Tags: Porsche 911 Porsche 911 Targa 4 new models
In November 2006, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany, will be offering dealers two new variants of the eleven series at the same time – the 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S. Never before seen: for the very first time, the Targa models will be available exclusively with permanent all-wheel drive and a body that is 44 millimeters wider at the rear. As with their predecessor (the Type 996), the most striking feature of both of these elegant sports cars is the large glass roof and folding rear window. The Targa 4 is powered by the familiar flat-six engine, delivering 239 kW (325 bhp) of power from 3.6 liters. It accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 280 km/h. The more powerful S variant features a 3.8-liter engine producing 261 kW (355 bhp). This model sprints to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 288 km/h.
Thanks to Porsche’s VarioCam Plus valve control system, the Targa 4 develops maximum torque of 370 Newton meters at 4,250 revolutions per minute. The equivalent for the S version is 400 Newton meters at 4,600 rpm. Power transmission is via a six-speed manual gearbox with short, precise shift strokes. Optionally, customers can choose Porsche’s well-known five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, allowing very sporty gear changes using the finger pads mounted on the steering-wheel spokes.
As with the coupe and cabrio versions of the Carrera 4(S), power transmission is by all-wheel drive with a Visco multi-plate clutch, which depending on driving conditions applies between five and 40 percent of the driving power to the front axles at all times. The system thereby ensures well-balanced propulsive power in bends when driving to the limit, and improves traction even on wet or slippery road surfaces.
The outward distinguishing feature of the Targa 4(S) is a large glass roof blending harmoniously with the sports car’s lines and lending it a distinctive personality. A side-mounted polished, anodized aluminum trim strip running the length of the roof frame emphasizes the elegant side outline.
The glass roof is not just a visually appealing highlight, however, but also ensures a light, airy interior. It can be opened in only seven seconds to as much as half a meter, no matter what the speed, by means of two electric motors. The maximum roof opening area is then 0.45 square meters. The roof unit is of two-ply specially tinted glass, which is 1.9 kilograms 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 minimizes turbulence inside the vehicle, allowing the roof to be opened even at lower temperatures. The semi translucent black cloth roller sunblind provides protection from excessive solar radiation. The glass roof and roller blind are operated by a rocker switch on the central console next to the handbrake lever.
The gas strut-operated, upward-tilting rear windshield makes it easy to load the 230-liter capacity trunk with rear seats in the folded position. The tailgate can either be unlocked by a switch on the driver side doorsill or by the remote control button on the key fob. Closing is facilitated by an electric closing aid.
The basic euro-price for the 911 Targa 4 is 79,000 euros, or 87,900 euros for the 911 Targa 4S. In Germany, the prices are 91,843 euros for the 911 Targa 4 and 102,167 euros for the more powerful S version (including sales tax and country specific requirements).
