Porsche unveiled the 911 Targa, the world's first
ever “safety Cabriolet”, back in September 1965 at the International Motor Show
(IAA) in Frankfurt. With its fixed roll-over bar, removable folding roof and
hinged rear window, this new variant was developed primarily in response to the
increased safety requirements of customers in America. The name “Targa” comes
from the famous Targa Florio race and since the mid-sixties has been synonymous
with the open driving concept, which was new at the time.
At the 2014 North American International Auto Show
(NAIAS) in Detroit, Porsche
presented the latest generation of the 911 model. This model is the
first to combine the classic Targa concept with state-of-the-art roof
technology. Just like the legendary original Targa model, the new model
features the characteristic wide bar in place of the B-pillars, a movable roof
section above the front seats and a wraparound rear window with no C-pillar.
But unlike the classic models, the roof segment on the new Targa can be opened
and closed at the push of a button. When the button is actuated, the fully
automatic roof system stows the convertible top behind the rear seat system,
providing a real spectacle. The rear-weighted design of the PTM all-wheel drive
is a typical Porsche feature, and guarantees that this latest 911 model also
offers optimum driving dynamics on all road surfaces and in all weather
conditions.
With these features, the new 911 Targa is
presenting itself as a high-quality, innovative re make of the classic vehicle
I drove back in 1965 for a year or two in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and my home in
Palm Beach, Florida. The open air was my reason to have the 911 Targa. The
power back then was not as offered today.
The model shares a great deal in common with the
911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet models; up to the window line, the technology and body
of the vehicles is more or less the same. The combination of the wide rear end
that is typical of all-wheel-drive models, the Targa bar and the dome-shaped
rear window gives the latest 911an extremely sporty appearance and a low-slung
profile. I photographed the model
with the new Targa at the North American International Show.
Porsche’s 911 model reaches a top speed of 296
km/h and, with the PDK and Sport Chrono package fitted, accelerates from zero
to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.
Its 3.8 liter engine estimated fuel consumption
according to Porsche between 10.0 and 9.2 liters per 100 km, depending on
transmission, which corresponds to a CO2 level
of between 237 and 214 g/km. With these figures, the model is on a par with the
high standard set by the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet models in terms of engine and
road performance, as well as efficiency.
The new 911 Targa continues this tradition with an
innovative roof concept. The roof is made up of two movable parts: a soft top
and a glass rear window. The rear window, which is attached to the convertible
top compartment lid, is opened and tilted at the push of a button. At the same
time, two flaps open in the Targa bar, releasing the soft top’s kinematics. The
convertible top is released, folded into a Z-shape as the roof opens and stowed
away behind the rear seats. A cross-wise-running trim behind the rear seats
accommodates the convertible top. Once the top has been stowed, the flaps in
the bar and the rear window close once again. The roof takes around 19 seconds
to open or close using the buttons in the center console while the vehicle is
stationary. A wind deflector integrated in the cowl panel frame can be erected
manually when the top is down. This deflector reduces drafts and buffeting in
the interior by a considerable margin, should this be what the driver wants. Intelligent lightweight
construction using steel, aluminium and magnesium.
The materials used in the roof system are very
innovative Porsche stated. They state that a premium quality fabric hood is
stretched particularly taut by the magnesium roof shell and panel bow. An
additional sound absorber beneath the convertible-top covering has a
thermal-insulating effect and reduces road noise when the roof is closed. The
rear edge of the soft top connects up to the fixed Targa bar, which features
steel roll-over protection on the inside and painted cast aluminum elements on
the outside. The three gills and “targa” lettering on the sides of the bar are
a nod to the original Targa model from 1965. I watched it working so easily by
Porsche’e model at the introduction at this years NAIAS show.
The new 911 Targa generation has been designed
specifically with sportiness, safety and comfort in mind, and the drive concept
is perfectly aligned with this. The power of the six cylinder flat engines is
transferred by a seven-speed manual transmission as standard; the automatic
seven-speed PDK is available as an option. The intelligent all-wheel drive
system Porsche Traction Management (PTM) is responsible for distributing the
power to the four wheels. The PTM consists of an active all-wheel drive with
electronically controlled, map controlled multi-plate clutch, Automatic Brake
Differential (ABD) and anti-slip regulation (ASR).
