Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2014 Porsche 911 Targa spotted testing in the snow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-porsche-911-targa-spotted-testing-in-the-snow/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-porsche-911-targa-spotted-testing-in-the-snow/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/2014-porsche-911-targa-spotted-testing-in-the-snow/#comments 2014 Porsche 911 Targa

Spy photographers have snapped a few images of the upcoming Porsche 911 Targa out for some cold-weather testing. It looks as if engineers have their hearts set on eschewing the massive sunroof design of the 997 in favor of the "true" Targa roof that stood classic 911s in good stead for so many years. That means buyers will be able to enjoy a removable top panel for true open-air driving.

The development mule we see here wears convertible top camouflage, but it doesn't take a keen eye to spot the iconic Targa roll bar and center roof section. Unfortunately, this 997 doesn't give us any hints as to what mechanical tidbits lurk under the sheetmetal.

The 997 Targa was only available in four-wheel drive guise, but Porsche hasn't said one way or the other whether the new 991 can be had in a C2 configuration. Either way, we dig the return to the old roll-bar style and can't wait to see the machine get a full unveil. Check out the gallery for a closer look for yourself.

2014 Porsche 911 Targa spotted testing in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 porsche 911 targa911 targa911tporschespy shotst-toptargaThu, 14 Mar 2013 08:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20502093/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/14/2014-porsche-911-targa-spotted-testing-in-the-snow/20502093/article-detail.xml 20502093 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-porsche-911-targa-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-porsche-911-targa-628.jpg <![CDATA[Take a closer look at Days 1 and 2 of the Targa High Country]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/take-a-closer-look-at-days-1-and-2-of-the-targa-high-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/take-a-closer-look-at-days-1-and-2-of-the-targa-high-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/take-a-closer-look-at-days-1-and-2-of-the-targa-high-country/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Targa High Country 2012 - video screencap

Australia's Targa High Country has officially come to a close, with Tony Quinn and his Nissan GT-R taking the gold overall. Our friends at Targa News have whipped up a few quick videos following the competitors through the first few days of over-the-road racing. As you may recall, Jason White won last year with a dramatic sprint up Mt. Buller in his Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo. With flames licking at the the rear valance, White closed the gap on his nearest rival and took the lead. This year, a faulty front differential kept White from the podium in the RDA Brakes Modern class.

All told, three of the top five finishers sat behind the wheel of a Nissan GT-R, with second place falling to Matt and Casey Close in their Audi TT RS. Jim Richards and Barry Oliver fleshed out the top three in their Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Of course, we're fans of classics like the Ferrari 308 and FC Mazda RX-7 models bashing about. You can watch the Targa High Country prologue as well as the first and second days of competition in the videos below.

Continue reading Take a closer look at Days 1 and 2 of the Targa High Country

Take a closer look at Days 1 and 2 of the Targa High Country originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiajason whiteroad raceroad racingtargatarga high countrytony quinnvideoTue, 13 Nov 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20377101/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/take-a-closer-look-at-days-1-and-2-of-the-targa-high-country/20377101/article-detail.xml 20377101 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/targa-high-country-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/targa-high-country-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Petrolicious beautifully profile the Targa California]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/watch-petrolicious-beautifully-profile-the-targa-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/watch-petrolicious-beautifully-profile-the-targa-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/watch-petrolicious-beautifully-profile-the-targa-california/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Petrolicious Targa California

In terms of classic car rallies, the Targa California is a fairly young event. In it's fourth running, the event is a NASA-sanctioned, non-competitive rally that features classic machinery from 1975 and earlier on a jaunt through some of central California's most beautiful countryside. The three-day event is open to any make and model, right down to vintage pickups, so this is our kind of party. The crew from Petrolicious Productions captured this year's batch of drivers as they wound through the dirt roads and rolling coastline.

The five-minute clip is loaded to the brim with beautiful machinery, from BMW 2002 racers to classic Porsche 911 and 914 models, as well as more than a few Jaguar E-Type and Alfa Romeo participants. From the looks of things, if it's cool, it's in the Targa California. With excellent camerawork and plenty of drool-worthy tin, the video is well worth your time. Check it out below. You can also head over to the Targa California site for more information.

