Consumers Reports rated the Porsche 911 as the top ultra-performance and luxury sports cars. The 911 past the Corvette Z06 to become the top-rated vehicle with an “Excellent” overall score.

The two competitors for the 911 were the Z06 and Dodge Viper (V10 engine). The Z06 also got an "Excellent" score while the Viper posted a "Very Good" score.

They also tested five high-end, luxury sports cars: the Mercedes-Benz SL550, BMW 650i, Jaguar XK, Cadillac XLR, and Lexus SC. The SL550 and BMW 650i coupe posted the highest overall scores among those vehicles.

Test group highlights:

  • The Viper SRT is the fastest car ever tested by Consumer Reports, with a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds.
  • The 911’s brakes rank among the best ever tested by CR. It tied with the Viper for the shortest dry stops in this group, stopping from 60 mph in just 113 feet.
  • The 911 posted the highest speed on record through CR’s emergency avoidance maneuver, at 59.5 mph.
  • The SL550 is the single most expensive car Consumer Reports has ever tested, with a base price of $94,800. As tested, the car carried a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $105,855.

Also Porsche reported today that the 911 once again met with a strong response among customers in North America in August 2006, with 990 vehicles sold (previous year: 1,048).