The most controversial product in Porsche's portfolio is also the most practical. Sharing its platform and some of its components with the Volkswagen Touareg, the Cayenne SUV offers racier styling and a bit more of an on-road performance emphasis, and it's significantly lighter than the Touareg. Yet the Cayenne isn't a poseur in the rough stuff. A sophisticated stability control system is integrated with a serious full-time all-wheel drive system, center-locking differential, and two-speed transfer case. Two Cayennes are available. The S is powered by a 4.5-liter V-8 making 340 hp, while the Cayenne Turbo works itself up to 450 hp. The Turbo adds Porsche Active Suspension Management, which allows individually adjustable damping and leveling of all four wheels. Add in luxury everything and a uniquely Porsche interior design, and the Cayenne gives every other high-end luxury SUV some steep competition.
911/Cabriolet
2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition |
Porsche's ever-expanding, legendary 911 family continues. The rear- (or mid-, depending on who you ask) engine sports car uses a 315-hp, 3.6-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) six-cylinder engine, with a six-speed manual transmission standard. The family of 911 models continues to grow larger, with the Carrera, Carrera 4, and 4S, and Tiptronic versions of each. The Turbo boosts power to 415 and adds the requisite suspension upgrade. A five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted manual shift control is offered on separate models, labeled Tiptronic. Carrera 4 and 4S models add a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system. The Targa model adds a movable glass roof, while the Cabrio model employs a soft top. There's a very small back seat, but it's not the sort that's usable by adults. All 911s come well equipped but not lavish. On the way for later this year is a Cabrio version of both the Turbo and 4S.
Boxster
Many think that Porsche's smaller, lighter mid-engine Boxster is more in touch with the company's sports-car lineage. The very capable two-seat roadster is available in two main distinctions: Boxster and Boxster S. The Boxster comes with a 225-hp, 2.7-liter flat six and a five-speed manual transmission, while the Boxster S steps up to a 258-hp, 3.2-liter engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, and some suspension upgrades. The difference in price between Boxster and the 'S' is about $8500. All Boxsters are rear-wheel drive and have a power-retractable soft top, but a new hardtop version of the Boxster is due next year.
Carrera GT
2004 Porsche Carrera GT |
A $400,000 supercar with very limited availability, the lightweight Carrera GT matches a 605-hp, 5.7-liter V-10 engine with a six-speed manual gearbox, carbon fiber chassis and bodywork, aluminum and magnesium components throughout, and ceramic brakes and clutch. Air conditioning and a sound system are no-cost options. Expect acceleration to 62.5 mph in a blistering 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 205 mph.
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