Porsche has unwrapped its new 911 Targa, which the company promises will combine the thrills of a cabriolet with the “everyday comfort” of a coupé.

The Targa arrives as the third body style in the 992-generation line-up, after the aforementioned coupé and cabriolet. As before, it’s offered exclusively in all-wheel-drive guise.

The defining feature? Well, just like the original from 1965, the new 911 Targa features a fully automatic roof system comprising a Targa roll bar, a movable section over the front seats and a wraparound rear screen. The Zuffenhausen-based firm says the roof can be opened and closed in 19 seconds.

Power comes from Porsche’s now-familiar twin-turbo 3,0-litre flat-six engine, which in the 911 Targa 4 delivers 283 kW at 6 500 r/min and 450 N.m between 1 950 and 5 000 r/min via a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Specify the Sport Chrono package and that’s enough for a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4,2 seconds (one tenth of a second faster than its predecessor) and a top speed of 289 km/h.

In the 911 Targa 4S, the boxer unit’s peak outputs rise to 331 kW and 530 N.m, with the latter on tap from 2 300 to 5 000 r/min. Tick the optional Sport Chrono box and the PDK-equipped variant will hit three figures in a claimed 3,6 seconds, before topping out at a heady 304 km/h.

Interestingly, Porsche also offers the 911 Targa 4S with a “newly developed” seven-speed manual gearbox, which includes the Sport Chrono package as standard. With cog-swapping left up to the driver, the newcomer takes a claimed 4,4 seconds to complete the obligatory dash.

Porsche promises the new 911 Targa offers a “characteristically 911” aural experience, with the four-branch exhaust system now including variable flaps as standard. A sports exhaust system with reduced backpressure, meanwhile, is available as an option and features two oval exhaust outlets.

From the rear, you’ll be able to easily distinguish the Targa 4 from the 4S, with the former employing two single tailpipe finishers and the latter a pair of twin tailpipes.

While the Targa 4 comes with 235/40 ZR tyres on 19-inch wheels on the front axle and 295/35 ZR rubber on 20-inch alloys at the rear, the Targa 4S boasts 20-inch items wrapped in 245/35 ZR tyres fore and 21-inchers shod in 305/30 ZR rubber aft.

The base model employs 330 mm brake discs and black four-piston fixed callipers, while the red-painted callipers of the Targa 4S feature six pistons on the front axle and four pistons at the rear, with discs measuring 350 mm. Of course, ceramic composite items can be ordered as an option.

Porsche’s electronically controlled variable damping system ships standard, while an electronic rear differential lock (with fully variable torque distribution) is included on the Targa 4S (note the manual version gains a mechanical item) and optional on the Targa 4. Other extras include adaptive cruise control, two-tone leather upholstery and a smart nose-lift system that sees the front end automatically lift by 40 mm at pre-set locations.

The cabin, as expected, mimics that the 911 Carrera. Expect the Targa variants to hit South Africa towards the end of 2020...

Original article from Car