2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet

Porsche has been experimenting with automatics since the days of the 356 models. The new PDK (its full name is Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or double clutch gearbox) uses two wet clutches to shift its seven forward gears with minimal interruption in the flow of power to the wheels.

The new technology adds 66 pounds to the 911’s rear, part of an overall 221-pound weight gain from 2008. It also adds $4,080 to the $119,925 sticker price of the 911 S Cabriolet.

Externally, 911s appear all but unchanged for 2009. Unseen changes, however, make them handle with greater precision, brake better and go faster.

Driving a Porsche has often been a daunting experience. Now, with systems like PDK, Porsche Stability Management and Porsche Active Suspension Management, some of the fear of God has been engineered out.

The engines are not simply more powerful, they are more economical, too. The PDK’s seventh speed permits cruising at far lower engine speeds. Federal mileage ratings for the S Cabriolet show an improvement to 19 m.p.g. in town and 26 on the highway.

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