This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. The Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable. Unlike previous models it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, the Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills and average acceleration, but for weekend fun on a twisty back road it's hard to beat.

Audi's TT is solid, stylish, and loaded with features making it fit for the Recommended list. Like no other in its class, TT offers the all-weather advantage of available quattro AWD at a great price. Of course, if you don't mind spending a few more bucks, we recommend you take a look at the Mercedes-Benz SLK. The Mercedes offers an interesting mix of performance and luxury. It also has a retractable hardtop, making it more of an all-weather car.

Despite a worsening economy, Carrera sales rose 11 percent year-over-year in calendar 2000 and another 16.5 percent in the first nine months of 2001. More remarkable, perhaps, regular Carrera sales eased 9.8 percent in the '01 period versus a near 90-percent jump for the costlier Carrera 4s. Evidently, these Porsche buyers can afford to indulge more than most people even in a sour economy.

The phased renewal of the 911 line concludes in early 2002 with release of two more variations. One is a new Targa, a body style on furlough since the 911's 1998 redesign. As before, it's basically a Carrera or Carrera 4 coupe with a large glass sunroof that powers back inside the rear window, which can now be opened like a hatch to access the rear-seat area from outside. Improved seals around sunroof reportedly lessen high-speed wind noise vs previous Targas. The second addition is a new Carrera 4S coupe, essentially the Turbo model with non-turbo engine.

For 2003, the 911s will share showroom space with Porsche's first SUV. Named Cayenne, it's a joint effort with Volkswagen, which will offer its own version for '04. Cayenne is a bit larger than the BMW X5, the apparent benchmark for on-road handling and performance, and will also rival the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and redesigned 2003 Range Rover. Cayenne aims to beat them all with superior driving dynamics worthy of...well, a 911. It features a new AWD system with electronic differential locks and low-range gearing activated by a dashboard button. The AWD ties in with other computers serving antilock brakes, antiskid/traction control, a hill-descent feature a la BMW and Land Rover, and an air-spring suspension with automatic and manual ride-height adjustment. Despite all this, Cayenne is intended far more for pavement than backwoods trails. U.S. engine choices involve a pair of new-design 4.5-liter V8s: a regular version with around 350 hp and a twin-turbocharged unit with a reported 450 hp. A VW-sourced 3.2-liter V6 with some 240 hp is to be available in other markets and might be come here in a "price-leader" model. Transmissions are 6-speed manual and optional 5-speed automatic with Porsche's Tiptronic S manual-shift feature. Standard footwear comprises 18-inch wheels wearing beefy 285/45 performance tires.

As the literal "Porsche of SUVs," Cayenne promises to be as hot as the spicy pepper it's named for. Rumored 0-60 mph times are around 6.5 seconds for the regular V8 and close to 6 flat for the twin-turbo job. Styling is fairly conservative, judging by recent spy photos, with a 911-style nose the main distinction. Pricing hasn't been set, but should be competitive with upper-end SUV rivals. That implies full-house standard equipment, but also the usual Porsche plethora of semi-custom trim options. More information should be available soon, so keep checking back with us.