2008 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe 4S

The 911 Carrera 4S features the classic 911 design, intelligent all-wheel drive and a potent 355-horsepower flat-six engine.

The style is unmistakable 911 as Porsche has finely and sometimes only subtly tweaked it over the decades, mostly in evolutionary measures. This latest model has swept-back ellipsoid headlamps, a widened body to accommodate larger wheels and tires, an aerodynamically tested body and a sloping fastback rear.

The 4 in the model designation denotes all-wheel drive while the S denotes high performance.

The all-wheel drive system transfers between five to 40 percent of torque to the front wheels. Under normal driving conditions, Porsche says the split is usually rear-to-front at 65/35. So the system is often at work even when the road is not slippery.

Porsche Stability Management comes standard with the all-wheel-drive system, which also improves the car's stopping distances.

The lightweight aluminum six-cylinder is of the flat variety, which lowers the car's center of gravity for improved handling. If you get a chance, take a look inside the rear engine bay of a 911. You'll be impressed at how the engineers pack in such a highly tuned performance motor into a compact spot, especially with all the ancillary mechanicals and the exhaust system.

This is a prime example of how Porsche has perfected the 911 design.

Engine power is routed to the 911 4S's standard 19-inch wheels through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional Tiptronic S five-speed automatic. The auto box can be shifted via steering wheel rocker switches.

Fuel economy is rated at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, not bad for a sports car.