Automotive

Porsche gets retro with the new 911 Targa

Porsche gets retro with the new 911 Targa
The Porsche 911 Targa is available as the Targa 4 and Targa 4s (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa is available as the Targa 4 and Targa 4s (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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The Porsche 911 Targa goes on sale in May (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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The Porsche 911 Targa goes on sale in May (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa is an echo of the classic 1965 model (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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The Porsche 911 Targa is an echo of the classic 1965 model (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa comes in two variations (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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The Porsche 911 Targa comes in two variations (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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The Porsche 911 Targa (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa is based on the Porsche Carrera 4 cabriolet (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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The Porsche 911 Targa is based on the Porsche Carrera 4 cabriolet (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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The Porsche 911 Targa was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa is all-wheel drive (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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The Porsche 911 Targa is all-wheel drive (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa has the rear-weighted PTM all-wheel drive with the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed gearbox (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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The Porsche 911 Targa has the rear-weighted PTM all-wheel drive with the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed gearbox (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa is available as the Targa 4 and Targa 4s (Photo: Gizmag.com)
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The Porsche 911 Targa is available as the Targa 4 and Targa 4s (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa has a top speed of up to 184 mph (296 km/h)
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The Porsche 911 Targa has a top speed of up to 184 mph (296 km/h)
The Porsche 911 Targa's design in an echo of the first 911 Targa
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The Porsche 911 Targa's design in an echo of the first 911 Targa
The Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 4s
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The Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 4s
The top of the Porsche 911 Targa is motorized
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The top of the Porsche 911 Targa is motorized
The Porsche 911 Targa has the classic wraparound rear window
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The Porsche 911 Targa has the classic wraparound rear window
The Porsche 911 Targa with roof section folded
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The Porsche 911 Targa with roof section folded
The Porsche 911 Targa was unveiled on Monday
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The Porsche 911 Targa was unveiled on Monday
The Porsche 911 Targa has the Sport Chrono package
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The Porsche 911 Targa has the Sport Chrono package
The Porsche 911 Targa has a seven-speed gearbox
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The Porsche 911 Targa has a seven-speed gearbox
The Porsche 911 Targa profile
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The Porsche 911 Targa profile
The Porsche 911 Targa rear detail
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The Porsche 911 Targa rear detail
The Porsche 911 Targa interior
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The Porsche 911 Targa interior
View gallery - 21 images

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.

The Porsche 911 Targa is all-wheel drive (Photo: Gizmag.com)
The Porsche 911 Targa is all-wheel drive (Photo: Gizmag.com)

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

View gallery - 21 images
2 comments
2 comments
Mirmillion
Not expensive at 170 thousand dollars USD? You have got to be joking.
Chris Goodwin
'Twas "..not inexpensive.." Double negative. Absolutely legit.