Signal Orange 911 Carrera S

Silver, Black, Gray, blah blah blah....Lets hear it for some color!! Signal Orange is a classic Porsche color that electrifies the look of the 911.

2009 Audi TTS--Weekend Drive

The Audi TT has always been an automotive enigma. Stunning Bauhaus styling mixed with peoples' car roots. The beautiful finish, inside and out, made first impressions of the TT very positive. A quick run, especially in the 225 HP model, showed great turbo rush acceleration offset by economy car reactions from the suspension. This was truly a boulevard cruiser from the land of autobahn stormers.

In spite of its shortcomings, the original TT set a fire in the belly of Audi. The critical and commercial success of the TT, set Audi on a path that today finds it on the same perception level as BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus. This is quite a leap from the doldrums Audi was in during the late '80s to early '90s. Stunning performers like the R8, RS6, and RS4 owe their very existence to the brand ascent spurred by the TT. How do you follow up a legend? You pull a Steve Young like performance.

Its said that todays' best and brightest engineers in Germany find their way to Audi AG. It shows in the rap sheet for the TTS. The new TTS leverages Audis' strongest assets to create a phenomenal package. Many of Audis' killer apps are present here including Aluminum, Fuel-Stratified Injection (FSI), S-Tronic and turbo technology. An Aluminum/Steel hybrid structure provides a lighter, yet stiffer, foundation for a 21st century sports car. S-Tronic fires off upshifts under boost with an awesome "bark". Downshifts match revs perfectly and leave your brain free to steer the car through the twisties.

The technology in the TTS provide such symmetry that your driving skill instantly jumps a few notches. We are all Ayrton Senna at heart but few can hold his firesuit in reality. The TTS levels the playing field.

Power comes from a 2.0L Direct-Injection Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 265 HP and 258 lb/ft of torque. The holy matrimony of S-Tronic and the turbo 4 provides linear and seemingly limitless power. Think warp drive from gear to gear. The sensation of speed when you are under serious boost is particularly amazing. It feels as if the power will never subside, but alas it does. 0-60 mph comes in around 4.9 sec. This is Cayman S territory. Top speed is conceivably around 168-170 mph but electronically limited to 155.

Styling is always a subjective topic. One mans trash is truly anothers' treasure. The TTS is an exception to this rule. Styling tweaks are subtle but very effective. The overall look is very now, but I feel it will age beautifully. 19" wheels are optional and absolutely make the car. Find a TTS in Ibis White with 19" wheels and I dare you to not fall in love. The stylists at Audi are on a hot streak the likes of Pininfarina. S5, A5, R8, TTS, S8, the list goes on and on and on....

Competition for your $50,000 is intense. Luxury automakers are struggling to sustain their production volumes. Unprecedented deals are everywhere. Porsche even has special finance rates! The sky is falling, or at least that's what I hear. This is where the TTS' problems lie.

Porsche offers two world class vehicles that can be had for around $50,000. The Boxster/Cayman offer better steering fell, better brake feel, and overall interaction that the TTS cannot equal. You are connected to the Porsche brothers in a special way. The trump card of the TTS is quattro all-wheel drive. Enthusiasts who know what snow looks like will worship the TTS for six months a year. This makes it the ultimate German sports car for a weathered Clevelander. I'm officially in love with a sports car that wont leave me cold and lonely in the winter.

Fountain Blue 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Fountain Blue Paint to Sample 911 Turbo Cabriolet. The picture does not do this color justice. It is stunning in person.

2009 Porsche Cayman S PDK---First Drive

295 horsepower...not good enough. 5.1 sec 0-60....not quick enough. 6 speed manual...not sophisticated enough...

Thoughts like these must have danced through the heads of Porsche engineers since the 2006 debut of the Cayman S. The car was utterly brilliant, but seemed to be "dumbed down" so as to not step on the toes of the immortal 911. The fixed roof Cayman was a legendary chassis in need of something more.

Ask and you shall receive. The motoring world asked for it and Porsche answered in typical Porsche fashion. The new for 2009 Cayman S is more than a mid-cycle refresh. This is truly a rebirth. Forget every preconceived notion you may have about the Cayman, the 2009 Cayman S PDK is simply amazing.

At the heart of the new Cayman S lies Porsches' newest jewel of a motor. The 3.4L flat six is the latest version of Porsches' 9A1 engine family that debuted with the '09 911. Pumping out 320 hp @ 7200 rpm and 273 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm, the Cayman S PDK rockets from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds!! This time is acheived in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus and its devilish Launch Control mode. With PDK Sport Plus mode activated simply put PDK in drive, turn off PSM, hold the brake and mash the throttle. An audible "ding" is your cue to let her rip. Launch Control leaves with amazing ferocity and lets us mere mortals click off perfect 0-60 and 1/4 mile runs. Just another example of technology improving our everyday lives.

I could write an entire book about PDK and its history, technology, advantages, etc.... To not bore you I will simply say, it works. Porsche was certainly late to the road going dual clutch party but it came with the best costume. PDK transforms the Cayman S into a mini-super car. Upshifts are rifle shot crisp, downshifts are F1 perfect and audibly intoxicating. Sure the steering wheel paddles are backwards, but the PDK lever shift action feels so good it makes up for it. The cohesiveness of the entire Cayman S package is otherworldly. The wizards of Weissach never cease to amaze me.

My seat time in the Cayman S reminded me why Porsche is the most profitable car company on the planet. Porsche consistently delivers cars as great as the Cayman S through a commitment to constant evolution and constant improvement. If you build it, they will buy. Just don't tell the 911 poseur that your car is better than his...you may hurt his feelings.