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Elegant, extravagant and unique: the new Porsche 911 Targa

Published:Tuesday | May 26, 2020 | 10:13 AM
Elegant, extravagant and unique: the new Porsche 911 Targa. Available in Latin America and the Caribbean from the third quarter of this year.
Elegant, extravagant and unique: the new Porsche 911 Targa. Available in Latin America and the Caribbean from the third quarter of this year.

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 distinguishing feature of the Targa remains its innovative, fully automatic roof system, and just like the legendary original Targa model from 1965, it features a characteristic wide roll hoop, a moveable roof section above the front seats, and a wraparound rear window. The roof can be comfortably opened and closed in just 19 seconds.

It is powered by a six-cylinder, three-litre boxer engine with twin turbochargers. The 911 Targa 4 now delivers 385 PS and, in combination with the optional Sport Chrono package, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The engine in the 911 Targa 4S boasts 450 PS and reaches the 100 km/h mark in just 3.6 seconds under the same conditions.

The top speed of the 911 Targa 4 is 289 km/h, while the 4S peaks at 304 km/h.

Both sports cars are fitted with eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. The 911 Targa will make its debut in June and will be available in Latin America and the Caribbean from the fourth quarter of 2020.

Optimised all-wheel drive for better traction

The enhanced performance of the new all-wheel-drive models goes hand in hand with further development of the front-axle drive. 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 the function of the additional front-axle drive.

Further developed chassis for more comfort and safety

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 for 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. Sensors, fitted in the front wheel housings, are capable of detecting water on the road surface, and if significant volumes of water are picked up, a signal in the cockpit provides 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.

Extravagant Targa design with a modern interpretation

The exterior of the 911 Targa is characterised by the design elements of its 992 model generation. Compared to its predecessors, its body features significantly more pronounced wheel housings at the front, and between its LED headlights, its bonnet has a distinctive recess evoking the design of the first 911 generations. Its rear is dominated by its wider, variably extending rear spoiler and seamlessly integrated elegant light bar. With the exception of the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is made from aluminum.

The interior echoes the 911 Carrera models and is characterised by the clear and straight lines of its dashboard and its recessed instruments. The 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here. Alongside the central rev counter – very much a defining feature for Porsche – two thin, frameless freeform displays extend the information provided to the driver. A compact switch unit with five buttons for direct access to important vehicle functions is located below the 10.9-inch centre screen of the Porsche Communication Management.