Continue reading Watch Petrolicious beautifully profile the Targa California

Watch Petrolicious beautifully profile the Targa California originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeobmw 2002californiajaguar e-typenasaporsche 911porsche 914targatarga californiaSun, 07 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20343467/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/07/watch-petrolicious-beautifully-profile-the-targa-california/20343467/article-detail.xml 20343467 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/targa-california-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/targa-california-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch two Nissan GT-R rally cars collide at the Targa Adelaide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-two-nissan-gt-r-rally-cars-collide-at-the-targa-adelaide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-two-nissan-gt-r-rally-cars-collide-at-the-targa-adelaide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-two-nissan-gt-r-rally-cars-collide-at-the-targa-adelaide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Nissan GT-R Targa Adelaide wreck

The 2012 Targa Adelaide started off with some excitement this year. The competition opens with a prologue stage on city streets where fans can come to watch their favorite racers slide their machines toward the flying finish. This year featured a new modern class, and a couple of competitors got a bit closer than they intended. Two Nissan GT-R racers bunched up coming into a tight hairpin. One driver went wide while the other opted for a tighter line, resulting in some unnecessary contact that saw car 997 on the raw end of a pit maneuver.

Neither vehicle saw substantial damage, and both went on to continue competing throughout the rest of the event. Still, a couple of bruised egos are a bad way to start any targa rally.

The Targa Adelaide is one leg of the Australian Targa Championship, and runs from August 22 through the 26th. Check out the video below for the GT-R shenanigans as well as a few clips from the opening night.

Continue reading Watch two Nissan GT-R rally cars collide at the Targa Adelaide

Watch two Nissan GT-R rally cars collide at the Targa Adelaide originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-rgtrnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r wrecktargatarga adelaidevideowreck videoWed, 22 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20306945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/watch-two-nissan-gt-r-rally-cars-collide-at-the-targa-adelaide/20306945/article-detail.xml 20306945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nissan-gt-r-targa-wreck-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nissan-gt-r-targa-wreck-628.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche 911 prototype caught sporting real Targa roof]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/porsche-911-prototype-caught-sporting-real-targa-roof/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/porsche-911-prototype-caught-sporting-real-targa-roof/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/porsche-911-prototype-caught-sporting-real-targa-roof/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Type 991 Porsche 911 Targa - spy shot - rear three-quarter view

No, that's not a Type 991 Porsche 911 Cabriolet - look closely and you'll see the first true Targa since the model variant disappeared from the Porsche 911 line in 1995. Oh yes, we know Porsche has been selling one in the interim, but to purists, the giant sunroof models of the past 17 years have been Targas in name only.

While we don't exactly know how Porsche plans to package this blast from the past, it's pretty clear from the spy photos that this car has a top with a removable center section that leaves the B-pillar intact. While the convertible disguise doesn't allow us to discern much more, could it be too much to hope that the rear window is also removable?

The other big question is whether this new true Targa will be available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive, or continue the recent Porsche practice of being offered only in the latter configuration.

Speaking of which, our spy shooters have also captured the soon-to-be-introduced 2013 911 Carrera 4 and 4S. You can see from the widebody rear haunches that these are the all-wheel drive 911 models, and the reflective strip that connects the rear taillights of the 4 and 4S is merely covered with tape. While Porsche has yet to officially announce these cars that everyone knows are coming, fuel economy numbers are already posted on the U.S. government's website.

The automatic 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 is EPA-rated at 20 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined. Opting for the heavier Cabriolet model will reduce your fuel economy to 20/27 and 22 mpg combined. Seven-speed manual versions lose a single digit from each number in both coupe and convertible trims. The Carrera 4S automatic is rated at 19/26, and 22 mpg combined, while the manual is at 18/26 and 21 combined. The convertible 4S with an automatic is still at 19/26, but drops to 21 mpg combined, while the manual convertible fuel economy is unchanged from the coupe.

Expect to see more official news on the Carrera 4 and 4S very soon, and we'd expect Porsche to make a big stink about the Targa model at one of next season's big auto shows.

