The Porsche 911 is a marvel in the sports car arena - not just because it is able to withstand the test of time, but also the sheer number of variants it is able to spawn from a single model.
The Targa is one of Porsche's original concepts for drop-top motoring. Created in an era where modern safety technologies were absent, the Targa offers the 'wind-in-your-hair' experience without compromising on safety, thanks to the roll hoop that protects occupants in the event that the car flips over.
However, what was meant to be a 'form-meeting-function' feature soon became one of the most iconic symbols in Porsche's stable. Up close and Personal
With the previous two generations sporting sliding panoramic glass roofs that were more like sunroofs than hoods in concept, the latest 911 Targa is the closest to the original concept yet. It has a centre fabric roof section that 'disappears' completely, leaving only the metallic roll hoop and the wraparound rear window.
The Targa is one of Porsche's original concepts for drop-top motoring. Created in an era where modern safety technologies were absent, the Targa offers the 'wind-in-your-hair' experience without compromising on safety, thanks to the roll hoop that protects occupants in the event that the car flips over.
However, what was meant to be a 'form-meeting-function' feature soon became one of the most iconic symbols in Porsche's stable. Up close and Personal
With the previous two generations sporting sliding panoramic glass roofs that were more like sunroofs than hoods in concept, the latest 911 Targa is the closest to the original concept yet. It has a centre fabric roof section that 'disappears' completely, leaving only the metallic roll hoop and the wraparound rear window.
While the original concept required some manual work to stow away the hood, the new Targa uses clever robotics to make the transformation effortless with the touch of a button.
Watching the entire process is almost like a drama unfolding, with different parts of the roof assembly coming to life to keep the driver and bystanders smitten for a good 18 seconds.
Apart from the unique roof mechanism, the Targa, like other all-wheel drive 911s, has a striking and distinctive rear light strip, which lends it a greater appeal - especially at night.
Watching the entire process is almost like a drama unfolding, with different parts of the roof assembly coming to life to keep the driver and bystanders smitten for a good 18 seconds.
Apart from the unique roof mechanism, the Targa, like other all-wheel drive 911s, has a striking and distinctive rear light strip, which lends it a greater appeal - especially at night.
The Drive
The range-topping Targa model is the Targa 4S, which has a 3.8-litre heart that pumps out 395 horses. The 'entry-level' Targa 4 variant that we tested, however, has a slightly smaller 3.4-litre unit that manages 345bhp.
While the deficit of 50 horses may seem insignificant on paper, it does make for less sprightly performance. On a brighter note, the test car came equipped with Sport Exhaust, which can brighten any dull moments on the highway with a more audible and 'ear-delicious' soundtrack at the touch of a button.
Driving the Targa is quite unlike any other open-top sports car. With the roll hoop and rear windscreen in place, you feel more cocooned and protected even with the roof down. The downside is that the roll hoop can be an obstruction when you are checking blind spots.
The range-topping Targa model is the Targa 4S, which has a 3.8-litre heart that pumps out 395 horses. The 'entry-level' Targa 4 variant that we tested, however, has a slightly smaller 3.4-litre unit that manages 345bhp.
While the deficit of 50 horses may seem insignificant on paper, it does make for less sprightly performance. On a brighter note, the test car came equipped with Sport Exhaust, which can brighten any dull moments on the highway with a more audible and 'ear-delicious' soundtrack at the touch of a button.
Driving the Targa is quite unlike any other open-top sports car. With the roll hoop and rear windscreen in place, you feel more cocooned and protected even with the roof down. The downside is that the roll hoop can be an obstruction when you are checking blind spots.
Like most drop-top machines, you will still experience some wind noise, especially when you are approaching highway speeds.
Conclusion
Driven back-to-back with the Turbo S and GT3, it is obvious that the Targa falls back in terms of performance and driving dynamics.
What it is capable of, however, is to make you feel special. In fact, it makes you want to be seen in one. While not the most exciting, it looks more stylish than the Coupe and Cabriolet.
And although the Targa will set you back $4k more compared to the equivalent Cabriolet variant, we think it is a small price to pay.
Conclusion
Driven back-to-back with the Turbo S and GT3, it is obvious that the Targa falls back in terms of performance and driving dynamics.
What it is capable of, however, is to make you feel special. In fact, it makes you want to be seen in one. While not the most exciting, it looks more stylish than the Coupe and Cabriolet.
And although the Targa will set you back $4k more compared to the equivalent Cabriolet variant, we think it is a small price to pay.
