Porsche 911 Targa

At the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Porsche presented the latest generation of the extravagant 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 Porsche 911 Targa is presenting itself as a high-quality, innovative remake of the classic vehicle from 1965. 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 911 an extremely sporty appearance and a low-slung profile.

Two model variants, exclusively with all-wheel drive

As with the predecessor model, the new Targa generation comes in two versions available exclusively with all-wheel drive. The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a 3.4-litre, 350 hp (257 kW) flat engine. Equipped with the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono package, this model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and boasts a top speed of 282 km/h. Its NEDC fuel consumption figures are between 9.5 and 8.7 litres/100 km, depending on transmission, which corresponds to a CO2 emissions level of between 223 and 204 g/km. The top model is the 911 Targa 4S, which delivers 400 hp (294 kW) from a displacement of 3.8 litres. This 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 fuel consumption fluctuates between 10.0 and 9.2 litres 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. Both sportscars are certified for compliance with the Euro 6 emissions standard

The fully automatic Targa roof

The Targa roof system has always been an unmistakeable hallmark of the extravagant 911 model. The new Porsche 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 crosswise-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 centre 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 just as innovative as the concept itself. The 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 aluminium 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.

The rear window, which is made from extremely lightweight laminated safety glass, consists of two layers of thin, partially pre-tensioned glass separated by a film interlayer. The very fine heating elements on the heated rear window cover almost the entire surface of the glass, ensuring exceptional all-round visibility even in unfavourable weather conditions.

Drive concept designed for sportiness, safety and comfort

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 colour display on the instrument cluster.

PTM delivering typical Porsche blend of sportiness and efficiency

In Sport Plus mode, which is available with the optional Sport Chrono package, the PTM enhances driving performance even further: When the driver activates the "Launch Control" quick-start function, the PTM clutch is pre-tensioned to achieve even better acceleration from stationary. To increase efficiency, the PTM is able to determine the most economical driving style, depending on the specific road situation and the driver's preferences. In doing so, the system can, for example, reduce the level of drive torque transferred to the front axle to reduce friction losses. Sportscars equipped with PDK also benefit from the "coasting" function, which, in addition to releasing the PDK clutch, also releases the PTM clutch. This further reduces the braking torque of the all-wheel drive system, while also additionally reducing fuel consumption.

911 chassis with specific Targa tuning

The chassis of the new Targa 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 Porsche 911 Targa and also feature rebound buffer springs on the front and rear axle, which in turn optimise 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.

At the push of a button: From the "Sport" button to the Sport Chrono package

The "Sport" button comes as standard with all 911 models. With this button, the driver can choose between a more comfortable and consumption-optimised 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.

Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control for an impressive performance boost

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 stabiliser 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 tyre 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 increases driving comfort especially over long distances.

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 focuses 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 colour display. The central element is the forward-sloping centre 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.

Independent and extravagant

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.

Production of the vehicle began towards the end of 1966 with the market launch of the Porsche 911 Targa taking place in 1967. The semi-open 911 cost 1,400 Deutsch marks more than the Coupé. This roof concept was enhanced from one 911 generation to the next over a period of 27 years. During this time, this "semi-open" variant acquired the status of a standalone vehicle concept in the Porsche model range, becoming the model of choice for one in ten 911 buyers.

For the 1996 model year, Porsche presented a fully reworked version of the 911 Targa (the type 993). The entire roof was made of glass, with a sliding glass cover at the front that could be lowered and retracted beneath the hinged rear glass window.

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.

source:Porsche Press