Autoblog

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.

[Source: Porsche]

As we reported previously, following the unveiling of the new 997-generation 911, Porsche is preparing to unveil the new Targa variant. However someone seems to have gotten the jump on Stuttgart, snapping a few shots of an undisguised new Targa ahead of time.

The model in the spy shots is the all-wheel-drive Targa 4, identifiable by the badge on the rear deck (most obviously) and by the red tail-light strip running the width below it like on the fixed-roof and convertible Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S. The shots also seem to indicate that the contemporary glass roof on late-model Targas will carry over to the new model, however we'll have to wait a bit until Porsche releases official details to get the full 411 on the new glass-top 911.

[Source: GermanCarScene]

Aussies hoping to see the new Porsche 911 Turbo, GT3, and Targa at the Sydney motor show should prepare to be disappointed.

Thanks to the unusually high number of exhibitors scheduled for this year's event, Porsche was unable to secure the spot they initially requested. Using the alternative offered by show organizers would have forced Porsche to alter their display in a way that was not acceptable, so they made a tough decision: Porsche would pull out of the Sydney show altogether.

For the area's Porschephiles, this has to be a bummer of the first order. Three new 911 variants and none of them are headed to Sydney. If it was us, we'd be unhappy, too.

[Source: drive.com.au]

Porsche announced today that the successor to the 996-based Targa will arrive in dealerships this fall.

For the first time ever, the Targa will be exclusively an all-wheel-drive model. The 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S share powertrains with their Carrera 4 siblings, meaning that the Targa 4 gets the 3.6 L 325-horsepower flat six, and that the Targa 4S gets the 355-horsepower 3.8L powerplant. Performance-wise, the Targa 4 runs to 60 in 5.3 seconds and tops out at 174 mph. For the Targa 4S, those numbers are 4.9 seconds and 179 mph. As with other 911s, a six-speed manual is standard equipment, with Tiptronic S available on the list of options.

Visually, the Targa 4 sports the wider bodywork of the Carrera 4/4S and features an aluminum trim strip that follows the roofline, accentuating its familiar shape. This is a nice touch -- essentially a modern version of the "targa bar," which on early models was a brushed aluminum piece. It makes the car identifiable as a Targa from a distance.

The most obvious (and important) visual difference between the Targa and other 911s, however, is the two-ply, tinted glass roof. Seven seconds is all it takes for it to slide back and reveal a 4.8 square foot opening overhead. The roof system also features a semi-translucent powered shade for days when it's simply too warm to sit under the glass alone.

Wind noise and buffeting are kept to a minimum thanks to new seals when the roof is shut and a wind deflector when it's open. The roof itself is a little over 4 pounds lighter than the one featured on the previous model. Want the open-air experience without buying a 911 cabrio? This car should fit the bill nicely.

Pricing for the Targa 4 is set at $85,700 USD, while the Targa 4S will fetch $95,900 USD. They'll be in showrooms this November. Check out more details at the 911 Targa's official site.

(Additional information and photos after the jump)

Source: Porsche