Check out all the high-res spy shots of the Targa prototype in this gallery, and the 2013 Carrera 4 in this one.

Porsche 911 prototype caught sporting real Targa roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche 911911911 carrera 4911 carrera 4s911 targacarreracarrera 4carrera 4sporschetargatype 991Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20252618/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/06/porsche-911-prototype-caught-sporting-real-targa-roof/20252618/article-detail.xml 20252618 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/type-991-porsche-911-targa-01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/type-991-porsche-911-targa-01-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the 2012 Targa Tasmania highlights]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/watch-the-2012-targa-tasmania-highlights/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/watch-the-2012-targa-tasmania-highlights/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/watch-the-2012-targa-tasmania-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jason White at the 2012 Targa Tasmania

The 2012 Targa Tasmania has officially come to a close, and while we were a long, long way from the action this year, YouTube closed the distance with a slew of day-end recaps aimed at keeping us up-to-date on the action. This year, Jason White took his Lamborghini Gallardo all the way to the top of the podium despite running into a tuning issue late in the event. Wet weather made for slippery conditions with low visibility more often than not, and more than a few competitors were forced to retire due to unintended departures from the course.

Day three saw some impressive driving from Sam Tapping and his Holden Commodore SS Ute. The duo ran down a total of three competitors on the same stage, including two Porsche 911 GT3 models. That's some impressive driving given the Ute's tail happy nature and the wet asphalt. Of course, there are plenty more highlights that are well worth your time. Scroll down to check out all five recap videos for yourself.

Continue reading Watch the 2012 Targa Tasmania highlights

Watch the 2012 Targa Tasmania highlights originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 targa tasmaniaaustraliajason whitetargatarga tasmaniatasmaniaMon, 23 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222182/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/23/watch-the-2012-targa-tasmania-highlights/20222182/article-detail.xml 20222182 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/jason-white-targa-tasmania-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/jason-white-targa-tasmania-2012.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Targa Tasmania kicks off with prologue stages]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/2012-targa-tasmania-kicks-off-with-prologue-stages/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/2012-targa-tasmania-kicks-off-with-prologue-stages/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/2012-targa-tasmania-kicks-off-with-prologue-stages/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The 2012 Targa Tasmania is officially underway, having started on the 17th of April. While we'd give (nearly) any portion of our anatomy to see the spectacle in the flesh, we'll simply have to content ourselves with living vicariously through the miracle of YouTube for the time being.

Competitors use the prologue stages to work out any kinks in their vehicle as well as get a feel for the competition. As always, the range of vehicles in attendance is as wide as it gets. We're particularly fond of the fire-spitting Nissan GT-R, though the sight of a Holden Commodore SS ute thrashing about puts a smile on our faces, too.

The Targa runs through April 22, covering 366 miles of transit and rally stages in the process. We'll do our best to keep up with the coverage. In the meantime, you can check out the competitor list at the Targa site and click scroll down below for the Prologue recap.

Continue reading 2012 Targa Tasmania kicks off with prologue stages

2012 Targa Tasmania kicks off with prologue stages originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 targa tasmaniacommodore sscommodore ss uteholdenholden commodore ssnissan gt-rtargatarga tasmaniatasmaniautevideoThu, 19 Apr 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20218375/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/2012-targa-tasmania-kicks-off-with-prologue-stages/20218375/article-detail.xml 20218375 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/targa-tasmania-prologue-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/targa-tasmania-prologue-628.jpg <![CDATA[MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

MotoMan Targa Newfoundland video

It's been seven months since I crammed into a supercharged Mazda Miata with the Flyin' Miata crew and fought tooth and nail for a fifth-place finish in the Grand Touring class of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland. That amount of time has done nothing to dull my desire to head right back into the fray as soon as possible. While I was there, the FM team spent a good deal of time hanging out with our friends over at MotoMan, and the crew just finished putting the final touches on its race documentary.

The first episode shows off the sweet SRT-tweaked Dodge Challenger the MotoMan guys got to play with. With plenty of suspension adjustments, a full cage and a bare-bones interior, the big white beast was as far from the NC Miata we campaigned as you could get. Watch the clip after the jump for an introduction to a few of the other competitors, including SRT CEO Ralph Gilles, as well as an interview with driver Brandon Fitch and myself. Keep an eye out for more episodes, too.

