12 most profitable cars

You might think of popular vehicles such as the Cayenne SUV or the less expensive Cayman sports car as being Porsche's profit drivers. But the high-priced 911 more than carries its own weight, according to Bernstein Research.

Developed on a "tiny budget" and virtually unchanged during the last two generations, "the 911 is outrageously profitable," Bernstein's Warburton writes. Some versions -- such as the 911 Turbo -- earn gross profits of over 75%, he estimates, in an industry where 5% is considered good.

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