Midsize cars - page 12

The automotive world has seen its fair share of legends, but few can hold a candle to the illustrious Porsche Carrera GT. Born from the ashes of Porsche’s aspirations at Le Mans, the Carrera GT became Stuttgart’s answer to Maranello and Sant’Agata Bolognese.

The 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is a topless successor to the Diablo VT Roadster. It is based on the same L140 platform as the Murcielago coupe, and aesthetically, the Murcielago Roadster is pretty similar to its hard-top sibling. The engine cover opens rearwards and is a unique feature reminiscent of the Miura. Lamborghini also strengthened the Roadster by adding a reinforced metallic grid (also available in carbon fiber) beneath the engine cover. Lamborghini added a pretty flimsy fabric soft top that is indicated for temporary use in case of sudden rain. It is something that you have to install manually and requires two people to get the job done, which is not ideal for an expensive supercar.

Blending sleek aesthetics with practical utility, coupe SUVs burst onto the scene with the original BMW X6, which pioneered this niche in 2008. Porsche joined the fray in 2019 with its 2024 Cayenne Coupe (9Y3), built on Volkswagen’s MLB Evo platform shared with the Q8. This new addition to the third-generation Cayenne lineup aimed to capture buyers seeking a sportier silhouette without sacrificing the brand’s performance pedigree.

Limited to just 2,500 units globally, the all-new 911 Dakar is the newest trim in the sports car’s lineup and celebrates Porsche’s 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally victory. Based on the 992-generation platform, this model is the most expensive non-Turbo trim in the 992.1 lineup, sitting above the Carrera 4 GTS and commanding a hefty $222,000 starting price. Interestingly, Porsche initially planned to name it "Safari," but Tata Motors’ existing trademark forced a change to "Dakar."

The 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet was based on the 997 generation, succeeding the 996 (1999-2004) and running until 2013. This four-seat convertible packed a 3.6-liter flat-six engine producing 325 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual or optional five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. As the entry-level convertible in the 911 lineup, it offered an attractive blend of performance and open-top driving pleasure.

The Porsche Panamera 4 luxury sport sedan gets a mid-cycle refresh for the 2021 model year. It axes the outgoing 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine to embrace a smoother 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, which is less powerful, but more efficient than the former engine. However, this trim now takes just five ticks to shoot from 0 to 60 mph, shaving the acceleration timing by 0.2 seconds.

The 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo is an all-new offering from the Stuttgart-based luxury marque, marking its arrival in the EV market. This electric performance sedan is propelled by a 670-horsepower dual-motor powertrain that propels it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds. A 93.4-kWh battery pack provides up to 201 miles, while an 800-volt architecture enables charging up to 270 kW.

Lamborghini unleashed its Gallardo successor in 2015, the Huracan LP 610-4, a technological tour de force that redefined the entry-level supercar segment. This angular beast packed the same 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine as the Gallardo but cranked 610 ponies in the new flavor. Gone was the single-clutch six-speed gearbox. A new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission led and mediated the output to four wheels. The result was a blistering performance of 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph.

Fresh from the experts of Stuttgart for 2020, the Porsche 718 Spyder is the ultimate expression of the open-top, mid-engine sports car formula. This all-new flagship model of the 718 Boxster family boasts a 414-horsepower 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine mated to a crisp six-speed manual transmission. The result is a 0-60 mph timing of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph.

The 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is a stunning convertible that combines iconic 911 styling with cutting-edge technology and thrilling performance. This two-door, four-seat sports car is part of the eighth generation (992) of the legendary 911, which was introduced for the 2019 model year. With standard all-wheel drive, a potent twin-turbo flat-six engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a quick-shifting PDK dual-clutch transmission, the Carrera 4S Cabriolet delivers an exhilarating open-air driving experience.

Following the launch of the third-generation Cayenne SUV for the 2019 model year, Porsche is gambling into the coupe SUV sector with an all-new Cayenne Coupe for the 2020 model year. The 2020 Cayenne Turbo Coupe sits between the E-Hybrid Coupe and the flagship Turbo S E-Hybrid PHEV, offering buyers a stellar performance SUV. Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine channeling 541 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque, this SUV accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and promises a top speed of 177 mph.