Those looking for an open-air experience as well as all-out performance should check out the Porsche 911 Carrera S convertible. The S indicates that this is one of the highest-performing Carrera convertibles (together with the all-wheel-drive 4S), packing a 3.8-liter 385-horsepower flat-six engine behind the passenger compartment.

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Like other 911 models, the Carrera S was revised in 2009. The output figure represents a 30 hp improvement over the previous 'S.' Power is transmitted to the 19-inch rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed PDK automated manual with steering wheel-shifting capability.

Styling tweaks to the 911's exterior for 2009 and beyond include slight revisions to the car's front and rear fascias, as well as new LED lights, smaller fog lights and a new exhaust system.

Both Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) come standard on the 911 Carrera S. PSM helps to keep the car on its intended path, using sensors that can selectively brake individual wheels to correct oversteer and understeer. PSM also helps to maintain traction in low-grip acceleration.

PASM is an electronic control system that uses continuous damper adjustment to maintain optimum ride quality and comfort. It has normal and sport settings. Also enhancing stability, particularly at high speeds, is a rear spoiler that deploys automatically.

Porsche seems to have an acronym for everything. Optional are Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCM), which offer braking performance for high-demand situations.

As with the other Carrera cabrios, the soft-top roof opens in just 20 seconds with the touch of a button. The system is fully automatic. Porsche has incorporating high quality and high insulation values into the roof, so when it's closed the interior is almost as quiet as a fixed-roof coupe.

Also offered is a lightweight hard-top roof made of aluminum. It can be affixed to the 911's body for an even more comfortable interior, especially useful for people who experience a harsh winter and need a hard-top roof over their heads for an extended period.