By Bill Ignacio, DVM

I don’t think I’ve yet come across a cat that hasn’t definitively let me know just what kind of personality I was up against. There are three basic feline personality types I’ll meet on any given day in practice: the extroverted social butterfly, the shy kitty, and Satan incarnate. Which of these behaviors are innate, and which are a result of environment? I’ve found that it’s certainly a mixture. But it does seem that once a cat has chosen a persona, our only option is to get used to it. While I believe any dog with patient and consistent guardians can adjust his or her temperament, a leopard’s spots don’t change as easily.

As I’ve said before, anyone who claims to understand what happens between a cat’s ears is probably selling something you don’t need. By the very nature of their independence, cats are unpredictable and inconsistent. But this mystique is what endears the species to us—we can surely see a lot of ourselves in them, can’t we? While setting out to “change a cat” is usually a doomed venture, there certainly are key areas where we can influence a cat’s behavior and development. A little overview of what we know is important to a cat may help. At the very least, we may be able to avoid environmental pressures that can create an unruly feline.

Cats are by nature solitary animals. Just like their full-sized cousins, the domestic cat has very little use for companionship outside of procreation and, in some cases, group hunting. Close association with humans over the last eight thousand to ten thousand years has affected this very little. Seriously, if you didn’t show up twice a day shaking a bag of kibble, would Mr. Kitty really suck up to you so much? It therefore shouldn’t be a surprise that multicat households can be a venue for constant turf wars. Cats have very little use for one another, and yet do have an instinctive drive to protect their own territory. In fact, the more cats I meet, the more surprised I am that so many can coexist under good terms! Remembering that the image of domestic tranquility we associate with cats is an anthropomorphic projection is vital.

Sticking with the evolutionary line, diet can have a huge impact on a cat’s behavior. Cats are carnivores. I repeat, carnivores . They eat meat. They lack the required enzymes to digest carbohydrates. Leading dietary research shows that cats will eat until their brains give them the message that they’ve had enough protein. That’s why lions, who eat high-protein diets, only need to eat every few days. A client once showed me a video of her cat eating raw broccoli. Man, I felt sorry for that hungry, hungry cat. But, time-out—I’m not giving you permission to leave a rump roast on the counter once a week. Indoor cats, all things considered, can have life spans four to five times those of wild cats. A pure protein diet is sure to create a cat with irreparable kidney damage and can easily shorten life by a decade. The point is, there’s no one diet that’s perfect for all cats, and your veterinarian is really the person to ask. From a behavior standpoint, animals who are highly motivated by food can be aggressive to other cats and to people when they’re hungry. And, we’re finding that traditional weight-loss diets (high in indigestible carbohydrates to make a cat feel full) aren’t working the way we’d like. They can exacerbate these temperamental stresses. A tip: canned diets are relatively higher in protein when compared with dry, and may assuage a cat’s hunger with lower calorie intake. Again, talk to your vet; he or she knows your cat best.

Ever smelled cat pee on your couch? Kind of makes Days of our Lives less dramatic. Inappropriate elimination is the number-one complaint of owners who surrender their cats to shelters or rescue groups. Surprisingly, medical causes account for fewer than half these issues. The rest are nearly all the same scenario: multicat households with inadequate space for everyone, insufficient number or unhygienic litter boxes, or stress related to food availability. And it’s not only in the litter box that these cats are unhappy. We all notice the “Tootsie Roll” we may find on our pillow when we get home, but we may not notice that we really aren’t getting much snuggle-time with our cats. Behavioral marking is the sign of an unhappy household, and unhappy cats.

So, putting it all together, we can get a better idea of how to promote feline harmony in the home. It’s great when cats do get along—they can make a house so much more complete and entertaining. Usually, the secret is introducing cats at a young age. Kittens are much more pliable and can bond with other cats for life. Even a mature cat is more likely to be accepting of a new kitten than of another adult feline. Be smart about space; we’d all love to shelter as many homeless cats as we can, but there is a point at which we’re not doing them any favors. Feed cats meals at set times; I recommend twice daily. It helps with behavioral training patterns. Having trouble regulating who gets what, and how much? Feed cats in separate rooms—I have to do it! Clean litter boxes daily, and be sure that multiple cats have multiple options. Problems can be difficult to correct once they’re established behaviors. Don’t skip yearly veterinary exams—behavioral changes can signal pain or medical disease. And you know what? When all else fails, Prozac can be a cat’s best friend!

