Despite the global economic downturn Porsche are forging ahead in 2009 with their next generation Porsche 2009 911 Carrera and Carrera S models (cabriolet and coupe), but at an estimated starting price of $102,900, with an additional $4,000 for the classic beige leather interior alone, will Porsche have done enough to halt their declining sales?

Power
With any sports car the first stop for many is the motor, and the new Carrera models have been upgraded to a choice of a 3.6 liter in the base models, or a 3.8 liter monster in the Carrera S, which is said to put out a maximum of 385 horsepower. What this translates to is impressive acceleration and a realistic top speed of around 170 mph (183mph under test conditions) and an engine sound that will haunt sports car lovers dreams emanating from the seats behind, purring, growling and roaring as you play with the smooth 6 speed (or optional 7 speed) automatic transmission. The highest spec transmission is a wonder, with a new ‘PDK’ double-clutch gearbox (optional extra at around $2,000), which is as slick and speedy as you could hope for, and thankfully replaces the awkward steering wheel paddle ‘Tiptronic’ system that made a few brief and unpopular appearances in many of the previous 911 models. The new Carrera’s have shown their pedigree on the road, and sheer raw power combined with seamless changes through the gears all adds up to lightening fast acceleration away from the lights, a feeling of solid, continuous power delivery from the engine to the road, and virtually no stuttering or unexpected power loss as you move up and down the revs. The Porsche Carrera may be small and chic by many standards, but it sure packs a heck of a wallop, and the AWD and beefed up brakes with give you excellent handling, stability and security at any speed.

Looks
Just as important as power and handling for some, design is the next big issue for sports cars. The new Carerra models are virtually unchanged in their overall design, retaining that effortless combination of elegance and naked aggression that Porsche are famous for, and there is just some subtle reshaping of the headlamps, air inlets and exterior mirrors to set them apart. Optional extras will see base models upgraded to suit your whim, from heated seats to keep you toasty at $500 to ventilated seats to keep you cool at $800. The interior is beautifully finished, and if you can afford it go for that optional classic leather interior, which raises the Porches from merely comfortable to luxurious (although beige isn’t perhaps everyone’s favourite color choice). The top down model looks fantastic and has additional safety features including two main rolls bars, the reinforced windshield pillars at the front and additional roll bars mounted behind the seats at the rear, which are covered in sensors and deploy in the event of a roll over. The engine is in the back of course, so the trunk is at the front, but it is miniscule, and defies attempts to fit more than one or two small bags, (golf clubs will have to be slung over the back seats).

Conclusion
Porsche have always made individual and beautiful cars, from the exquisite technology and machinery through to the stunning exteriors, and it is clear that the new 2009 Carerra models are some of Porsche’s brightest and best so far. Although these cars are a little heavy on fuel, they are certainly not the worst out there, and to be honest 27mpg (6 speed transmission base model) on the open road is actually better than quite a large number of less sporty cars currently in use. The main worry is the price tag. There is no doubt that Porsche cars are special and well worth a lot of money, just think of all the years of careful design and technological advances that have gone into each model, but with other amazing top end cars on offer in this price range, such as the jaw dropping Maserati GranTurismo from around $117,500, you have to wonder just how many people will be rushing down to the nearest Porsche dealer to snap up a new Carrera.

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