2013 Porsche 911 TRD Pre Runner

If there's one thing you can't blame Porsche for, it's not offering enough variety, and this year in particular brings an added level of variety -- some would also say confusion -- to the mix. This is because Porsche will be selling a redesigned 911 for 2012 alongside the old 911. To help clarify the two, we'll refer to them here using Porsche's technical code names for each platform: 991 for the new car and 997 for the old one. Initially, the new-generation 991 will only include the Carrera and Carrera S models. The models of the previous-generation 997 will continue to be sold until their specific 991-type replacements come to market. This new-generation car is larger and gets an updated suspension, electric power steering, the world's first seven-speed manual transmission and engines that are more powerful and efficient. Exterior styling is evolutionary as always, but the cabin design is significantly different and borrows many cues from the Panamera sedan. Available in either coupe or convertible (Cabriolet) body styles, the 911 Carrera features a 350-horsepower 3.4-liter flat-6 engine, while the Carrera S gets a 400-hp 3.8-liter flat-6. Both get the seven-speed manual transmission or the optional dual-clutch seven-speed automated manual known as PDK. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. The rest of the 911 lineup remains on the previous-generation 997 platform. This includes the Turbo models (coupe or Cabriolet) and Targa (basically a coupe with a huge sunroof), as well as the high-performance GT3, GT3 RS, GT3 RS 4.0 and GT2 RS. The all-wheel-drive Turbo gets a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-6 good for 500 hp and the Turbo S gets an additional 23 horses. The rear-drive, sport-tuned GT3 has a 435-hp naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-6 and the GT3 RS is a track-ready version of the same car with 450 hp. The GT3 RS 4.0 has a 4.0-liter flat-6 good for 500 hp, while the outlandish GT2 RS gets a version of the Turbo S engine turned up to a truly sensational 620 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all and PDK is optional on all but the GT3 and GT2 trims. Regardless of whether it belongs to the 991 or 997 vintage, most of the 911 variants are equally comfortable tearing through a twisty road or smoothly dealing with the daily commute. This dual nature is improved with the PDK dual-clutch automated manual gearbox, which provides the best of both transmission worlds. The high-performance 911 editions are less commuter-friendly, but they offer performance and handling on par with exotic supercars. Yet the new, base 911 Carrera should be more than enough for most buyers, as that car will blast to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds and hit a top speed approaching 180 mph. Handling is truly sensational with the new 911 and actually approaches the capabilities of the GT models. If there is a complaint, it's that the new electric power steering just doesn't offer the feedback of the old, purely hydraulic system. But overall the Porsche 911 remains an exceptional car, coming highly recommended.