Porsche brought a dash of retro styling to this week's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit with the world premiere of the new 911 Targa. Echoing back to the first Porsche 911 Targa with its roll bar in place of the B-pillars, wrap-around rear window, and movable roof section, the new edition combines the the classic 60's look with state-of-the-art roof technology.
From the window line down, the 911 Targa is a Porsche Carrera 4 cabriolet, which means it’s a rear-weighted all-wheel drive with Porsche Traction Management (PTM), the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed gearbox and the Sport Chrono package with its dashboard performance display. As to the lines, if you hold your hand at the right level, its a Carrera 4. However, if you raise your hand, the top half is a trip back to the 1960s with the familiar rounded rear window giving a domed, streamlined vibe. Porsche calls it a “high-quality, innovative remake of the classic vehicle from 1965.”
Where the new 911 Targa differs from the classic versions is that the convertible roof section is a bit of a party trick. Press a button and the rear window pops up and folds back to make way for the soft middle section, which folds up and slides back behind the rear seats. With the roof stowed, the domed rear window closes up again.
According to Porsche, two versions of the Targa will be available in May. The first is the 911 Targa 4, which has a 3.4 liter flat engine punching 350 bhp (257 kW). It does 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds, which isn't bad for a cabriolet, and has a top speed of 175 mph (282 km/h). Fuel economy is between 9.5 and 8.7 liters/100 km, depending on transmission, and puts out between 223 and 204 g/km of carbon dioxide. For a bit more oomph, is the 911 targa 4S with a 3.8-liter engine for 400 hp (294 kW). That translates to 0 to 100 km.h in 4.4 seconds and the speed topping out 184 mph (296 km/h). That eats into the fuel efficiency for 10.0 and 9.2 liters/100 km/h and 237 to 214 g/km of carbon dioxide.
The 911 Targa will go on sale in Germany for a not inexpensive €109,338 (US$150,00 ) and the 911 Targa S goes for €124,094 (US$170,000), inclusive of VAT and country-specific equipment.
Source: Porsche
