The 911 Targa is back. For the first time, the roof panel is power-operated, opening and closing at the touch of button. In a pleasing piece of mechanical theatre, the fully automatic system raises the rear window and stores the roof panel behind the rear seats when the driver decides that a little open-air motoring is in order. The entire process takes just 19 seconds. As with its conventional counterparts, the new Targa manages to be quicker and nimbler, as well as larger and more luxurious than before. Luxury sedan-grade materials and design characterize the cabin, with a nearly unlimited range of options - including extended leather, several seat designs, numerous colors and aluminum, carbon fiber and wood trims - available to suit the buyers taste. Accouterments such as heated/ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and a high-end Burmester sound system are also available to please sybarites. A sloping center console marks a departure from previous 911 Targas, bringing an elegant look and a more convenient gearshifter location at the expensive of a somewhat more constricted cabin feel. Still, space and comfort are in ample supply for the front seat passengers; the tiny, vestigial rear seats remain most useful as a supplement to the 5.1-cubic-foot front trunk. Better Handling Through Technology Handling remains the 911 Targas raison detre, with its precision, agility and confidence-inspiring dynamics standing as sports car benchmarks. The electric-assist steering system is crisp and accurate, though feedback has diminished slightly compared with the last models hydraulic setup. Despite its performance capabilities, the 911 Targa has a reasonably compliant ride that wont beat up drivers who use the car for their daily commute. Enthusiasts wanting even more responsiveness are offered the choice of several technology options. The Porsche Active Suspension Management System (PASM) brings a front lip spoiler, an enhanced rear spoiler, a slightly lower ride height and, most significantly, electronically adjustable dampers with a choice of Normal and Sport settings. The Sport Chrono Package adds a third mode - Sport Plus - as well as stability-enhancing dynamic engine mounts and a combination digital/analog stopwatch mounted atop the dashboard. In additional, manual transmission models get rev-matched downshifts, while PDK-equipped cars receive launch control. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) includes an electrohydraulic anti-roll bar system that effectively eliminates bodyroll. A brake-based torque vectoring system brings a mechanical rear differential (manual cars) or an electronic rear differential (PDK cars) and applies the inside rear brake to ensure neutral handling in turns. Porsche Carbon Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) significantly reduce brake fade and also trim stopping distances. Finally, Power Steering Plus adds a variable steering system that adjusts effort based on vehicle velocity - reducing effort at parking lot speeds and increasing it on the highway. Power and Performance The Targa is offered in two forms - the Targa 4 and Targa 4S. As might be surmised from their names, both come standard with all-wheel-drive, which brings with it larger rear fenders than rear-drive 911 models. The Targa 4 is powered by a 3.4-liter flat-six that produces 350 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 287 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm. The Targa 4S boasts a larger, more potent 3.8-liter flat-six with 400 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm. Output is sent to the rear wheels via either a seven-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic called the PDK. The Targa 4 is rated at 18/26 city/highway mpg with the manual and 19/26 mpg with the PDK, while the Targa 4S is good for 18/25 with the manual and 18/26 with the PDK. Porsche quotes a zero-to-60 mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds and 4.2 seconds for SportChrono and PDK-equipped versions of the Targa 4 and Targa 4S, respectively. An optional Powerkit raises the Targa 4S output to 430 horsepower with redesigned cylinder heads and camshaft profiles, a sport exhaust system, a retuned ECU and an additional radiator. Standard and Optional Features The 911 Targa 4 is fitted as standard with a navigation system with a seven-inch display screen, a nine-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with USB and AUX inputs, leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic bi-xenon headlights, heated exterior mirrors and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Targa 4S builds upon that list with torque vectoring, PASM, upsized front brakes with six-piston calipers, and 20-inch wheels. Options are extensive for both models, with highlights including heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a Bose premium sound system, a Burmeister ultra-premium sound system and LED headlights. In addition, a variety of different seat configurations are available, as are aluminum, carbon fiber, wood and alcantara trim selections. Occupant Safety All 911 models are fitted as standard with dual front, front side, front knee and front curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems. Available as an option is a forward collision warning and mitigation system. It warns the driver in the event of an impending collision and, if necessary, can apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate the severity of a crash. Key Competitors Halfway between traditional coupe and convertible models, the 911 Targa is in the unusual position of having no true competitors. Still, for buyers interested in cross-shopping a few other vehicles, its worth looking into drop-tops like the Jaguar F-Type, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and BMW M6 Convertible.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 05:21:19 +0000
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