Whew! Who said cats are low maintenance? But you’ll probably agree that all this is common sense. It’s little things you can do to ensure that you’re happy, your cat is happy, and that your veterinarian gets to keep all his fingers.

Photography by Eric Fairchild

July 13-15 Men’s Luxury Toy Expo & Auction, University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr.

Men may not, as a rule, like to shop; but few indeed could object to the Men’s Luxury Toy Expo & Auction, whose assortment of “toys” ranges from collector cars to fine cigars. Featuring celebrities, nationally recognized companies and collectors, and some of the finest luxury goods and quality services in the Southwest, the Expo invites men to “explore a world of elite toys.” The Auction provides the opportunity for the men to buy some, too. Birthed in 2005, the Expo & Auction may be young, but the event’s exponential growth and expansive list of loyal clientele and customers indicate that, even as grown-ups, boys will always play with toys. Visit mensluxurytoyexpo.com for additional information.

Photography by Mark Susan

June 21 >> SMoCA Nights Party Sputnik, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts, 374 E. Second St.

Fashion took to the universe and looked to the future in this month’s SMoCA Nights Party, which centered around Sputnik. Vibrant colors, and silver, gold, and black; sleek dresses, face paint and geometric designs—all could be seen on the fair futuristic ladies who took a space walk down the runway. Created to accompany the museum’s “Space is the Place” show, the art, fashion, and music featured were intended not only to generate fun, but also to inform the public on the successes and failures of space exploration. The museum has been providing similar instruction and entertainment since 2003 through all four of its annual themed Nights Parties.

Photography courtesy of AFW

May 25 >> Arizona Foundation for Women (AFW) Sandra Day O’Connor Awards Luncheon, Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave.

At their eleventh annual luncheon, AFW bestowed its prestigious Sandra Day O’Connor award on First Lady Laura Bush for her lifelong contributions to literacy and education. The award is an honor reserved for inspirational women who dedicate time to the improvement of life for women and children. AFW also recognized Elizabeth Lee Vliet, M.D., with the Voice of Women Award for founding the Health Enhancement and Renewal for Women, Inc. (HER Place). MonaLou Callery received the Marilyn R. Seymann Award for founding Support, Education, Empowerment & Directions (SEEDs), as well as the National Advocacy and Training Network (NATN).

Photography by Eric Fairchild

June 28 >> Suns Host 2007 Draft Party, Fox Sports Grill, 16203 N. Scottsdale Rd.

The Phoenix Suns brought out Suns alumni Connie Hawkins and Tim Kempton, The Gorilla, Suns Dancers, and Adio Sol Patrol to entertain their season-ticket holders at their 2007 Draft Party at Fox Sports Grill in Scottsdale. Special Suns NBA Draft 2007 T-shirts were handed out to those who donated at least $10 to Phoenix Suns charities. The Suns welcomed two rookies—Alando Tucker and D.J. Strawberry—to their team roster during the 29th and 59th overall picks, respectively.

By Jon Kenton

Have you ever driven a car blindfolded? I hope not; it would be a crazy thing to do—right? How would you know where you were going? Where would you turn? What about other cars, stoplights, pedestrians?

With that harebrained notion in mind, have you ever tried to run a business without a plan? Great ideas abound, opportunity is out there, and motivation is rarely lacking. Good business plans, however, are rather scarce. Without a plan, how would you know where you were going? Which way will you turn at decision points? What about your competitors, cash flow, and customers? Having no plan at all is most definitely crazy.

To maximize business opportunity and success, it is essential to establish a clear set of goals and objectives. A well-defined plan, used as a touchstone, helps to stay focused on the ultimate goal. Once you go to the trouble of actually creating a plan, don’t pat yourself on the back, place it in a drawer, and go on to something else. Read the plan regularly—live it, breathe it, and keep it up-to-date. Regular reviews should be part of an overall strategic planning process. Take a hard look at your plan once per quarter. Ask yourself if you performed to expectations, and if not, why. If you came upon a “stoplight” in your path, make course corrections, revise the plan, and move on.

Many people avoid detailed planning, as they think it’s complex and too difficult to accomplish. It does take some effort, but it’s far less complex than you may think. Sure, major corporations have a huge staff with years of experience, and MBAs dedicated to planning, but it is still possible for every business—no matter what size—to have a comprehensive plan.

Your business may have specific needs that must be addressed. However, start with a solid foundation on which these specifics can be built. There’s a methodology that you can use and adapt called “6 Ps and an S.” Every business should plan around these seven fundamental elements.

