2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe

The 911 Turbo is one of the best known and most coveted Porsches on the market.

The 911's origin traces back to 1963, the Turbo's back to 1974.

Aside from the intense race-bred GT versions, the Turbo sits at the top of the 911 model range.

The design is distinctive and has proven evolutionary, featuring a rising front end with subtle bulges at the sides for the oval headlamps, flaring fenders at each of the four corners, and a flowing fastback-style rear which conceals the powerful motor.

This 3.6-liter flat six-cylinder boasts twin turbochargers and Porsche's Variable Turbine Geometry technology. Horsepower is rated at 480 while torque comes in at 490 pound-feet. The latter swells to 505 pound-feet with the overboost function of the optional Sport Chrono Turbo Package.

Air intakes in the rear fenders, both eye-catching and functional, channel cooling to the twin intercoolers.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, a five-speed automatic Tiptronic S optional.

Power is fed to all four wheels through an actively controlled all-wheel-drive system with Porsche Traction Management, which is assisted by an upgraded version of Porsche Stability Management. These electronic aids ensure that power is most efficiently put down to the ground in all handling situations.

Acceleration from zero to 60 mph blasts by in just 3.7 seconds with the manual transmission, 3.4 seconds with the Tiptronic S. The top track speed is 193 mph.

As with all Porsche six-cylinders, fuel economy is not too bad considering the vehicle's sporting purpose, estimated around 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway.

The 911 Turbo comes with 19-inch two-tone forged alloy wheels, an advanced braking system (with ceramic composite brakes optional), bi-xenon headlights, automatically controlled integrated split-wing spoiler and stainless-steel chrome-plated exhaust pipes.

The Porsche 911 has been a major player on the sports car scene since its introduction and the latest Turbo model continues the legacy.