For the first time, the new Porsche 911 Targa models (997) will be available only with permanent all-wheel drive. They go on sale in November.
As with the 996, the most striking feature of both of these cars is the large glass roof and opening rear window. The glass roof ensures a light, airy interior and can be opened in seven seconds by up to half a metre at any speed by means of two electric motors. The maximum roof opening area is then 0.45 square metres.
The roof panel is constructed of two-ply specially tinted glass, which is 1.9kg lighter than its predecessor. Wind noises are kept to a low level even at high speed by a newly-developed sealing system. A wind deflector minimises turbulence inside the vehicle, allowing open-roofed driving even when the outside temperature is low. With the roof closed, a semi-translucent black cloth roller sunblind provides shade in hot weather. Both the glass roof and roller blind are operated by a rocker switch on the central console next to the handbrake lever.
The upward-tilting glass tailgate is supported by gas struts which makes it easy to load the luggage area, offering a maximum capacity of 230 litres with rear seats folded. The tailgate can be released either by a switch on the driver’s side door sill or by the remote control button on the key fob. Closing is facilitated by electronic assistance.
Engines
The Targa 4 is powered by the familiar 3.6-litre six cylinder, horizontally-opposed engine, delivering 239kW (325bhp). It accelerates the car from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 174mph. The more powerful S variant features a 3.8-litre engine producing 355bhp. This model sprints to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 179mph.
The Porsche VarioCam Plus valve control system deployed by both engines ensures generous pulling power across the rev range, reckons Porsche. The 3.6-litre Targa 4 develops maximum torque of 273lb-ft at 4,250rpm. The equivalent for the S version is 295lb-ft at 4,600rpm. The engine is coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox with short, precise shift strokes. Optionally, you can choose the five-speed Porsche Tiptronic S automatic transmission, allowing faster gear changes using the finger switches mounted on the steering-wheel spokes.
The new Targa uses the same bodyshell as the 911 Carrera 4/4S coupe and cabriolet models, and as a consequence is 44mm wider at the rear than two wheel-drive 911 models. Engine power is transmitted to the road by an all-wheel drive system with a Visco multi-plate clutch, which depending on driving conditions applies between five and 40 per cent of the driving power to the front axle at all times. The system thereby ensures well-balanced propulsive power in bends, and improved traction even on wet or slippery road surfaces.
Suspension
Both the 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S come with a suspension set-up combining superior comfort with equally superior sportiness. PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management, which is optionally available on the 911 Targa 4 and standard on the 911 Targa 4S, offers a sporting but comfortable damper set-up in the Normal mode and switches over to a firmer set-up once the driver presses the Sports button. In both positions the suspension adjusts consistently to the driver's style of motoring and road conditions, thus varying its control and operation maps within fractions of a second.
The 911 Targa 4 comes with 8J x 18 wheels running on 235/40 ZR 18 tyres at the front, the 911 Targa 4S features 8J x 19 wheels and 235/35 ZR 19 tyres. The rear wheels offer an even larger contact area, running on 295/35 ZR 18 tyres in the case of the Targa 4 and 305/30 ZR 19 tyres on the Targa 4S.
Brake and Sports Chrono package
Both the 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S come with aluminium monobloc fixed calliper brakes with four pistons each as well as cross-drilled, inner-vented brake discs on all four wheels. As an option, both cars are available with PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes featuring composite ceramic discs approximately 50 per cent lighter than comparable cast iron brake discs. The advantage is quick, substantial and consistent deceleration as well as abrasion reduced to a minimum.
Like the other models in the range, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 4S are also available as an option with Porsche's Sports Chrono Package Plus for the particularly sporting driver, offering an extra-dynamic set-up of various functions. To activate the program, all the driver has to do is press the sports button in the centre console, giving engine management, PSM Porsche Stability Management, PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management, and the TiptronicS automatic transmission an even more sporting and dynamic set-up.
Safety
The inner roof structure in the 911 Targa 4(S) ensures superior safety and stability at all times. As on the 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 30mm (1.18-inch) thick tubes made of ultra-strong steel reinforce the A-pillars. Welded directly on to further tubes extending along the edge of the roof and resting on the body of the car via the B-pillars and at the bottom of the C-pillars, these tubes ensure protection of the occupants in a rollover. Like all Porsche sports cars, the Targa comes as standard with Porsche's comprehensive airbag system featuring six airbags.
Like all Porsche 911 models from Model Year 2006 production, the Targa also features the Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) as standard. Designed to comply with Thatcham Category 5 requirements, the highest in the UK, the system features a discreet pocket-sized card, which should be carried when the car is in motion. If the car is moved without the card, or should the car sense itself being lifted or towed, the tracking system is instantly alerted and, using the latest GPS technology, is able to track and locate the car.
The 911 Targa 4 and 4S go on sale in November priced from £70,320 and £77,370 respectively, including full leather interior, top tinted windscreen and Porsche Driving Experience programme.
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