Especially welcome are the steering-wheel mounted switch-like paddles -- push to change up, pull to shift down -- that replace Tiptronic's cheesy plastic buttons. They're fixed just above the new three-spoke steering wheel's two lateral arms, which makes it easy to keep track of their placement when cranking through corners. As before, automatic or manual modes are chosen by repositioning the console-mounted shift lever, which also offers push/pull gear selection.

112_0806_02z 2009_porsche_911 front_three_quarters_view

Compared with Tiptronic S, the new Carrera S with PDK is 15 percent faster to 62 mph and almost 20 percent faster with Sport Chrono Plus, yet, compared to Tiptronic S, PDK also helps reduce both engines' CO2 emissions by more than 15 percent and fuel consumption by a bit less than 15 percent. Porsche claims the Carrera with PDK will run the 0-60 in 4.5 sec, while the automatic Carrera S covers it in 4.3 sec, the same time posted by the Carrera with Sport Chrono Plus -- and 0.2 sec faster than the same cars equipped with a manual six-speed. Even quicker is the Carrera S, which completes the run, says Porsche, in what we think is a conservatively timed 4.1 sec.

There's plenty of other welcome newness, beginning with the two completely new engines and the first use of direct injection in a Porsche sports car. The benefits of DFI include a cooler air/fuel mixture and a higher compression ratio (12.5:1) for better combustion, greater power, reduced emissions, and, with accompanying tweaks to intake and exhaust systems, lower fuel consumption. The new engines also meet all foreseeable emissions regulations despite the 20-hp bump in the 3.6L and the 30 additional ponies in the 3.8L.

But DFI isn't the only new system incorporated into the classic flat-six layout. In fact, not one component is carried over from the previous boxer, and, amazingly, the new sixes are built with 40-percent-fewer parts, which reduces overall weight by 12 lb and rotational mass by 7 percent. Other advantages of the new design are a 50mm shorter height and mounting points lower in the chassis for a ground-hugging center of gravity.

As wonderful as these two engines proved to be in our day's drive, it's difficult to call them the stars of the show, because the supporting cast is so brilliant. Take a bow...brakes, now measuring 12.99 in. all around; Porsche Stability Management, now including emergency brake prefill and brake assist; Porsche Active Suspension Management, that brilliant electronic grip-meister, now even smoother; wider rear tires; bi-Xenon headlights; LED daytime driving lights and taillights; new nose with larger, more efficient intakes; and, from the seemingly endless options list, a sports suspension that lowers the chassis 0.79 in. and includes active suspension technology and a locking rear diff; launch control; active headlights; carbon-fiber sport buckets...well, the point is made.

There's a better 911 coming to town.

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera
Base Price	$75,600-$96,800
Vehicle layout	Rear-engine, RWD coupe, convertible
Engine	3.6L/345-hp/287 lb-ft DOHC 24-valve 6-cyl flat-6; 3.8L/385-hp/310 lb-ft DOHC 24-valve 6-cyl flat-6
Transmission	6-speed manual, 7-speed auto-clutch manual
Curb weight (dist f/r)	3350 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase	92.5 in
Length x width x height	174.6 x 71.2 x 51.2-51.6 in
0-60 mph	4.1-4.5 sec (mfr est)
EPA city/hwy fuel econ	14-15 / 31-35 mpg (est)
CO2 emissions	0.96-1.04 lb/mile (est)
On sale in U.S.	September 2008

112_0806_09z 2009_porsche_911 front_three_quarters_view