Product The definition of the product or service your company makes and sells. Make sure you know what your product is. Write it down and define its extremes so you know what you do not or will not sell. Many companies fail because they try to do too much. Too many products and not enough customers is a bad recipe.

Place The market, segment, geography, and channels where your products are sold. Have you researched your market to find how big the opportunity is, and who else is already there? Identifying an untapped niche can be worth its weight in gold. If there are a lot of people already there, what will you do differently?

Position How you will position your product against your competitors and differentiate yourself in the marketplace. Once you have identified where you will play, make sure you know as much as you can about the other players. Then decide on your approach for combating them and showing your potential customers why they should buy from you and not your competition.

People Resources required to ensure optimal success of the business. Make sure you identify all the staff and resources you will need to keep the product flowing. Do you need special skills on your team? How many customers can you service or how many products can you ship, and with what head count? Plan your staffing growth based on specific business-level triggers. Plan for different scenarios. Which of them will generate more cash flow, and which more profit?

Price Financial analysis of costs, revenue, overheads and, ultimately, profit—the money stuff. All these are business fundamentals. Build realistic projections. Make sure you price to match your position. Think ahead and plan for where you may invest when the cash comes in faster, or cut when it doesn’t.

Promotion Choosing the optimal vehicles to promote your brand and products to your selected target audience. This is the marketing plan. Nobody will come knocking if he or she doesn’t know you exist. Allocate a specific budget. Think outside the box, and create a mixed portfolio of marketing options. Don’t be tempted to spend it all in one big advertising bang.

Service What services are required to support your product or generate extra revenue? Delivering product is only half the battle. How will you deal with questions, returns, and onsite repairs? For many offerings, it is possible to create service plans for your customers and have them pay. Consider whether you could generate extra revenue this way. It may also generate greater customer loyalty.

There is much thought and effort required to build your plan, but it is easier than you think. Use the 6Ps and an S to guide you, and you will have all the major bases covered. Think through each of the elements and be as comprehensive as you can. Once you have the plan, execute it, and remember to revisit it regularly and make changes as appropriate. The end result will prevent you from driving your company blindfolded.

By Erica Karras

Are hybrid vehicles here to stay? The answer depends on how you define hybrid vehicle .

By definition, a hybrid vehicle can utilize two sources of power instead of one to drive the vehicle. Using this basic definition, many believe that hybrid vehicles will eventually replace their conventional internal combustion-driven counterparts.

However, when people speak of hybrids today, they are usually referring to gasoline-electric hybrids. Since gasoline is made from oil, and oil is a finite resource, I would tend to have a more pessimistic prognosis on the future of these particular types of hybrids.

Don’t get me wrong—I love the associated benefits of fuel savings and low emissions. I also love that hybrids have helped open eyes to critical environmental issues, such as air pollution and global warming, and other socioeconomic issues, such as the politics of oil and national security. I simply think the increased benefits of pairing hybrids with renewable fuels would make a good thing even better. Future hybrids could easily be designed to run off any other alternative fuel. However, with high production costs and low consumer demand, it may be some time before these new-generation hybrids reach the mainstream market.

There are a surprising number of myths and misperceptions surrounding today’s hybrid vehicles, and many people are afraid to ask questions, fearing they may be embarrassed by how far behind the technology curve they are. It’s normal to have questions about hybrid technology; in fact, the answers could help illuminate a brighter, greener, and cleaner future for us all.

Do hybrids need to be plugged in?
No. Driving power is derived either from the gasoline engine or the electric motor. While hybrids can do nifty things like recharging their own batteries by capturing braking energy, the truth is that you still have to fill up the gas tank. Fortunately, due to increased fuel efficiency, fill-ups are less frequent. For example, Toyota advertises an amazing combined city/highway estimate of 55 miles per gallon for the Toyota Prius.

What are the top-selling hybrids?
The Toyota Prius continues to top hybrid sales, accounting for nearly half the new hybrid sales in 2006. Other top sellers include the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid.

Is there such a thing as “green luxury”?
Many luxury manufacturers are responding to an increasing demand for vehicles with low environmental impact and high levels of comfort. Lexus leads the luxury hybrid market with the new GS 450h sports sedan hybrid, the popular RX 400h hybrid SUV, and announcements for the release of a 2008 LS hybrid. Mercedes is currently planning the 2008 launch of its S-Class hybrid luxury sedan. Even a Porsche Cayenne hybrid is rumored to launch in 2008 or 2009. Luxury hybrid buyers should realize that the premium price paid for such “green luxury” will not likely be recouped at the gas pumps; however, the good news is they are helping the environment, even from their seat in the lap of luxury.

