What makes the 2006 Porsche Cayman fun to drive may also save your life. Its super-stiff body enhances performance but also provides a tough passenger compartment that acts like a turtle’s shell. Porsche also includes six airbags as standard equipment for further protection.

Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system takes care of the Cayman’s active safety features. An alphabet soup of technology, it employs ABS (antilock brakes), ASC (anti-slip control), EDC (engine drag control) and ABD (automatic brake differential) to keep the Cayman between the lines and shiny side up, pointed in the direction you want to go. But now for the disclaimer: As good as PSM is (and it’s good) it’s important to remember that it cannot overcome the laws of physics. If you do something reckless or stupid, it will not save you.

Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are available as an $8,150 option. Yes, it’s a helluva price tag, but, made from NASA-grade materials, they are a whopping 50 percent lighter than regular metal brakes. This reduces unsprung mass (weight not supported by the springs), which greatly improves handling. The material is also more durable, provides more consistent braking performance, and braking power will not fade due to extreme use. Is it cool? Of course. Do you need it? No, not unless you plan on racing your Cayman regularly.