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At Porsche, our aim is not to increase power – except through increased efficiency. Which is why we began with the 911 Turbo when developing an engine for the 911 GT2. Its power is combined with rear-wheel drive for racing-car driving dynamics. But how is it possible to improve on an engine that is already so close to perfection? How did we introduce even greater potential – and the character of a racing engine? The answer: by increasing efficiency.

This was mainly achieved by four crucial components, one of these being the six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer unit with flow-optimized turbines featuring Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) and larger compressors on the intake side. Together with VarioCam Plus, they boost performance while reducing emissions over the entire engine speed range. Other important technologies include the revolutionary new expansion intake manifold that employs a totally new principle unlike anything ever featured on existing induction systems and, finally, the new, lightweight titanium main silencer for less back-pressure in the exhaust.

Oil is evenly distributed under all load conditions (e.g., high-speed cornering) thanks to a dry-sump lubrication system with external tank. After passing through the engine, the oil is cooled by means of a dedicated oil-water heat exchanger. Both of these systems are proven in competition use. The water-cooled flat-six twin-turbo engine with four-valve technology in the rear of the 911 GT2 generates a mighty 530 hp from a 3.6-liter displacement at 6,500 rpm.

The six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer engine is a compact unit offering excellent cylinder charging and torque-curve characteristics as well as first-rate balance with minimal vibration. The flat-six design allows a low center of gravity with resulting advantages for traction and driving dynamics. The alloy crankcase consists of two main sections, each containing one bank of cylinders. The crankshaft runs in eight main bearings and is driven by forged connecting rods. For optimum strength and durability, we’ve used forged aluminum pistons running in Nikasil-coated aluminum liners and cooled via individual oil-spray jets. The results: lower frictional resistance and a lengthy service life – even when subjected to heavy use.

The cylinder heads are made from an extremely heat-resistant lightweight alloy. Each cylinder bank has two overhead camshafts driving a set of four valves (two inlet and two exhaust) on each individual cylinder. The valves are arranged in a ‘V’ formation and have a highly efficient dual-spring closing action enabling higher engine speeds. Performance is enhanced with the aid of both Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) and VarioCam Plus (variable valve timing and lift on the inlet side). The benefits are not only greater power and torque, but also better fuel economy and lower emissions.

The six-speed manual gearbox in the 911 GT2 is specifically designed for the high engine performance. The individual ratios are carefully matched to the specific characteristics of the engine. The gear-lever throw is short and precise, enabling fast and accurate gearshifts.

Another major innovation is the use of Start-off Assistant for the first time ever in a road-going Porsche. The system is designed to maximize acceleration from a standing start. To activate the function, simply depress the clutch and accelerator pedals. When a boost pressure of approximately 13 psi is displayed in the instrument cluster, release the clutch as quickly as possible and maximum acceleration automatically ensues.

Normally on a turbocharged vehicle with manual gearbox, the boost pressure under acceleration from a standing start is relatively low. The turbo effect is delayed as the engine gathers speed and the boost pressure starts to build. On the 911 GT2, this initial delay is reduced. While the car is still stationary, the fuel injection is modified to help the engine reach maximum output earlier. The boost pressure is significantly increased and the engine readied for a faster start.

The 2010 Porsche Cayman sees no major changes. These 2-seat coupes share their basic design with the Porsche Boxster convertible. Like Boxster, Cayman should comes in Base and sporty S trim levels, each with a horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine. The Base has a 265-horsepower 2.9-liter and the S reprises its 320-horsepower 3.4-liter 6-cylinder.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. A 7-speed double clutch automatic is optional. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. Porsche’s optional Sport Chrono Package returns, and it includes a sport button, which modifies throttle, traction, and suspension settings to suit high-performance driving.

Heated and ventilated front seats are available, along with a touchscreen navigation system and hard drive for storing digital-music files. We have not yet tested the 2010 Porsche Cayman.

