2010 Porsche Carrera S

2010 Porsche Carrera S
The 911 S is a mechanical dream, watch-like precision in a car. There's a reason German engineering comes with such a glorified reputation and the 911 S proves this at every turn.

When I sat inside the cabin for the first time, I was in awe -- it didn't even matter that I was driving the 2009 model of the 911 S when the 2010 version with a few updates was starting to roll into dealerships. (There have been some additions to the 2010 model year, but most are minor and the 2009 is a good representation.)

So as I took the keys and started it up, I listened to the 3.8 liter purr like a Katzen after a bowl of Milch. Unlike big American V-8s that rumble and chug and delight the senses with their nearly grotesque power, the Porsche offers a higher pitched growl that doesn't do its abilities justice. The difference is like an accent -- it's not better or worse, but when it's foreign there's an inexplicable appeal to it.

Pumping out 385 horsepower and 310 pound-feet or torque, both respectable but not through-the-roof numbers, the Porsche's engine is only part of the package. This car is a study in efficiency and performance. It weighs a mere 3,100 pounds and uses all of its muscle to toss this car around as if it were in a video game. The only thing it might feel challenged by is the driver.