Porsche 911 Turbo — Still The Best
When I write a review, I’ll often check out Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds Web pages to look at competitive models. Since their comparison engines are driven by simple metrics like price, I’ll often need my own knowledge to fill in worthy competitors. Rarely do the research/shopping sites come up empty when asked for competitor models, but that was the case for the Porsche Turbo Coupe. That absence of competitors reminded me of Joel Goodson’s line from the 1983 film Risky Business: "Porsche. There is no substitute."

The reality is that there are plenty of fast, stylish, and competent sports cars available. Some that cost more than our subject Porsche Turbo and at least one, the Corvette ZO6, which is half the price of our test car. But comparing numbers will hardly paint a true picture of a car in this lofty category.

The Porsche is clearly the car for enthusiast drivers who value exotic performance over the vanity of exotic style. While the Turbo was the subject of admiring glances during my week’s drive, it did not spin heads in Exorcist fashion as a Lamborghini or Ferrari is prone to do. In fact, the styling difference in most Porsche 911 models is subtle enough that non-enthusiasts may little notice.

Behind the wheel is the most rewarding place to be in this car, especially if there’s an entertaining road ahead. Accelerating through the six-speed gearbox will bring light aircraft speeds before you can speed read this paragraph.

Porsche Turbo models were always fast. I drove the first production model in the ’70s and can attest to the thrill.

But I also vividly remember the car’s tendency to oversteer, a phenomenon where the rear wheels lose grip in a turn, and how driving the original model was done with caution.

Today’s all-wheel-drive Turbo also has handling limits in a turn, but they are so high that only the bravely-unskilled will find themselves driving backwards at a high rate of speed.

That’s a wonderful feeling of confidence that few of its competitors can provide.

The Porsche Turbo Coupe is Porsche’s best expression, at least in a regular production car, of its passion for sports cars. Our test car included a long list of standard equipment, like DVD navigation and Bose stereo, that one might expect in a car that retails for $122,900. But in long standing Porsche tradition, there was still $17,750 in options. The $8,840 tab for ceramic brakes was easier to take than the $2,380 to paint the car GT Silver.

With all the comfort and electronic gear aboard, I was puzzled that Bluetooth cell phone connectivity was not offered. Instead, an additional $960 buys a built-in phone that accepts your GMS phone simm. That’s a pricey bit of gear that’s not as useful as Bluetooth connectivity.

So although Porsche accessory pricing has always driven me crazy, their cars drive better and last longer than all but a few competitors. And they’ve been that. — Brian Douglas

Specifications

Type: Rear engine, rear wheel drive

Engine: 3.6-liter DOHC flat six

Horsepower: 480 @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 460 foot-pounds @ 1,950 rpm

Base Price: $122,900

As Tested: $140,650

Fuel Economy: 18 city/25 hwy

Born To Be Wild In Coronado
Biker wannabes, turn up the Steppenwolf and get ready to leave your stressful jobs and family commitments in the dust (at least for a couple of nights) while you join your buddies for an escape to Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s private 15-acre peninsula.

The Wild Hogs men’s package includes a Harley-Davidson motorcycle rental and a wild ride on the open road. Don’t worry, Ray Liotta won’t be around to harass anyone on this trip. After that it’s on to a round of San Diego’s best burgers at the local biker-friendly bar. The getaway continues with a private tasting of premium, handcrafted beers by the Coronado Brewing Company.

A destination within a destination, additional amenities at Loews Coronado Bay Resort include three swimming pools (including an adults-only section), basketball and tennis courts, 24-hour room service, private 80-slip marina, full-service fitness center, and direct access to the Silver Strand State Beach. Wild Hogs packages start at $699 per person. (619/424-4416, www.loewshotels.com) — Nickolas Cook