Porsche has unveiled the iconic 911 Targa at the Detroit Motor Show. The 911 Targa was initially launched by Porsche way back in 1965, when the government had set up strict laws against convertibles, and were planning to ban them. The Targa top, which is basically a half open top but with glass towards the end was a very innovative idea as it gave the feeling of the convertible but at the same time was safer for the occupants. It also looked quite unique, and thus it soon became a very iconic car and it has quite a fan following even today. All these factors have inspired Porsche to bring back this legend, so let’s see how it fares.
Visually the 911 Targa looks quite identical to the original car. It still retains the familiar wraparound rear windscreen with the silver pillars, but the roof mechanism is now a bit different. While the original 911 Targa had a sliding roof mechanism this one gets a different mechanism where the whole glass windscreen with the fabric roof folds back behind the rear seats, like conventional convertibles. The operation starts with the rear windscreen and flaps opening . Following that, the fabric roof folds and goes behind the rear seats. The glass and flaps then enter back to their original position. The whole process takes just 19seconds. Also Porsche engineers have used magnesium to make the frame of the mechanism, which keeps the weight on the lower side.
The 911 Targa will be available in two variants, the Targa 4 and Targa 4S. The Targa 4 is powered by a 3.4L flat-six petrol engine producing 350bhp. It does 0-60mph in 4.6seconds and has a top speed of 175mph. The more performance oriented Targa 4S is powered by a 3.8L six-cylinder motor producing 400bhp. It does 0-60mph in 4.2seconds and has a top speed of 184mph. Buyers can choose between two transmission options, a 7–speed manual or the fabulous PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Both versions are all-wheel drive.
The Interior of the 911 Targa will be quite similar to the regular 911’s. It will be well equipped with sports seats, leather interior, wind deflector, climate control, 7 inch touchscreen multimedia system, Airbags, ABS/EBD, Brake assist and traction control. Additionally the Targa 4S, will come equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management, torque vectoring and beefier 20 inch wheels.
The 911 Targa will be priced at $101,600 for the Targa 4 and $116,200 for the Targa 4S when it hits showrooms by mid-2014. Though the India launch for this car is a long time away, I can’t wait to see it on our roads!