Continue reading MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment

MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandchallengerdodgedodge challengerflyin miatamazdamazda miatamiatamotomanralph gillessrttargatarga newfoundlandtarga newfoundland documentarySat, 14 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20214298/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/20214298/article-detail.xml 20214298 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/motoman-targa-newfoundland-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/motoman-targa-newfoundland-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this Lamborghini Gallardo win a race on fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/watch-this-lamborghini-gallardo-win-a-race-on-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/watch-this-lamborghini-gallardo-win-a-race-on-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/watch-this-lamborghini-gallardo-win-a-race-on-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lamborghini Gallardo on fire at the Targ High Country

Behold: the definition of giving 110 percent in competition. Jason and John White recently took to the Targa High Country in Victoria, Australia in their Lamborghini Gallardo. The duo spent the final day of the event battling for the top spot with a menacing Nissan GT-R. The final stage of the day saw the Whites four seconds behind their rival when the green light lit, and the team proceeded to do their best to close the gap.

There was only one problem; half way through the course, the team noticed that a glowing fireball was erupting from the rear of their Italian racer. The crew could either stop halfway through the course, attempt to extinguish the flames with their on-board extinguishers and give up the overall win or push on for victory and hopefully more extinguishers.

The Whites went for the latter option and managed to beat out the GT-R driven by Tony Quin by a full ten seconds. Fire crews quickly put the flames out and managed to prevent the Gallardo from (completely) going up in a puff of smoke. The heroics are just another reason why Targa is the best form of motorsports on the planet. Hit the jump to check out a few videos of the feat for yourself.

Continue reading Watch this Lamborghini Gallardo win a race on fire

Watch this Lamborghini Gallardo win a race on fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gallardogallardo on fire videojason whitejohn whitelamborghinilamborghini gallardotargatarga high countryvideoMon, 07 Nov 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100440/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/watch-this-lamborghini-gallardo-win-a-race-on-fire/20100440/article-detail.xml 20100440 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lamborghini-gallardo-on-fir_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lamborghini-gallardo-on-fir.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Point. Shoot. Grin.

Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata

Wedging myself into the cockpit of Keith Tanner's 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata turned Targa Newfoundland podium finisher, I'm struck with the realization that most race cars are the automotive equivalent of a pet electric eel. They look fantastic lounging around, and you may even be struck with the impulse to get close, but the reality is that it's only a matter of time before it reaches out and lights you up like a cheap string of Christmas lights. This notion is only underscored when Tanner hands me a set of noise-cancelling headphones with an integrated com system.

"Here. You'll probably want these," he says. "It can get kind of loud in here."

With a 400-horsepower General Motors L33 wedged between the fenders of the poised Miata, it's only a matter of time before the stripped interior resonates with the sound of eight furious cylinders. I ask if there's anything I should know before I hit the ignition. Tanner says no. I'm beginning to suspect he's lying to me.

Continue reading Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata

Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandfeaturedflyin miataflyin miata targa miatajanel tannerkeith tannermazdamiatamx-5newfoundlandquick spinquickspintannertargatarga miatatarga newfoundlandv8 miatav8 miata conversionMon, 24 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20087767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/20087767/article-detail.xml 20087767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/flyin-miata-v8-targa-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/flyin-miata-v8-targa-qs.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 6: The final days]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-the-final-days/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-the-final-days/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-the-final-days/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland 2011

Two mistakes. After six days of late nights bent over the route book with calculator in hand, long days of non-stop rallying and lengthy transits, we've covered over 2,200 kilometers, raced 41 stages and made two penalty-worthy mistakes. There simply aren't words to convey the spectrum of emotions that accompanies the Targa Newfoundland, and the Flyin' Miata crew experienced its fair share of highs and lows throughout. While Wednesday saw both teams leading their respective classes, Thursday had nasty surprises in store for both the V8 Roadster and the supercharged NC.

