Images of a retro-influenced 911 Targa have been released ahead of its unveiling at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Boasting the familiar brushed aluminium hoop/B pillar and convex rear window that made the original 1965 Targa such an icon, the new car is a welcome return after the somewhat disappointing previous model’s styling. Unlike that 997 generation predecessor which was virtually identical to the Coupe with its roof in place, the new Targa is clearly identifiable.
While that 1965 original that had a removable roof panel, the roof on the new 911 Targa features a two-piece fabric roof section that can be opened and closed at the push of a button. In an intricate little pas de deux, the window flips open and tilts, whereupon the roof panel slides past and folds itself into a compartment behind the rear seats, after which the window once again closes… all in 19 seconds, say Porsche.
The Zuffenhausen manufacturer is clearly positioning it as one of the premium models in an already premium line-up. It will only be available in two all-wheel drive variants – the Targa 4, powered by a 257 kW 3.4-litre flat-six, and a Targa 4S with a 294 kWb 3.8-litre engine. Porsche engineers say they have chassis tuned specifically to make sure the Targa keeps its composure in the turns, while Porsche Torque Vectoring and the optional performance-orientated Sport Chrono package also add to its performance capabilities.
Standard kit on the Targa 4 includes leather upholstery, sports seats, climate control and a 18 cm touchscreen with sat-nav. The Targa 4S adds 20-inch alloys, PASM adaptive dampers and a limited slip differential.