The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster is the convertible version of the British manufacturer's best and most desirable model. But does it compare favourably to the brilliantly resolved Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet? Steve Sutcliffe finds out

U.S. pricing starts at $114,200

Porsche has taken the wraps off the 2015 911 GTS.

Available as a coupe or convertible with rear- or all-wheel drive, the GTS features tinted bi-xenon headlights, black engine vents and a sports exhaust system with black chrome-plated tailpipes. The models also have wider rear fenders and 20-inch center locking wheels with a matte black finish.

Interior changes are relatively limited but there's leather / Alcantara sport seats and Alcantara upholstery on everything from the dashboard to the roof liner.

Detailed performance specifications were not released but power is provided by a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that develops 430 PS (316 kW). When connected to a PDK transmission, the coupe accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds while the convertible does the same task in 4.2 seconds. All four models also have a top speed in excess of 300 km/h (186 mph) and the GTS Coupe is the fastest of the bunch as it can hit 306 km/h (190 mph) when equipped with rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission.

Speaking on performance, all the models come equipped with the Sport Chrono package and the PASM active damper system which lowers the car's ride height by ten millimeters.

The Porsche 911 GTS will go on sale in November and German pricing starts at €117,549 (including a 19% VAT).

In the United States, the 911 Carrera GTS starts at $114,200 while the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet retails for $126,100. Likewise, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS costs $120,900 for the coupe and $132,800 for the convertible.

Zuffenhausen continues to roll out testers for the upcoming facelift of the 911 series, which may get the 991.2 or 992 codename, with a new Targa prototype.

This isn't our first meeting with the 2016 Porsche 911 Targa, as we caught up with a different test model before, but there's an interesting new detail.

Instead of the rectangular-shaped exhaust finishers on either corner of the bumper, this one has two pipes positioned closely in the middle of the diffuser, just like the Convertible prototype snagged by one of our readers in September.

The number of tailpipes, their shape and the layout can be unique to 911 models in Porsche's world, and what we hear is that, this center positioning could be for the GTS-branded editions of the facelift models.

Another explanation is that Porsche may change the exhausts for the Carrera S models (which are the same for the current GTS) from today's four-pipe configuration to a twin-pipe near the center. Details, details…

Elsewhere, this latest 911 Targa prototype bears the same updates as the other 911 facelifts, such as the more integrated door handles, restyled bumpers, new engine lid, and most likely, revised headlamp and taillights.

We should start seeing the refreshed 911 models from next year.

TechArt has introduced their new styling program for the Porsche 911 Targa 4.

Starting with the exterior, the model has been equipped with an aerodynamic body kit that includes a front spoiler, front "aero wings" and an "air outlet" grille. Other notable highlights include sportier side skirts, a rear diffuser and a rear wing. The company also offers carbon fiber mirrors, lowering springs and a hydraulic nose lift front suspension that provides an additional 45mm of ground clearance. Customers can also order a sports exhaust system and a variety of 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels.

The interior isn't left out either as TechArt offers premium leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim and custom accent stitching. Other notable options include a three-spoke sport steering wheel, illuminated door sill plates, aluminum pedals and special floor mats.

The ultimate Porsche 911 is back wearing the famed GT3 RS moniker, with our spies nabbing a group of prototypes testing on the snow.

It's the hardest and most track-focused modern 911 yet, with significant changes over the already hard and fast 468hp (475PS) 991 GT3 starting with a more potent engine producing at least 500hp, which will make it the most powerful (street-legal) naturally-aspirated flat-six produced by Porsche to date.

That's less than the 911 Turbo S' 552hp (560PS), but more than the previous-gen 493hp 4.0-litre 911 GT3 RS 4.0. If anything, it will be faster than the current GT3 that runs to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.5 seconds, and of course, more expensive as well (in the U.S., the 911 GT3 starts at $130,400, and in Germany from €197,041).

If you were hoping for the return of a manual gearbox, the news isn't good, as according to sources, a seven-speed PDK paddle-shift box will be the only transmission on offer, albeit tweaked for the RS

Porsche will refine the GT3's suspension, steering, brakes and wheels, while also trimming down the weight and improving aerodynamics. Almost every body-panel is new, from the double-bubble roof and the wider and vented front and rear fenders, to the bonnet with a deep center groove, the reworked bumpers and massive rear wing.

In keeping with the street-legal racing theme, the RS will get an appropriately equipped interior with special bucket seats and a different décor.

The new GT3 RS will come into the light next year.

On this episode of Ignition, presented by Tire Rack, Carlos Lago heads to the twisting Streets of Willow Springs to test Porsche’s highly anticipated 911 GT3! The GT3 is the 911 for the crazed driving enthusiast fringe that think other 911’s just aren’t enough. Packing an all new 3.8 liter flat six that revs to a monstrous 9000 rpm and makes 475 naturally aspirated horsepower, is this 911 a barely disguised racecar for the street? More importantly, has Porsche managed to deliver the ultimate drivers car? Stay tuned to find out!

On this episode of Head 2 Head, Carlos Lago hosts a face-off between the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 and Porsche 911 GT3. Both cars are bred for track performance and driver’s satisfaction, each packing high-revving, dry-sump engines, carbon ceramic brakes, and big wings. The huge price disparity makes this an odd pairing, but after considering each car’s hardcore focus on performance, we couldn’t resist the idea of getting them together. The Camaro makes more power, but the Porsche’s lighter. Which one’s faster? Find out of this episode of Head2Head.