2019 Porsche 911

Pros: Impeccable build quality; surgically precise driving experience; broad range of model offerings and options

Cons: Steep prices skyrocket even higher as options are added; cozy, low-slung cockpit can make entry and exit difficult; road noise

CG Says: The 2019 Porsche 911 line gains a Speedster model inspired by the Porsche 356 Speedster of the Fifties. The 911 Speedster is 2-seat convertible based on the GT3 chassis and is powered by a naturally-aspirated 502-horsepower 4.0-liter flat six. Porsche claims the Speedster can accelerate 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 192 mph. Production is limited to 1948 units worldwide. The 911 is a rear-engined, premium sports car that is offered in coupe, convertible and targa (a coupe with a removable roof panel) bodystyles. The base Carrera engine is twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat six that develops 370 hp in Carrera, Carrera T, and Targa 4 or 420 hp in Carrera S and Targa 4S. The Carrera T adds sport suspension with a lowered ride height to the base Carrera. The Carrera GTS has a 450-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat six mated to a 7-speed manual or 7-speed automated-manual transmission. A twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat six develops 540 hp in Turbo models and 580 hp for Turbo S. A 7-speed automated-manual is the only transmission for the 3.8-liter. The GT2 RS is the fastest of the current 911s and is powered by a 700-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat six and is paired with a 7-speed automated-manual transmission. According to Porsche, the GT2 RS is capable of accelerating 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 211 mph. The GT3 has a naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat six that develops 500 hp in the GT3 and 520 hp in the GT3 RS. The GT3 offers a choice of 6-speed manual and 7-speed automated-manual transmissions, while the GT3 RS is automated-manual only. Porsche claims 0-60 in 3.0 seconds and top speed of 193 for the GT3 RS. In any of its many forms, the Porsche 911 is an absolutely thrilling car to drive. Precise handling, exceptional craftsmanship, and intoxicating engines are all hallmarks. Unfortunately, so are stratospheric prices. Few automobiles of any stripe, though, can blend daily-driver livability and supercar handling the way the 911 can.