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 flat-six. The sophisticated 3.6-liter engine ...

Porsche's 911 Carrera 4 convertible takes the already attractive performance package of the regular Carrera convertible and adds sure-footed all-wheel drive. Overall, this provides more capable handing and is especially useful in low-grip conditions such as rain or snow. The 4 in the Carrera 4 model designation lets it be known that the vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive. The system ...

The Carrera 4S convertible is the all-wheel-drive version of Porsche's 911 in its highest-performance S trim. The S means it packs a 3.8-liter 385-horsepower flat-six engine under its deck lid. The engine gained 30 horsepower for 2009 and beyond, while simultaneously improving fuel economy. This potent powerplant is hooked up to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission or optional ...

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. Like other 911 models, the Carrera S was revised in 2009. The ...

This is the base model of Porsche's legendary -- many would say iconic -- 911. It is the least expensive version but it still packs a lot of punch. The car received a thorough update in 2009, which included an additional 20 horsepower and exterior revisions. The sophisticated 3.6-liter engine features a lightweight alloy design and Porsche's VarioCam Plus variable-valve timing. Output was ...

The 911 Carrera 4 has the same 345-horsepower flat-six engine as the regular Carrera but benefits from the addition of Porsche's intelligent all-wheel drive. For the 2009 model year and beyond, an all-new version AWD system was introduced. The system features electronic control of the differentials instead of the old viscous multi-plate clutch. It is a modified version of the system developed ...

The 911 Carrera 4S features the classic 911 design, intelligent all-wheel drive and a potent 385-horsepower 3.8-liter flat-six engine. The model received an overhaul in 2009, which brought 30 more horsepower and exterior refinements. 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 ...

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 385 horsepower. This reflects a 30 horsepower increase for 2009 onward. The updated model also gained new front and rear fascias, as well as new LED lights, smaller fog lights and a new exhaust ...

In mid 2008, Porsche unveiled the 2008 911 GT2, which, at 530 horsepower, is the most powerful 911 ever homologated for the road. It uses an uprated version of the 911 Turbo's twin-turbo flat-six engine and deletes the models all-wheel drive system for a decrease in mass and an increase in drama (AKA driving enjoyment). The new GT2, based on the current rear-wheel-drive 997-series 911, will ...

The GT3 is based on the 911 and boasts such high-performance hardware as a powerful engine, big brakes, stiff suspension and light body. The GT3's origin dates back to the 1990s and is inspired by the auto maker's racing projects. The heart of the GT3 is a revised 3.6-liter flat-six with 435 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It has a light alloy design and VarioCam variable-valve ...

In a nutshell, the 911 GT3 RS is a genuine racing car approved for the road. It's been formulated for demanding competition use with a special suspension, weight-saving components and large carbon-fiber wing spoiler. Porsche makes this model available to the general public because racing requirements dictate it must sell a production version of the actual race car. So the general ...

Porsche's 911 Targa 4 is essentially a Carrera 4 Coupe with a very unique all-glass roof. The roof provides an experience similar to a convertible without the complexity of a folding roof and with better protection from weather elements. Even when it's closed, the roof offers up the sky to the 911's occupants, unlike a convertible. Like the entire 911 range, the Targa 4 was updated in 2009 ...

The 4S is the higher-performing version of Porsche's glass-roof 911 Targa range. Like the Targa 4, it features intelligent all-wheel drive. However, it has a bigger 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine, delivering 385 horsepower -- 40 horsepower more than the standard Targa. This gives the 4S brisker acceleration from zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and a higher top speed of 184 mph. The unique ...

Simply put, the Turbo version of the 911 convertible makes the Carrera S version look like a slouch, even though it isn't. The 911 Turbo Cabriolet features new design cues such as the titanium-colored slats, featured in the front fascia's air intakes. The front fascia is also adorned with stylish and functional new LED turn indicators and daytime running lights. Corralled in the engine bay ...

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 ...

With its mid-engine roadster formula, the Porsche Boxster's roots stretch all the way back to the legendary 550 Spyder. It is not about a big engine or about being overly complicated. The Boxster is about being a simple and nimble two-seat convertible. The most recent update to the Boxster series was introduced in 2009. The base model gained 10 horsepower thanks to a new 2.9-liter V6. It now ...

The Boxster S is the higher-performance version of Porsche's mid-engine roadster with a more powerful engine, better brakes, modified suspension, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The Boxster arrived on the market in late 1996 and Porsche added the spicier S model to the lineup in 2000. The car received a major update for the 2009 model year onward. Behind the two seats is a 3.4-liter flat-six ...

Many were skeptical when Porsche, which had only ever produced sports cars, decided to jump on the SUV bandwagon in 2003. A Porsche SUV seemed downright outrageous. But the German auto maker proceeded undeterred and, if sales are any indication, the Cayenne has been a resounding success. It has exceeded sales expectations and Porsche firmly stands behind the model, saying it returns much ...

Along with the restyling of Porsche's first and only (and best selling model) Cayenne SUV, for 2008, came a new trim, the GTS, bringing the total to four. The GTS fits just below the range-topping Cayenne Turbo in the range and is the sportiest SUV in the lineup, sacrificing the off-road abilities of the other three trims for superior on-road manners. Power for the GTS comes from an upgraded ...

The Cayenne S slots between the base Cayenne and high-performance Cayenne Turbo. It boasts a V8 engine that generates 385 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 369 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. Acceleration from zero to 60 miles per hour whips by in just 6.4 seconds, a good number considering this SUV's hefty 4,500-pound-plus curb weight. Unlike the base Cayenne, the Cayenne S is not available ...

Although Porsche is best known for its legendary sports cars, the company's Cayenne SUV has won plenty of accolades of its own. Porsche is well-known for its success with its racing heritage, and until recently, that mostly meant on the paved racetrack. Now, Porsche is entering a new segment with the introduction of the Cayenne S Transsyberia -- a purpose-built off-road machine that features ...

For those who want the space and utility of an SUV and the high-performance of a sports car, they should check out the Cayenne Turbo. It's Porsche's top SUV model and it's an all-out performer. Beneath the sculpted hood resides a potent V8 engine that pumps out a whopping 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It's connected to a standard six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission and ...

After a hiatus since the 2006 model year, the Cayenne Turbo S returned in 2009, and it's faster and more capable than ever. Porsche unveiled the new flagship at the Beijing auto show in early 2008, and compared to the first-generation Turbo S which had a smaller, less advanced twin-turbo V8, the new model makes 30 more horsepower and 23 more pound-feet of torque, at 550 and 553, ...

In 2006, Porsche decided to give the popular two-seat Boxster convertible a hard-top brother, giving birth to the Cayman as well as the most affordable Porsche coupe on the market. Usually auto makers create the coupe first and then slice off the roof for a convertible. But it was the other way around this time. The styling is, of course, reminiscent of the Boxster, sharing many of its ...

For those who find the 265-horsepower Cayman too mild, they can step up to the 320-horse Cayman S. Its larger Direct Injection engine displaces 3.4 liters instead of 2.9 and also churns out 273 pound-feet of torque, which is 52 more than the base Cayman. The car received a significant update in 2009. Offering 20 horsepower more than its predecessor, the entry-level Cayman cranks out 265 horses ...

Having already leapt into the SUV space with its controversial Cayenne, Porsche decided to fill the gap between sports car and utility vehicle with the launch of its Panamera luxury sedan. First shown in 2009 at the 13th Auto Shanghai, the Panamera has no shortage of luxury or high-tech features. The exterior styling is controversial to say the least, yet it looks at home in the Porsche lineup. ...