Targa unveiling completes new-gen Porsche 911 lineup
IN EARLY MARCH, the 992 generation of the Porsche 911 Coupe and 911 Cabriolet were revealed. Now, the debut of the Targa completes the model trio of the iconic sports car.
Coming in an all-wheel drive 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S iterations, the vehicle premiered on the Porsche web TV channel 9:11 Magazine.
As with the original 911 Targa of 1965, the 992-gen Targa boasts an innovative roof (fully automated in the new model). It has a unique roll hoop, a movable section above the front seats, and a wraparound rear window. This roof opens and closes in just 19 seconds.
Powering the new 911 Targa is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder boxer power plant. In the 911 Targa 4, it delivers 385ps at 6,500rpm — up 15ps over the previous model — and 450Nm of torque (1,950rpm to 5,000rpm). When the engine is mated to the optional Sport Chrono package, the 911 Targa 4 can zoom from standstill to 100kph in 4.2 seconds (up by 0.1 second). It can muster a top speed of 289kph.
In the new 911 Targa 4S, the engine is tuned to deliver 450ps, up 30ps over the preceding model. Its torque rating (plus 30Nm) is at 530Nm — available between 2,300rpm and 5,000rpm. Zero-to-100kph time is 3.6 seconds (up by 0.4 second); it reaches a maximum speed of 304kph (an improvement of 3kph).
Both the new 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S are equipped with an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) intelligent all-wheel drive system as standard, with the Targa 4S additionally available with a newly developed seven-speed manual gearbox with Sport Chrono package. Fitted for the first time onto both models is the Porsche InnoDrive that includes adaptive cruise control. An enhanced Smartlift function allows programming of the cars’ ground clearance — making them ideal for daily use.
An improved front axle, clutch and differential units which are water-cooled, and reinforced clutch discs enhance the performance of the new all-wheel drive models.
Standard to both the new 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S is the electronically controlled Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) variable damping system, which automatically adjusts driving comfort and handling to a particular situation. It also has two manually adjustable maps: Normal and Sport. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which includes an electronic rear differential lock with fully variable torque distribution, is standard on the Targa 4S and is an option on the Targa 4.
The cabin of the new 911 Targa is characterized by the lines of the dashboard and the recessed instruments, the inspiration for which came from 911 models from the 1970s. Alongside the central rev counter — a defining feature for Porsche — are two thin, frameless freeform information displays. A compact switch unit with five buttons for direct access to important vehicle functions is located below the 10.9-inch center screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Some of the PCM’s features are online navigation based on swarm data, and Connect Plus with Apple Car Play.
