2008 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe S

The S is the top 911 Carrera model before things get really intense with Porsche's Turbo and GT versions.

Under its rear deck lid resides a 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine that generates 355 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque starting at 4,600 rpm. These numbers are ample enough to propel the 911 from zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The top speed is 182 mph.

The aluminum engine is lightweight and sits low in the car, contributing to a low center of gravity and thus crisp handling and neutral body motions in most corners. It features Porsche's VarioCam Plus variable-valve technology.

It's mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox, newly refined for 15-percent shorter throws, or an optional five-speed Tiptronic S automatic with steering wheel controls for shift-it-yourself fun (should the mood strike).

As a top-of-the-line 911 model, the S comes well equipped with both Porsche Stability Management (PSM) with traction control and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The latter is an electronic control system which uses continuous damper adjustment to maintain optimum ride quality and comfort. It has a normal setting and sport setting.

At the touch of a button, a new Sport Chrono Package Plus option brings simultaneous enhancements to the electronics of the engine, chassis and optional Tiptronic S tranny. All these systems, plus PSM and PASM, become more responsive and more tuned in for aggressive sporty driving.

Also with this package come digital and analog displays inside the cockpit so the driver can measure performance. No doubt the Sport Chrono Package is best for those who take their Porsches to the track.

Another performance option is the ceramic composite brake system, because often high-performance acceleration requires high-performance stopping.