How much money can I save by owning a hybrid?
Hybrid vehicles cost more than their conventional cousins. Expect to pay several thousand dollars more for the ’07 Honda Civic Hybrid than for a comparable Honda Civic EX. Studies suggest that the savings from reduced gas consumption and available tax incentives may zero out the initial cost bump. This assumes, of course, that hybrid owners keep their vehicles for several years. The true cost of hybrid ownership is the source of some debate, so do your research and the math before you purchase.

What is a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV)?
Today’s hybrids do not need to be plugged in, but researchers are exploring the feasibility of developing plug-in hybrids. The purpose of plugging in to an electrical socket would be to maximize the charge stored in the battery, allowing the vehicle to drive off the electric motor as much as possible. Continued research and development into battery technology will be necessary before PHEVs make their mainstream debut.

Where can I learn more about hybrid vehicles?
Surf automotive Web sites such as Edmunds or Intellichoice, or dedicated hybrid Web sites such as hybridcars.com and greenhybrid.com . Learn more by attending local auto shows and asking around. With over 200,000 units sold a year, chances are that a hybrid owner lives in your neighborhood. If you are interested in a specific hybrid vehicle, visit the manufacturer’s Web site or local dealership.

Where can I learn more about alternative fuels?
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center has comprehensive information on alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles, fueling stations, and state and federal hybrid incentives. Visit their site at eere.energy.gov/afdc/.

Lexus The 2008 Lexus LS 600h L hybrid will be an all-wheel-drive full hybrid, rendering it able to travel at low speeds under electric propulsion alone. It shares a similar hybrid technology to that found in the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid SUV.

Prius The new Prius Touring Edition sports 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, high-intensity discharge headlights, and a sport-tuned suspension. The Prius also gets front-seat-mounted side airbags and two-row side-curtain airbags as standard equipment.

Honda Hybrid Honda’s history of driver-focused design ensures that the 2007 Accord Hybrid will satisfy your inner need for speed with a 253-horsepower V-6 engine. The great news is that performance comes at no sacrifice to economy, because the gas engine is complemented by an integrated electric motor as part of the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System.

By Lea Friese-Haben

Dear Fabulous Singles,

I am being bombarded again with the frustrations of online dating. I know that a number of you are frustrated with the usual misrepresentations—age, height, weight, financial status—but I have encountered a problem that is even more frustrating: marital status. In this column, I will be addressing ways to recognize these types of situations so that you may avoid some of the pitfalls that accompany these types of encounters.

Dear Coach Lea,

I have been dating an absolutely amazing woman whom I had met via the Internet. The two of us have been dating about three months. She claimed to be a traveling sales rep, which easily explained her consistent absence. We talked every day, and our physical connection was awesome. She said she was divorced and had split custody of her six-year-old daughter. I have never been to her place because she said she didn’t want to introduce me to her daughter until she was sure where the relationship was going. Made sense to me, as I am a parent as well. I decided to send her flowers for her birthday, and that is when everything fell apart. It turns out she is a stay-at-home mom and is married to an attorney who came looking for me after I sent the flowers. (He threatened the florist if he did not reveal the sender’s identity). I am shocked . I knew guys did this sort of thing, but I am shocked to find out that this woman who seemed so perfect could live such a double life. Now what do I do? How can I ever trust another woman?

Dear Shocked,

The good news is that you can protect yourself. Ask a lot of questions next time. Get all her phone numbers. Meet her friends. Go to her home. And, go with your gut, especially if she says she travels a lot or if she has an extremely limited time frame.

Dear Coach Lea,

I am sooo angry right now. I have been dating someone I met on the Internet. We have been dating for about a month, and it has been going great ! We have so much fun, and just made love for the first time. The problem is, I just found out that he is married. One of the guys at my office saw us together and pulled me aside to warn me that he is married with two kids. I was so devastated, I took off three days from work. I really thought he was the one. I of course confronted him, and he gave me such a lame excuse: his wife doesn’t understand him and that it’s all over except for the paperwork. Interestingly enough, I was out with my girlfriends for breakfast after church, and there he was at the restaurant—him, his wife, and his two kids. Once a liar, always a liar!

Dear Angry,

It’s OK to be angry! You were duped by a man who obviously isn’t capable of an honest and open relationship. Consider yourself lucky—this poor wife of his will always have to deal with his lies and infidelity. Don’t swear off Internet dating simply because of this man—it is a great resource when used responsibly and with certain precautions.

