The Porsche 911 is one of those iconic sports cars that car enthusiasts dream about owning and driving. With an impressive racing pedigree, low-to-the-ground road-hugging performance, and a potent and technologically advanced drivetrain, the 911 is impressive, especially when pushed to its limits.

Porsche provides several variations of its 911 Carrera in both coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) models.

The base model is the 911 Carrera coupe with an approximate $75,000 price tag. When you see the numeral 4 in the model’s designation, it indicates all-wheel drive. When you see the letter S, it indicates that a larger, more powerful engine is featured.

The base model is the 911 Carrera coupe with an approximate $75,000 price tag. When you see the numeral 4 in the model’s designation, it indicates all-wheel drive. When you see the letter S, it indicates that a larger, more powerful engine is featured.

I recently tested a 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet ($120,100 as tested). Yes, my Carrera convertible tester had the larger engine and all-wheel drive.

The 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S Cabriolets now benefit from engines that feature direct fuel injection. Direct fuel injection helps improve performance while reducing fuel consumption.

Rated at 345 horsepower, the 3.6-liter horizontally-opposed six-cylinder in the Carrera 4 now makes 20 more horsepower than the previous version.

Rated at 385 horsepower, the larger, 3.8-liter six-cylinder in the Carrera 4S now boasts 30 more horsepower.

Amazingly, both engines are fuel efficient enough to negate the extra expense of a gas-guzzler tax.

These engines are mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or the new seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe double-clutch transmission. The PDK replaces the Tiptronic unit.

Essentially, the PDK is a conventional seven-speed manual gearbox with two electro-hydraulically controlled multiplate wet clutch packs. One clutch pack controls odd-numbered gears and the other controls even-numbered gears.

As one clutch pack engages, the other simultaneously disengages and the result is more instantaneous shifts and improved performance.

Another enhancement for 2009 is that the all-wheel-drive system in the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models is essentially the same electronically controlled Porsche traction management found under the awesome Porsche Turbo.

PTM can vary the torque split infinitely between the front and rear wheels as needed for optimum traction. But to keep the sporty feel, the system starts with two-thirds of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions.

This car puts a huge smile on your face from the moment you twist the key. I love the roar from the exhaust at wide-open throttle. Power is impressive and becomes predictable with time.

The ride is firm yet enjoyable at boulevard speeds. The level of enjoyment steadily increases along with the speedometer needle.

The top on my Cabriolet was easy to operate and quickly transformed this sports car into an open-air roadster.

The cabin is actually comfortable for my large frame and I found plenty of head and leg room up front. The two rear seats don’t provide enough space for actual passengers, and the luggage compartment is small, too.

Aside from that, this car is awesome. To say that driving the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is fun is a huge understatement. It’s a dream. And, yes, I had to keep pinching myself during the entire weeklong test to believe it.

2009 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4S CABRIOLET

ENGINE: 385-horsepower 3.8-liter H6

TRANSMISSION: seven-speed (PDK) automatic

DRIVETRAIN: all-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 18 city/27 highway

BASE PRICE: $102,900

AS TESTED: $120,100 (including $950 for destination)

WEB SITE: porsche.com