Porsche opens up the new 911 Targa 4 & Targa 4S

Click for a hi-res gallery of the new Porsche 911 Targa 4S
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. That seems to be the motto of the newest iteration of the latest generation of the Porsche 911. The new 911 Targa is available exclusively with all-wheel-drive, in either Targa 4 or Targa 4S guise, bearing the 911 Turbo-derived electronic four-wheel-drive system that replaces the viscous mechanical system on the previous generation, and coupled to Stuttgart's new PDK dual-clutch transmission.
What sets the Targa model apart, though, is its sixteen-and-a-half-square-foot glass sliding roof, specially treated to filter out UV rays that can be opened in just seven seconds to let the air in. Sale of the new model in the United States will begin in October, just as the sunshine's going away (depending on where you live) with list prices of $89,500 and $100,100 respectively.
Check out the press release after the jump for more info, and the images in the gallery below for more angles.
Gallery: 2009 Porsche 911 Targa 4S
[Source: Porsche]
PRESS RELEASE
New Targa Blends Stunning Looks With Latest Porsche Technology
Atlanta, July 28, 2008 – Completing a triple update of the 2009 911 model lineup, Porsche is introducing the new 911 Targa, executing this generational change in record time. Two new Targa models will join their brethren, the new generation Carrera coupes and cabriolets that have been introduced in the past two months. The new 911 models will be available at Porsche dealerships in the U.S. starting in September of this year.
The most striking visual highlight of the 911 Targa is its 16.58 square-foot glass roof made up of two segments - an elegant sliding roof at the front and a more practical tailgate at the rear. The roof slides smartly beneath the tailgate within seven seconds, conveniently offering almost five square feet of open space above the passenger cabin when opened completely. The sliding roof comes standard with a new sunblind offering even greater privacy than before. When closed, the sunblind covers the entire area of the sliding roof, opening and closing electrically independently of the roof itself. The glass roof and tailgate are made of special tinted glass, which protects the occupants from UV radiation and excessive heat even in bright sunshine.
The focal point of the Targa's interior is the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 which features a touchscreen for simplified operation of the audio system as well as the optional hard-disk-drive navigation system.
Other important additions to PCM 3.0 are the new options of XM satellite radio with XM NavTraffic™ capability, Bluetooth® connectivity, iPod® port, USB port and auxiliary jack.
Technological highlights of the 2009 Targa include two new engines, with direct fuel injection to improve both performance and fuel economy; the seamlessly-shifting PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or double-clutch gearbox, replacing the optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission; and the electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which takes the place of the former all-wheel drive system.
As before, the latest addition to the new generation of the 911 will come in two variants: the 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S. The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a new 3.6 liter flat-six engine, developing a maximum output of 345 horsepower for a top track speed of 176 mph. The 3.8 liter 911 Targa 4S engine delivers a maximum output of 385 horsepower that accelerates this exclusive sports car to a top track speed of 184 mph.
Like the previously announced 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 models, direct fuel injection technology continues to be a central point of the efficiency enhancements in the 2009 Targa. Direct fuel injection increases engine power, while simultaneously contributing to a reduction in fuel consumption.
The new-generation Targa models will be available with the Porsche seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or double-clutch gearbox. An intriguing alternative to the manual six-speed gearbox, the PDK features unparalleled speed during gear shifts combined with superior fuel economy.
The electronically controlled PTM system replaces the viscous multiple-plate clutch all-wheel drive system of the previous Targa models, which results in a more pronounced, Porsche typical driving characteristic. To ensure maximum traction and agile handling at all times, PTM feeds exactly the right share of engine power to the front wheels, as needed, in every driving situation through an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch. As on all new Carrera 4 models, a standard rear-locking differential gives the car even greater driving dynamics.
The 2009 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S will be available in the United States in October at a MSRP of $89,500 and $100,100 respectively.







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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1.8 TEE-HEE 12:36AM (8/01/2008)
PRETTY!!