Dear Coach Lea,

I have been married to my husband for eleven years and have two children with him, ages 8 and 9. My husband is always on the computer. A few weeks ago, he forgot to shut off his computer and I happened to see his instant message from a woman he apparently has been seeing. She was very graphic about him sexually, and I of course immediately IMd her and asked who she was. She wrote that she had been seeing him about six months and that she thought he had filed for divorce. I immediately confronted my husband and he confessed to everything. I gave him an ultimatum—counseling or divorce. We have just gone to our second counseling session and I still don’t know how I feel. I am so confused.

Dear Confused,

Lea

For questions regarding relationships and dating, contact Lea Friese-Haben at relationships@northvalleymagazine.com.

By Alison Malone

What to know before you fill up your grocery basket.

Walk into any grocery store and you will be faced with a choice: organic or nonorganic foods? Today, the word organic pops up on produce, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, and grain products, allowing many people to maintain a varied yet strictly organic diet. But while some studies show that this type of food is more beneficial to one’s health, others purport that conventionally farmed food is just as nutritious. So, what are the differences between organic and nonorganic foods, and how can you, the consumer, determine what is right for you and your family?

The principle behind organic foods is simple: they are produced using only natural, environmentally friendly farming practices and the humane treatment of livestock. The aim of these organic methods is to minimize pollution, retain soil fertility, and build sustainable, balanced ecosystems that will continue to deliver safe, clean food for years to come. In the United States, for example, organic farmers must meet a set of standards for their products to be labeled as certified organic. Upon successful inspection from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the farmers are permitted to use the organic seal or sticker on their products.

In organic farming, farmers use compost and manure instead of chemical fertilizers to strengthen soil and crops; in addition, natural food chains, traps, and mating disruption techniques are used rather than insecticides to minimize disease and pests in crops. In lieu of chemical herbicides, weed management uses more labor-intensive methods such as crop rotation, hand weeding, mulch distribution, and tilling, which helps cycle nutrients throughout the soil. The farmers also recycle plant and animal by-products.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, animal products may also be considered organic. In this case, the standard for animal treatment is high: animals are provided with a variety of outdoor spaces on which to roam and graze, along with a balanced diet of organic feed and clean living conditions to keep disease to a minimum. In the production of nonorganic animal products, animals are often given growth hormones, medications, antibiotics, or a combination of any or all. Some studies indicate that humans who ingest these animal products can build immunities to antibiotics, decreasing their chances of fighting off bacteria when they need it most.

Many studies show that organic foods contain more vitamins and minerals than conventionally produced foods; and while some state that fertilizers decrease crops’ ability to absorb nutrients in the soil, others purport that conventionally farmed crops are grown in more water than organic foods, diluting the nutrients in the process.

There are indications that, thanks to their lack of pesticides, organic foods contain more natural cancer-fighting flavonoids than conventionally farmed foods; these antioxidants and phytochemicals are said to protect plants from harmful elements, such as ultraviolet radiation. Many people battling cancer and other serious diseases adopt organic diets and find them beneficial to their health.

In terms of protecting the environment, some studies suggest that organic farming uses considerably fewer fossil fuels in its production, and that this method leads to fewer emissions of carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. As mentioned earlier, conventional farming tends to use more water than organic farming.

While many are steadfast in their beliefs that organic is the only way to go, many experts believe that organic and conventionally farmed foods contain relatively the same amount of nutrients. Some studies suggest that organic crops are more likely to become contaminated with bacteria and toxins or damaged by pests, and are therefore more hazardous to one’s health. Consumers should note that organic foods are more likely to be misshapen, are typically smaller than conventional foods and, because of the absence of preservatives and waxes, tend to deteriorate quicker than nonorganic foods. Finally, many can clearly taste the difference between organic and conventionally farmed foods, while others cannot—this is subjective and something that each person must determine for himself or herself.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines the safety standards of food sold in the United States, but consumers frequently have concerns about what they are eating, particularly in the light of the recent devastating effects of tainted pet food and produce, and their subsequent recall. It follows that organic products should be purchased as prudently as conventionally produced food. Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, be selective with your purchases, and visit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FDA Web sites for recalls and news about food products and unfamiliar brands.

The number is increasing, but still only a fraction of farmers produce organic foods, and their crop yield is much less. Furthermore, as mentioned, practices are much more labor-intensive than are their nonorganic counterparts. In turn, farmers are forced to charge a heftier price for their products. Needless to say, this is a turnoff for dollar-conscious consumers.

