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The Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S have been thoroughly redesigned for 2012 and are available in coupe and cabriolet (convertible) body styles. While Carrera S models are more powerful, both trims come with a horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine and a seven-speed manual transmission. An automated manual transmission is available. See the full 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera specs.

If you’re drawn to the 911 Cabriolet’s combination of fun and performance, but prefer a hardtop convertible, consider the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. Like the 911 Carrera, the SL has been completely redesigned, and while it’s not as performance-oriented as the 911, the SL offers an opulent interior that will surround you in luxury.

With more power and cutting-edge technology, the Nissan GT-R is worth considering if you want super luxury sports car performance, but aren’t sold on the 911’s exterior style. The base GT-R is a little more expensive, but the 911’s price will escalate quickly with options. Reviewers say that the GT-R’s athletic handling and standard all-wheel drive make it one of the most engaging cars on the road.

Since its introduction in 1963, the Porsche 911 has been winning the hearts of performance enthusiasts the world over. For 2012, Porsche revamped its formula, unveiling a new 911 Carrera that offers better performance and fuel economy, as well as a high-quality interior that takes design cues from the Porsche Panamera.

Overall, reviewers agree that the changes have taken the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera to a new level. “In quantifiable terms, it's leaps and bounds better than any previous 911,” writes Automobile Magazine. “It sounds even better, it rides even better, it feels even better, it's even more comfortable, better equipped, and it's far better looking.”

Some test drivers say, however, that the redesigned 911 Carrera has become so refined and easy to drive, that it’s lost some of the character that made the 2011 model unique among super luxury sports cars. That’s not really a bad thing, though, since the new 911 Carrera is more capable than the model it replaces in every way.

Available as a coupe or convertible, the redesigned Porsche 911 Carrera stays true to its performance heritage. It’s a little pricier than last year’s model, but new standard features such as navigation help balance the scales. So if you want an iconic sports car that combines thrilling performance with everyday usability, the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera deserves to be on your shopping list.