This system helps to blend the driving pleasure
typically delivered by Porsche models with even greater vehicle stability,
traction and agile handling. The PTM also directs the engine torque, kept at
the optimum level for the driving situation at hand, to the front wheels via the
multi-plate clutch. The level of torque is visible to the driver at all times
via the 4.6-inch TFT color display on the instrument cluster. Just amazing!
The chassis of the new Targa Porsche stated is largely derived from
the 911 Carrera all-wheel models. The wide-track rear axle in combination with
the PTM all-wheel drive offers excellent stability through bends, even during
powerful acceleration. Passive shock absorbers form part of the standard
equipment on the 911 Targa 4. The S model is equipped with Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM) as standard. This active shock-absorber system is also available
as an option for the standard model. Both chassis have been specially tuned for
the 911 Targa and also feature rebound buffer springs on the front and rear
axle, which in turn optimize performance in bends.
For
greater speed and stability through bends: Porsche Torque Vectoring
Even greater agility in the new 911 models is
provided by the Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) system. This system is included
as part of the standard equipment on the 911 Targa 4S and is available as an
option for the 911 Targa 4. The system comes in two versions: PTV, which is
used in combination with the manual transmission and features a mechanical
differential lock, and PTV Plus with electronically controlled, fully variable
differential lock for vehicles equipped with PDK. The PTV/PTV Plus system essentially
enhances vehicle agility and steering precision when adopting a very dynamic
driving style by initiating targeted braking interventions on the inside rear
wheel. The differential lock improves acceleration potential when accelerating out
of bends.
The “Sport” button comes as standard with all 911
models. With this button, the driver can choose between a more comfortable and
consumption-optimized driving style and a more sportier tuning. The optional Sport
Chrono package with additional “Sport Plus” button enables an even greater
blend of sporty tuning and driving comfort in everyday driving scenarios. In
addition to adjusting all the relevant systems and functions to deliver maximum
performance, the Sport Chrono package also includes controlled, dynamic engine
mounts.
Even greater dynamic performance and comfort is
delivered by the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), which is available as
an option for the 911 Targa 4S. This system enables the 911 to deliver
impressive lateral acceleration and handling. The vehicle’s lateral inclination
is almost fully compensated by the variable stabilizer system, for example when
steering into bends, cornering and changing lanes at speed up to the vehicle’s
maximum lateral acceleration. The reduced roll angles maintain optimum tire
contact to the road surface, allowing maximum force to be transferred in every
direction. This increases the speeds achievable through bends. When driving on
straight roads, the anti-roll bars are disengaged, which Porsche states increases
driving comfort.
Quality
interior with typical Porsche ergonomics Like all Porsche 911s, the
top-quality interior has been intelligently designed for comfort and
convenience, so the driver can focus on what really matters: the unique driving
experience. The dashboard features the classic five round dials with central
tachometer and a high resolution 4.6-inch color display. The central element is
the forward-sloping center console.
This is where the controls for the roof system are
located, among other features. Inside the cabin, the front roof element is
lined with black fabric, which, together with the black Alcantara interior trim
of the Targa bar, gives the entire roof lining a harmonious appearance. The
convertible-top compartment is situated behind the rear seat system. This compartment,
together with the transverse strut, serves to harmoniously integrate the stowed
convertible top into the cabin. Even with the roof closed, the large, curved
rear window allows plenty of light into the interior, providing a unique
feeling of space.
Porsche unveiled the 911 Targa, that Porsche
states was the world's first ever “safety Cabriolet”, back in September 1965 at
the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. With its fixed roll-over bar, removable
folding roof and hinged rear window, this new variant was developed primarily
in response to the increased safety requirements of customers in America. The name
“Targa” comes from the famous Targa Florio race and since the mid-sixties has
been synonymous with the open driving concept, which was new at the time.
Precisely 20 years after the last 911 Targa with
the classic roll-over bar based on the type 964 was discontinued, the new
generation is once again taking this original body concept into the future.
Look at the photos of the original model plus
newest 911 Targa attached.
BRUCE HUBBARD
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
