Porsche has now completed its sports car trio: following on from the Coupé and Cabriolet, the third body variant of the new 911 generation now makes its debut with the all-wheel drive 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S models. The Targa remains unique with its fully automatic roof system. As on the legendary original Targa from 1965, it consists of a wide Targa roll bar, a movable roof section over the front seats and a wraparound rear window. The roof can be conveniently opened and closed in just 19 seconds. Just read on…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

More power…

It is powered by a six-cylinder, three-litre boxer engine with twin turbochargers: in the 911 Targa 4, it delivers 283 kW (385 PS) and, in combination with the optional Sport Chrono package, allows the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds – one tenth faster than before. In the 911 Targa 4S, it boasts 331 kW (450 PS), enabling the new model to reach the 100 km/h mark in just 3.6 seconds under the same conditions – four tenths faster than its predecessor. The top speed of the 911 Targa 4 is 289 km/h (up 2 km/h), while the 4S peaks at 304 km/h (up 3 km/h).

Both sports cars are fitted with the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) as standard to deliver maximum driving pleasure.

…and a choice of transmissions

Alternatively, the 911 Targa 4S can be ordered with the newly developed seven-speed manual gearbox, which includes the Sport Chrono package. New technology has also been integrated to extend the range of features for both 911 models and, for the first time, Porsche InnoDrive, which includes adaptive cruise control, is available. 

AWD further developed…

The enhanced performance of the new all-wheel drive models goes hand in hand with further development of the front-axle drive system. The clutch and differential unit is water-cooled and has reinforced clutch discs for greater robustness and a higher load capacity. The increased actuating torque at the clutch improves its adjustment accuracy and also improves the function of the additional front-axle drive system. Overall, the enhanced front-axle drive system with PTM (Porsche Traction Management) contributes to even better traction in all road conditions.

Suspension also taken a step further…

The electronically controlled variable damping system PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is part of the standard equipment on the new 911 Targa models. This system automatically adjusts the damping characteristics in terms of driving comfort and handling to each driving situation and 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 added as standard equipment on the Targa 4S and is available as an option on the Targa 4.

Like the other eighth generation Porsche 911 variants, the Targa models are also equipped with Porsche Wet mode as standard. If sensors in the front wheel arches detect significant levels of surface water, a signal is issued in the instrument cluster as a recommendation for the driver to manually switch to Wet mode. The drive responsiveness is then adapted to the conditions to guarantee maximum driving stability.

Driving dynamics up another level…

The driving dynamics set-up for the 911 Targa 4 includes 235/40 ZR tyres on 19-inch alloy wheels on the front axle and 295/35 ZR tyres on 20-inch wheels on the rear axle. As standard, the 4S model is fitted with 245/35 ZR tyres on its 20-inch front wheels and with 305/30 ZR tyres on its 21-inch rears. On the Targa 4, deceleration is taken care of on both axles by 330-millimetre brake discs with black four-piston monobloc fixed callipers. The red-painted brake callipers of the Targa 4S have six pistons on the front axle and four pistons at the rear,  while its discs measure 350 mm front and rear. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) can be ordered as an option.

Needless to say that we are anxiously awaiting to see this Targa in the flesh and report to you about our driving impressions…

Hans Knol ten Bensel