Porsche has just dropped details on the all new Porsche 911 Targa at the Detroit Auto Show. Luckily the 911 Targa is topless, which I’m sure a lot of car guys like to see.
The new Porsche 911 Targa is combining the classic Targa roofs from the 60’s with latest technology by German engineers from Porsche. The new model features many similarities to the original Targa Porches. Basically a movable roof section above the front seats with a wraparound rear window. Essentially this makes the Porsche almost as rigid as Porsche coupe while allowing a driver and passenger to still enjoy the feel of a convertible. Think of a Targa roof like a half convertible without too many disadvantages.
One big difference between the original Porsche 911 Targas and the new one, the roof can be opened and closed at the push of a button. The original Targas required you to get out and remove and install the roof. (Not cool if you have a girl in the car and it starts to rain.) When the button is actuated, the fully automatic roof system takes the convertible top and cleverly stores it behind the rear seat. Having installed and removed before Targa roof I am telling you this saves a lot of time and frustration.
What sort of engine with the new Porsche 911 Targa be equipped with and what numbers will it lay down? As with the previous Targa Porches the new line comes in 2 variants which will both be fitted with all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems. The base 911 Targa 4 is powered by a 3.4-liter 350-hp boxer engine. Equipped with the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono package, the 911 Targa 4 goes from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 175 mph. The higher end trim line is the 911 Targa 4S, which is equipped with a 3.8 liter 400-hp boxer engine and comes with all the features of Targa 4. The Porsche 911 Targa 4S reaches a top speed just shy of 184 mph with a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds.
This places the Porsche 911 Targa 4S performance in the same ballpark as the 911 Carrera 4 cabriolet. Unsurprising since Porsche said 911 Targas share several components and technologies. In addition the bodies of the vehicles are essentially the same.
No matter what Porsche 911 Targa model you buy it’s going to feel like a Porsche. That means you will love driving it especially since it is a new iteration of a classic 1965 Porsche 911 Targa. However going topless, well half-topless, will not be easy on the wallet for the Average Joe. The 911 Targa 4 will cost $149,500 US dollars (109,300 Euros) and the 911 Targa 4S $169,700 (124,700 Euros). These prices are for Germany and we assume other European countries but does not included VAT (valued added tax) along with country-specific equipment. No word on pricing for the American market as yet but it’s extremely likely they will bring it stateside as they did introduce it at the Detroit Auto Show. Expect to see new 911 Targa models on European roads in May 2014.
