Porsche 911 Turbo S 

For the purists, there's still a manual transmission offering, though it has grown to seven speeds.

The PDK transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch affair that lets the driver glide easily in fully-automatic mode, or select their own shifts with the paddle shifters.

Any of these engines can be paired with Porsche's excellent 7-speed PDK twin-clutch shiftable automatic transmission.

Don't worry, though, the rest of the 911 range, including Turbo, Turbo S, cabriolets, and more, is still available for purchase-but they're based on the older 997 platform.

The car runs plenty strong with the "base" Carrera engine's 350 horsepower, but for even more, you can choose 400 (Carrera S), 500 (Turbo) or 530 (Turbo S).

Turbo models use a 6-speed.

Keyless entry, USB, iPod interface, Bluetooth, and automatic two-zone climate control are also standard.

Either engine can be paired with either the seven-speed manual or the PDK transmission.

The manual alternative in the normally aspirated cars is the unique 7-speed box Porsche introduced last year.

We say almost only because of the electronic power steering system, which while the best of the EPS implementations to date, still doesn't match the feel we're used to from hydraulic power steering.

The Carrera 4 models include the excellent AWD system.

On the safety front, the 2013 Porsche 911 hasn't been crash-tested as yet, but with Porsche's reputation for engineering, as well as its advanced safety electronics on board, we expect it to perform well in a crash-though the 911's agile dynamics and excellent brakes may help you avoid crashes in the first place.

The Carrera, Carrera S, and their all-wheel drive Carrera 4 variants are the only models updated to the new 991 basis thus far-the Turbo, GT3, and other variants are yet to come.

Go crazy checking boxes and a "base" Carrera coupe can top $120,000; a Turbo S Cabriolet can push $200,000.

The seventh-generation platform that now underlies all Carrera (not yet Turbo) 911s carries on the unmistakable traditional appearance even though the roof is now lower, the length and wheelbase have increased a lot, and detailing, fascias and lighting are new.