notice and no explanation. John R. Schoemer. Naples, Florida.

One thing separates the Porsche Cayenne (January 2003) from all Porsche Vehicles that have come before it: its purpose. From 1948 until today, Porsche has created vehicles that in any form were built for one thing—driving pleasure. Not sales, not survival of the company, and certainly not transporting privileged children to soccer games. Regardless of how fast and capable this cayenne sport-ute is, is it a vehicle that begs it owner to take the car cover off on a crisp fall day and drive, just for the sake of driving? I think not.

When out on a Sunday in my 944 and I see one, I’ll be sure to stick up a finger, and it won’t be my thumb. Tucker Marion. St. Davids, Pennsylvania.

Let’s for a moment question the basic premise behind this vehicle. There are two situations drivers in the U.S. almost never find themselves in: going about 150 mph (even those who buy fine sports cars) and going over boulders (especially those who buy expensive SUVs). Combining these “no requirements” and “over engineering” is what this vehicle is all about. Perry Aram. Potomac, Maryland.