
When it comes to Porsche , there's hot -- and then there's hot, hot hot! As anybody who knows cars will tell you, Porsche doesn't make cars that are slow. But even among the many variations and models of Porsche, some truly will raise hairs on the back of your neck.
Meet the latest addition to that creme de la creme group: the Porsche Cayenne GTS features a 405hp 4.8 liter V-8 engine. Based on the same V8 found in the Cayenne S, this more robust powerplant can be coupled either with an automatic Tiptronic S or, for the first time in a Cayenne V8, a six-speed manual transmission for those who want to take full advantage of this new power and suspension package.
The GTS gets its cornering prowess from standard 21-inch alloy rims equipped with 295/35 R21 tires and air suspension that features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). So how can you identify this special Cayenne?
The Cayenne GTS front end is reminiscent of the Cayenne Turbo while the body has a lower stance and a striking new wheel-arch design that complements the new 21-inch rims. The interior boasts redesigned front and rear seats that offer a sportier look and feel with Alcantara to hold both driver and passenger in place during spirited driving.
If you want to take a look, the Cayenne GTS is ready and waiting, having arrived in the showroom only within the last couple of months. Pricing is $69,300.
Porsche also likes to unveil commemorative models every now and then, and the latest is the Limited Edition Boxster RS60. It's designed to pay homage to a special event for the vaunted brand.
In 1960, a relatively small displacement Type 718 RS 60 Spyder took Porsche's very first International endurance win at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Overnight, Porsche became "The Giant Killer" having knocked off its bigger-bore, higher horsepower competition, including several factory Ferrari and Maserati.
The Limited Edition Boxster RS60 is powered by an engine with more than 300 horsepower and includes a number of special "Boxster RS60" features.
But if you just have to have the ultimate, might I suggest the all new Porsche 911 GT2?
Consider: It has a 530 horsepower engine that puts out 505 lb./ft. of torque, and rockets to over 200 miles per hour. Is that hot enough for you? Porsche says this car "demonstrates how Porsche is continuing to refine, improve and invest in its core sports car business." No kidding!
The price of all that perfection? $191,600 and change.
If all of this sounds a bit pricey to you, you still may be able to find one or two of the all-new orange 2008 Limited Edition Boxster and Boxster S. I'm not going to promise there's many of these left.
The price sure is right: They start at $49,900 for the Boxster and $59,900 for the S model. Only 500 of these will be around, and since they've been available since last fall, well, you know the drill: Get going!
I saw one, and they're really quite something. They're done in a gorgeous orange paint, a color previously featured only with the track-ready Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
And if you're lucky enough to find one, you'll find a special "Limited Edition" plaque on the glove compartment. Its sport exhaust system, as well as the safety bars, designed to help protect occupants, also are dressed in orange paint.
And the SportDesign package that includes spoiler lips in the front, an automatically extending and redesigned rear spoiler, and modified rear trim with integrated diffuser provides a more stunning and sporty appearance.
Complementing the orange paint are several eye-catching elements in black, including black painted alloy wheels -- with large 18-inch standard on the Boxster and 19-inch standard on the Boxster S -- striking black exterior side mirrors, black front and side air inlets, all of which tastefully complement the car's model designation in black on the rear deck and a black convertible top. Black carries over to the seats, carpet, dash, door panels and other surrounding soft surfaces.
Adding to the performance theme is the use of Alcantara trim, a suede-like material used on performance Porsches such as the 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS. Alcantara is pleasant to touch, but it also helps occupants stay planted in the interior during sporty driving. Alcantara trim is used on seat inserts, the three-spoke steering wheel from the 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS, and gear shift and handbrake lever on vehicles with a manual transmission.
To further tie the interior and exterior, Porsche designers added touches of bright orange to interior trim pieces such as the door lever surrounds and the trim panel that covers the dash-mounted cup holders. Even the gray shift pattern on the gear shift lever carries an orange font.