Porsche has unveiled the latest 992-Series 911 variant, the open-topped Targa. After the coupé and cabriolet, the Targa is the third variant in the iconic line-up now offered in 4 and 4S guises. The Targa nameplate has been carried over five decades, most distinguished by the solid roll bar above the seats that is fronted by a fabric roof and encased at the rear by a glass bubble that finishes the unmistakeable 911 silhouette. At the touch of a button, the roof can be opened or closed in 19 seconds.
Faster than ever beforePerformance Figures
The new Targa features the latest underpinnings and drivetrain of the new 911 cars. The Targa 4 and 4S are powered by the now familiar 3.0-litre, flat six twin-turbocharged engine. The Targa 4 develops 283kW at 6,500rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1,950 and 5,000rpm. The Targa 4S develops 331 kW and 530Nm of torque between 2,300 and 5,000 rpm. With the Sport Chrono Package, the Targa 4 will hurtle to 100km/h in 4,2-seconds before a top-end of 289km/h. The 4S boasts a 304km/h top speed and will do the 0 – 100km/h dash in just 3,6-seconds.
As in previous cars since the 997-series Targa from 2004, the latest Targa 4 and 4S versions are all-wheel drive only. Porsche has reinforced the front axle for higher load and together with the Porsche Traction Management system, the new Targa should be more competent than ever before. Newly developed for the 992-gen cars, the Targa 4 and 4S models also come standard with Wet Mode, a feature that tweaks the traction management and stability management programmes to be more sensitive and therefore produce a better driving experience in the wet. Both cars come standard with the Porsche Active Suspension Management system and the Targa 4S is fitted with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (available as an option on the Targa 4).
Targa design – elegant as always
You will be able to tell the Targa apart from its other 911 siblings by a number of unique features. Of course, the roll bar in the middle is the biggest tell-tale sign of all, in either silver or black trim with the “Targa” emblem on either side. Behind the roll bar is a bulbous glass panel below which the now familiar 992-rear sits flush with the deployable spoiler and signature light bar.
The Targa 4 is fitted with a front-rear 19-20 inch alloy combination with the Targa 4S one size higher – 20-inchers at the front and 21-inchers at the rear. Another point of difference with these two new cars is the 330mm black brake calipers on the Targa 4, contrasted by 350mm red calipers in front.
As is the case with Porsche products, each of these cars can be specified with a number of design and performance enhancements as well as personalised options for the more discerning buyer.
As always, the 911 Targa has arrived as elegant and extravagant as ever. Its head turning appeal underscored by an impeccable and efficient drivetrain, the driver enjoyment and the build quality for Porsche is famous.
Expect the first cars to reach South Africa within the last quarter of 2020.
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