NEW YORK (Money Magazine) - For many Porschephiles -- myself included -- the outgoing 911 went too far in softening the exterior's shape. Even Porsche executives now admit a correction was called for.

Porshe 911 Carrera S

Consider it done. The new 911 restores the slimmer waistline and voluptuous hips that make a 911 a 911. Owners will no longer fret that you can't tell the difference between the 911 and the cheaper Boxster when viewed from the front. Traditional round headlamps are back too, hailed by nostalgic fans around the world.

The changes are hardly radical, but the 911 looks gorgeous just the same. The interior gets a welcome makeover as well, with more leather, better seats and sharper instruments befitting such a pricey car.

Performance is brilliant, naturally. For the first time since 1977, the 911 coupe offers its flat-6 engine in two sizes: the Carrera's 3.6-liter with 325 hp, or the Carrera S' 3.8-liter with 355 hp.

If you can swallow the $10,000 premium for the S model, do so: It feels and sounds more potent from idle to red line; 0 to 60 mph is cut to 4.8 seconds vs. 5.0 for the smaller engine. On a rainy stretch of the German autobahn, the Carrera S purred to an effortless 155 mph, my common sense kicking in before the car's 182 mph top speed.

The steering ratio automatically adjusts to boost agility on curves and ease of handling around town. The S model's other big additions include beefier brakes and Porsche Active Suspension Management.

Recent reviews • Ford Mustang • Chevrolet Corvette • Porsche 911 Carrera/Carrera S

Optional on the Carrera, the system lets you choose settings for comfort or performance, using sensors to firm or soften shocks on the fly. While handling and grip are spectacular, the system didn't feel as intuitive and driver-friendly as the Corvette's optional active handling.

That said, the Porsche remains the ultimate sports-car personal trainer, alert to your driving strengths and forgiving of your weaknesses. Yes, its price approaches fantasyland, but a happy reality is that the 911 consistently holds its value better than any other sports car.