In hard sunlight, Porsche’s Carrera GT looks like something straight out of Buck Rogers. It is long, low and wide, and futuristic. But beyond that basic mid-engined layout, the Carrera GT owes nothing to any racecar in its unique looks.

You could say there are bits of Can-Am Porsche 917 here and there, but it has a strongly defined 21st century visage that at once distances it from any 20th century supercar, like the Lamborghini Diablo or Ferrari F40. Together, the Carrera GT and Pagani Zonda are unique in this respect.

The main advantage of its clean-sheet-of-paper approach is that the Carrera GT is totally focused, and is also one of just three contemporary supercars with removable roof panels (the others being the Maserati MC12 and the Koenigsegg CCR/CCX). This makes it two cars in one, in the best Porsche Targa tradition.

The Carrera GT definitely looks better with its roof off, but if the weather plays foul, the two solid roof panels quickly refit to create a snug environment. Conversely, taking them off is easy and they fit neatly into the padded and well-finished front compartment. Porsche offer a set of tailored luggage that fits behind the seats and in the space beside the passenger seat. There is even a small compartment in the rear of each door for a small telescoping umbrella