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Kumail 10:15AM (7/28/2008)
i cant tell if it has that red line connecting the taillights, but i dont care, this car is amazing!
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carsteve 10:35AM (7/28/2008)
It is.
carsteve 10:34AM (7/28/2008)
Probably my favorite Porsche Variant. Though, I wish they'd make it available without the 4 wheel drive.
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mk 10:47AM (7/28/2008)
That is a bit odd...
T4 and T4S, but no Targa and Targa S (sans "4")
I love AWD myself, but I can imagine that there are geographic regions that really don't "need" it, but would still like the glass roof.
For that, I might only suggest the 2WD Cabrio with this modification... The VeloTech targa roof. Looks a bit more classic, anyway.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/22/true-targa-top-porsche-911-available-from-aftermarket/
JD 10:51AM (7/28/2008)
Ouch, that's not cheap- I'll take either a Coupe or full Convertible over this, especially with prices like that.
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Crackberry Addict 10:57AM (7/28/2008)
Also my favorite variant, I'd love one in the Blue that the 911 comes with but red is also uber SEXY!
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Rahul Nair 11:19AM (7/28/2008)
OOOh it is amazing as to how the porche designers come up with radically NEW designs every time. Just a breathtaking effort. IMHO they cldnt be more brain dead :)
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mk 11:35AM (7/28/2008)
It is an old saying...
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Porsche cars have never been revolutionary compared to their previous models. Only revolutionary compared to other cars. :D
They are still stunning, and still quite modern and capable.
If you don't happen to like them, perhaps a nicely ugly, but faster GT-R is for you
Biomech 11:34AM (7/28/2008)
Why bother dramatically changing such an awesome look? I sure wouldn't.
nastinupe 10:31PM (7/28/2008)
1) "The sliding roof comes standard with a new sunblind offering even greater privacy than before. When closed, the sunblind covers the entire area of the sliding roof, opening and closing electrically independently of the roof itself. The glass roof and tailgate are made of special tinted glass, which protects the occupants from UV radiation and excessive heat even in bright sunshine."
2) "Like the previously announced 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 models, direct fuel injection technology continues to be a central point of the efficiency enhancements in the 2009 Targa. Direct fuel injection increases engine power, while simultaneously contributing to a reduction in fuel consumption."
3) "The new-generation Targa models will be available with the Porsche seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or double-clutch gearbox. An intriguing alternative to the manual six-speed gearbox, the PDK features unparalleled speed during gear shifts combined with superior fuel economy."
There you go for your all of your sarcasam. Three new designs for the 911.
They don't have to reinvent the wheel, just make it a little rounder.
mk 11:52AM (7/28/2008)
Not only that, but also...
this is a mid-cycle re-fresh, with new engines and a new gearbox, and some LED tail lights... This isn't supposed to be a big change.
This is certainly not a full model update. It is still a 997 just like last year. This isn't the 998. Even the 998 will be evolutionary, as well.
CORVETTE ZR1 11:41AM (7/28/2008)
Porsche 911 one of the bet sports cars in the world... these new Targa 4 & Targa 4S's Rock !!! Nice Job Porsche...
P.S. it's Porsche Not... Porsh. just saying lol...
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ken_aisin 11:54AM (7/28/2008)
I personally don't like the chrome window trim. Other than this, the car looks great, and I would get one with PDK.
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Ormond 2:58PM (7/28/2008)
Why is the targa such a poor seller? I rarely see one in stock at the dealership.....
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Valentino Amoro 8:44PM (7/28/2008)
Front end looks like a frog.
Rear end looks heavy and bloated.
Proportions are wrong.
Overall it's beetle-ish and totally overpriced given the competition.
Lance Dill 10:08AM (7/29/2008)
Beautiful car, except for the chrome window trim, which looks like an afterthought, ... A GM afterthought, actually! Or, like the ugly doorhandles on the Nissan 350Z... Of course, if I could afford this car I suppose I could afford to have it repainted...But at these prices, should I have to?
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