2008 Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible

Convertibles are all about fun in the sun. Perhaps the only way to make them more fun is to give them a high-performance engine and nimble handling, such as with Porsche's Carrera convertible.

This vehicle is based on the legendary 911 and, with the roof open, allows the driver and passenger to experience the sonorous roar of the rear-mounted 325-horsepower flax-six.

The sophisticated 3.6-liter engine features a lightweight alloy design and Porsche's VarioCam Plus variable-valve timing. It propels the Carrera from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 4.9 seconds.

A six-speed manual transmission, now with 15-percent shorter throws, is standard while a five-speed Tiptronic S automatic is optional. Rocker switches on the steering wheel allow manumatic shifting of the automatic when the driver is in a sporting mood.

All that is required to make the soft-top roof disappear is the touch of a button. In just 20 seconds, the roof folds beneath a cover.

The roof is made of high quality and with good insulation, making it functional for days when it has to be in its up position. Porsche claims this keeps the interior remarkably quiet, very close to sound levels in the car's fixed-roof coupe counterpart.

Those who live in harsh wintry climates may want to opt for the lightweight aluminum hard-top roof during the cold months. Painted in body color, it can be installed to enhance interior comfort (lower interior noise, better climate control), as well as structural rigidity. It has a heated rear glass window. When spring arrives, the hard-top can be removed.

All high-end features expected of a luxury marque are standard here in the Carrera convertible including a nine-speaker CD stereo, exterior and interior alarms, HomeLink system and automatic climate control.

Some of the options include a navigation system, parking-assist sensors and Bose audio package.