2015 Porsche 911 Targa Review and Specs

The new Porsche 911 Targa is the fascinating symbiosis between the timeless design of the original Targa and the contemporary sportiness of the seventh 911 generation. The return to the original concept, with its characteristic fixed Targa bar, breathes new life into the legend of the 911 Targa in the new models. It renews the Targa tradition with an innovative roof concept.

Porsche is expanding the current generation of the 911 - the new Porsche 911 Targa now joins the coupé and convertible in the product line-up. Since its launch in 1965, the Targa has held a firmly established position within the Porsche 911 family, representing about 13 percent of all 911 cars ever sold. Porsche has produced more than 853,000 units of the 911 sports car icon since production started about 50 years ago. In the anniversary year of 2013 alone, more than 30,200 Porsche 911 cars were transferred to their proud owners.

The latest generation of this extravagant 911 variant now combines the classic Targa concept with highly advanced roof-activating convenience. Just like the legendary original Targa, the new model has the characteristic wide bar instead of the B pillars, a moving roof part above the front seats and a wrap-around rear window without C pillars. Unlike in the older classic models, the roof panel is now opened and closed at the press of a button. The fully automatic roof system stows the roof behind the rear seats in a spectacular way. The latest version of the 911 features the typical Porsche PTM all-wheel drive system that by design transfers proportionately more power to the rear wheels. This system guarantees maximum driving performance on a variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions.

Like its predecessor, the new generation Targa is launching onto the market in two variants with all-wheel drive exclusively. In the Porsche 911 Targa 4, the heart of a 3.4-litre flat-six engine beats with a power output of 257 kW (350 hp). Fitted with PDK and the Sport Chrono package, the new 911 Targa accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and, reaches a top speed of 282 km/h with a manual transmission. NEDC fuel consumption is between 9.5 and 8.7 l/100 km (223-204 g/km CO2), depending on the transmission fitted. The top model is the 911 Targa 4S which develops 294 kW (400 hp) from a 3.8-litre engine. Its top speed is 296 km/h, and it handles the benchmark sprint to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds when equipped with PDK and the Sport Chrono package. Fuel consumption ranges from 10.0 to 9.2 l/100 km (237-214 g/km CO2), depending on the transmission fitted. So, the car's engine and vehicle performance data as well as fuel efficiency are equivalent to those of the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. Both sports cars are certified to the Euro-6 standard.

The roof system consists of two moving parts: a soft top and a glass rear window. At the press of a button, the glass rear window opens to the rear and tilts. It is joined to the stowage box lid. At the same time, two flaps in the Targa bar open and release the soft top kinematics. The soft top is unlatched, folds to the rear into a Z-shape during the opening movement and stows behind the rear seats. A panel running across the car behind the rear seats integrates the soft top. Finally, the flaps in the bar and the rear window close. When the top is stowed, a wind deflector integrated in the cowl can be adjusted manually. It reduces draught to the interior significantly.

While the car is stationary, the roof can be opened or closed in about 19 seconds from controls on the centre console. To protect the car from damage, the standard integrated rear ParkAssist monitors the area behind the 911 Targa while the roof is opened and closed. If the sensors detect an obstacle within a range of less than 40 centimetres, a warning sounds. This prevents the rear window that is being tipped back from colliding with a closely parked vehicle or other object standing behind the Porsche 911 Targa.

The 911 Targa body is based on the structure of the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. So, the new generation benefits from the weight savings of its aluminium and steel construction combined with excellent rigidity. This also adds to the car's safety - a traditional core property of the 911 Targa. As in the original model, the fixed Targa bar provides exceptionally good protection if the car should roll over. The standard Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP) with six full-size airbags provides additional all-round protection to the driver and front passenger. These safety features make the 911 Targa 4 models one of the safest convertible sports cars in the world.