Whether you and your family decide to try an organic diet or stick to conventionally farmed foods, it is always important to pay close attention to labels and think about what you put into your bodies. Choose fresh, local ingredients in season; handle food carefully to prevent contamination; and consider the impacts of your choices. The decisions we make now regarding our food sources will determine the state of the environment for future generations.

Visit fda.gov and usda.gov for information and guidelines regarding organic food products.

By Greg Rubenstein

Porsche puts a lot of emphasis on “sport” in marketing its Cayenne sport-utility vehicle, and the recently introduced 2008 model is definitely sporty. It is not a sports car, however, though Porsche purists and enthusiasts can thank Cayenne sales for helping to keep this relatively small-volume automaker independent—and producing the sports cars we really love.

To remind potential car buyers that Porsche is above all a sports-car company, they sent out a call to members of the automotive press to drive five of its sports cars, inviting them to sample the Cayman, Boxster S, 911 Targa 4S, 911 Turbo, and 911 GT3 on track at the Barber Motorsports Complex in Birmingham, Alabama.

The program was simple enough. After a brief introduction to each of the cars, the guests slid in behind the wheel while a professional Porsche driver occupied the passenger seat, offering hints, tips, and tricks to going fast around the 16-turn 2.38-mile road racecourse. With the difficulty increasing exponentially, not only was this circuit new to most of the participants, but each writer was also given only a handful of laps before switching to the next ride.

Still, this was an opportunity no enthusiast can turn down, and a more comprehensive version is available to the motoring public in the form of the Porsche Driving Experience, which is conducted at the same facility. When the caliber of instruction includes legendary Porsche pilots Hurley Haywood and David Murry, plus current factory driver Patrick Long, you listen to what they have to say if you want to learn to go really fast.

While the GT3 and Turbo are truly in their element when pushed on track, the inherent balance in each of the five models is readily apparent. You quickly appreciate just how much engineering talent goes into creating these fine sporting machines. Though all but the GT3 offer advanced stability and traction-control management systems, even while driving fast on a racetrack, these features rarely kick in, and when they do, they’re unobtrusive and welcome—just a little help tucking in here, just a little bit of stabilization there. These features can also be turned off.

The models had a wide disparity of thrust—as little as 245-hp in the base Cayman to 480-hp in the Turbo—and different drive configurations, from midengine rear-drive to rear-engine AWD and rear-engine rear-drive. Two even had Porsche’s incredible ceramic brake setup—an option that will set you back $8,840—and one that is most useful when put to full use on a race circuit. While jumping from car to car presented challenges from changing braking points and widely varying top-end speed, they all offered very similar cornering speeds, except for the GT3, which had noticeably higher grip, thanks to its being shod with racing-quality rubber.

Of the quintet, the 355-hp Targa 4S was easiest to drive quickly and most practical for the street. The Targa’s roof slides back with the flick of a switch; and when in the closed position, the rear glass opens as a hatch, allowing easy access to the rear-seat area. Very handy for carrying groceries or storing packages from a day’s shopping.

The Boxster-based Cayman, priced at $49,400 in base trim, was fun to drive, thanks to its exceptionally balanced handling. The 295-hp Boxster S, priced beginning at $55,500, was equally well composed, and the additional 50-hp over its hardtop sibling provided a substantial kick coming out of the corners.

At a base of $95,900, the Targa 4S is hard to call a bargain, but it certainly does offer a substantial value in terms of performance, as well as year-round practicality. The Turbo and GT3, starting at $122,900 and $106,000 respectively, don’t make a great deal of sense for vehicles that will see nothing but street duty. Take them to one of the many track day events available in Arizona, and you’ll experience awesome machinery in their proper environment.

Squeeze the throttle on the Turbo, and power comes on—right now. In the 415-hp normally aspirated GT3, you’ll find speed only if you keep the engine in its peak torque band that comes on strong at 4,500 rpm and hits a crescendo around 7,600 rpm, about 800 rpm down from its 8,400-rpm redline.

Those lucky enough to own a Porsche sports car understand why its combination of dynamic performance makes it the quintessential driver’s car. Sure, they’re expensive, but Porsche is a small company producing a tiny fraction of cars, compared to any major automaker. That exclusivity equates to both independence for the company and a high price for the consumer. With some manufacturers, their claims of ultimate performance are mostly hype. Not so with Porsche—they deliver, and they’re worth the price.

For details about the Porsche Driving Experience, visit porschedriving.com.