The 2010 Porsche Cayenne lineup gains a limited edition S Transsyberia model. Cayenne is Porsche’s SUV and shares its basic design with the Volkswagen Touareg. Cayenne differs in styling and powertrains. Base, S, S Transsyberia, GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, and S Hybrid models are available. Base Cayennes have a 290-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. S, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S versions have 4.8-liter V8 engines of 385, 405, 500, and 550 horsepower, respectively. S Transsyberia uses the GTS’ 405-horsepower V8. V6 models and the GTS come with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic; V8 S, S Transsyberia, Turbo, and Turbo S are automatic only. Maximum towing capacity is 7,716 pounds. All Cayennes have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing and locking center differential.

Due for the 2011 model year is the Cayenne S Hybrid. It will use a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 385 horsepower total. The hybrid system allows Cayenne to run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is necessary. The S Hybrid model comes with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system with rollover sensors, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. A driver-adjustable air suspension is standard on GTS and Turbos, optional otherwise. A navigation system is available.

The GTS, which is designed for on-road performance, adds 21-inch wheels, and an air suspension with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management system, which allows the suspension to be adjusted for either sport or comfort. The air suspension is also standard on the S Transsyberia. The Turbo S also adds 21-inch wheels and Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, plus one new exterior color and two new interior combinations. The S Transsyberia adds four new exterior color combinations.

The 2010 Porsche Boxster is largely unchanged. Boxster shares its basic design with Porsche’s Cayman hatchback coupe. Like Cayman, Boxster has front and rear cargo compartments and horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engines. Boxster reprises its power-folding fabric top with heated-glass rear window. Trim levels include Base and sporty S.

The Base version has a 255-horsepower 2.9-liter 6-cylinder, and the S reprises a 310-horsepower 3.4-liter 6-cylinder. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or 7-speed double clutch automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front-side airbags.

Options include a navigation system and Porsche’s Sport Chrono Package with a dashboard stopwatch and sensors that modify throttle, traction, and suspension systems to suit racetrack-type driving. Also optional is Porsche’s Active Suspension Management with normal and sport settings. Heated and ventilated front seats and a wireless cell-phone link are optional. We have not yet tested the 2010 Porsche Boxster.

The 2010 Porsche 911 lineup gains updated track-ready GT3 and GT3 RS as well as a new Turbo variant. The 911 roster consists of rear-wheel-drive Carrera and Carrera S, plus all-wheel-drive Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa 4, and Targa 4S. Carreras come as coupes and as Cabriolet convertibles with a power soft top and heated-glass rear window. The Targa 4 and 4S are coupes with a 4.8-square-foot power-sliding roof panel made of translucent glass. The GT3 is a coupe only.

Porsche’s flagship 911 Turbo comes as a coupe or convertible, and for 2010, it receives a new engine. All 911s have rear-mounted, horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engines, sized at 3.6 or 3.8 liters. Carrera and Targa 4 versions reprise a 3.6-liter engine with 345 horsepower. Carrera S and Targa 4S versions use the 3.8, which has 385 horsepower. The 911 GT3 and GT3 RS have a 3.8-liter 6-cylinder engine with 435 and 450 horsepower, respectively. The 911 Turbo has a new 500-horsepower 3.8-liter turbocharged motor. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. All but the GT3 are available with a 7-speed double clutch automatic.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. The Turbo, GT3, and GT3 RS have specific suspension tuning, brakes, and styling. A revised navigation system should be optional and include a touch screen with 40-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Porsche 911.

The 2010 Porsche Panamera debuts as a large, four-passenger, 4-door hatchback. Rear-wheel-drive S and all-wheel-drive 4S and Turbo models are offered. All use a front-mounted 4.8-liter V8 engine and a 7-speed double clutch automatic transmission. S and 4S have 400 horsepower, while the Turbo has 500 horsepower.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front and rear side airbags, and front knee airbags. All models have an engine stop and start feature that shuts off the engine when the car is stopped and restarts it when the brake pedal is released. An adaptive air suspension is standard on the Turbo and optional on the S and 4S. Other available features include 4-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front and rear seats, split folding rear seat, a rear refrigerator, steering-linked bi-xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, and DVD entertainment. This evaluation is based on preview drives.

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have six-figure price tags.