More than a year since uncamouflaged prototypes were first spotted testing near the Nurburgring in Germany, Porsche has officially unveiled the 911 Targa, the final bodystyle to break cover in its new-generation neun-elf sports car lineup.
Revealed in 4 and 4S guises (pictured in red and black, respectively), the Targa models’ trademark roof panel can be electrically raised and lowered in 19 seconds, identical to the outgoing 991 model. It’s complemented by a revised wind deflector that’s said to significantly reduce noise and draughts, particularly between 50km/h and 145km/h.
For those familiar with the 4 and 4S-badged Coupe and Cabriolet 911s, the Targa 4 and 4S’ powertrain will come at no surprise.
Both models employ the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch ‘PDK’ transmission driving all four wheels as standard.
In the Targa 4, the six-cylinder mill develops 283kW of power and 450Nm of torque, pushing the two-door to 100km/h from a standstill in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is pegged at 290km/h.
Opting for the Targa 4S ups outputs to 331kW and 530Nm, resulting in a 0.6-second cut to the 0-100km/h sprint time (to 3.6 seconds) and a 14km/h top speed bump (to 304km/h).
Both acceleration times were achieved with the optional Sport Chrono package fitted – not optioning it increases the sprint times by two tenths to 4.4 and 3.8 seconds respectively.
A seven-speed manual gearbox is also available as a no-cost option.
Targa 4 models ride on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels as standard, increasing by an inch at both ends for the Targa 4S.
Four-piston brake calipers clamp 330mm cast-iron discs on Targa 4 models, with the latter diameter upped to 350mm for the faster 4S. Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option on both cars.
A slew of performance features are bundled as standard, including PASM adaptive dampers, torque vectoring and an active rear spoiler.
Optional features on some or all Targa variants include a variable sports exhaust, electronically-controlled limited-slip rear differential, variable power steering and a front axle lift system.
Normal and Sport drive modes are offered as standard, along with a Wet mode that detects water on the road and adjusts stability control and other vehicle systems accordingly.
Inside, the Targa 4 and 4S’ cabins are identical to those of their coupe and Cabriolet siblings, featuring a 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and digital radio, a semi-digital instrument cluster and an analog tachometer.
