Bunny
Although I don't personally have one, I frequently ride in my friend's 2003 Boxster S. It's a very competent car, quick and agile. The handling is superb whether your going 25 mph or 125 mph. Ride and seats are comfortable. The 6-speed stick has a short throw, and is precise. He's got almost 90K on it, but doesn't drives it in the winter. (He's got a 2007 AWD Ford Explorer Sport Trac and 2008 AWD Mercedes E350 for the winter.) His wife also has one. Her's is a 2004 Boxster Base with the paddle shiftable automatic. She drives this year round, but takes off the summer tires and uses either Michelin or Bridgestone snow tires in the winter.
The either of the 2010 Boxsters should fulfill you need for speed, and IMO better than the more expensive 911s. The 7-speed manual/automatic is quicker and gets better mileage than the 6-speed manual, so if I bought one, that's what I would get.
Other similar cars you might want to look at are the Lotus Elise, and the Pontiac Solstice GXP and it's twin the Saturn Sky Redline. The GM products have the same performance level as the Boxster or Elise, but at half the price. Unfortunately 2009 is the last year for both of these great cars.
If the other half doesn't like a two seater, the AWD Subaru Impreza WRX STI gives comparable performance and handling in a 4 or 5 door package. (I have 4 friends with WRXs so I've been in these vehicles as well.)
Bob