Due to a transcription error, I fouled the finish time for stage 4-5, Garnish. We were supposed to cover the 13.25 kilometers in 8:43; I directed Brandon to the finish in 8:51, which landed us three seconds of time-over penalty plus another four seconds of interim time-control penalties. That seven seconds alone knocked us off of the podium, but the last stage of the day, Marystown North, saw an additional 7 seconds tacked onto our time after we missed the first turn and were forced to turn around.

Continue reading Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 6: The final days

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 6: The final days originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandbrandon fitchflyin miatajanel tannerkeith tannermazdamiatamx-5newfoundlandtargatarga newfoundlandtarga+flyin+miatatarga+newfoundland+2011targaflyinmiatatarganewfoundland2011zach+bowman+targa+hammerheadzachbowmantargahammerheadSat, 17 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20045322/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/17/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-the-final-days/20045322/article-detail.xml 20045322 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/flyin-miata-targa-newfoundland-update-5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/flyin-miata-targa-newfoundland-update-5.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 5: Stay on target]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-stay-on-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-stay-on-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-stay-on-target/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland

It's a good day to be in the Flyin' Miata camp. As of the conclusion of Day 3 of competition, both the Targa Miata and the Supercharged 2006 MX-5 hold the top position in their respective classes. While Keith and Janel Tanner have managed to sling their 430-horsepower machine through Wednesday's nine stages to take the top slot, Brandon Fitch and I overcame a few small obstacles to zero all of our times through the day. Despite my fat-fingering the egg-timers ahead of the incredibly technical Greenspond stage, we came in just two-seconds outside of dead zero and well within our plus or minus nine-second window.

I also received a front-row showing of Fitch's driving prowess after the car stalled at the start of the third-to-last stage. In a desperate push to make up lost time, the Flyin' Miata engineer pushed the 240-horse Miata to 128 kph through a series of undulating turns. That figure is just two kph shy of our maximum allowable speed. Crossing that barrier brings all sorts of unsavory penalties.

Thursday will bring forth a whole new set of challenges as our window narrows to plus or minus five seconds. While we used today to train ourselves to arrive at the flying finish well within our final day tolerances, fatigue is beginning to set in on both Brandon and I, greatly increasing the chance of a careless error that could cost us our lead. Regardless of how we wrap up on Friday, the fact that we can say that we tied for first across the first three days of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland is a story I'll be blathering at cocktail parties for years.

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 5: Stay on target originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandflyin miatamazdamazda miatamazda mx-5miatamx-5targatarga newfoundlandThu, 15 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20043288/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-stay-on-target/20043288/article-detail.xml 20043288 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-wednesday-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-wednesday-630.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 4: Off to Gander]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Flyin Miata at the 2011 Targa Newfoundland

While I thought that I grasped just how unique and amazing the Targa Newfoundland is in the world of motorsports, the breadth of this event's character didn't hit home until I got here. We spent the majority of yesterday's morning and afternoon tackling stages in and around Gander, a small town about 206 miles north of St. John's. Despite my completely misinterpreting the route book on stage one and a near miss with an time control, we managed to zero every stage and avoid any penalties, but the two final stages of the day presented a challenge that we weren't exactly prepared for.

Though the stages we had covered so far had given me gracious periods of three, four and even five kilometers during which I could insert my own time and distance way points to keep the 2006 Flyin' Miata Mazda MX-5 on course and on time, the last two did not. Both stages took place on the same seven kilometer course that wound through a dense subdivision. That's right, kids. We would be attempting to carry a 57.5 kph (35.7 mph) average through a series of 29 90-degree turns. I would have no more than 300 meters at most to alert Brandon Fitch, my valiant driver, of the direction of and distance to the next turn as well as monitor our time as we passed each instruction.

I'll be honest; I didn't have much hope for our chances.

We lined up, the lights went hot and in a second, we were blurring through the subdivision. With Fitch's help, I was able to glean enough time to glance at our egg timers and equate the figures with our actual distance. We were going to nail it.

We zeroed Gander on the first run and managed a repeat performance for the second pass. As Fitch put it, "This is the most awesome thing. Ever. In the history of the world."

I'm inclined to agree. Our efforts today managed to place us in first for the second day in a row, but with days of 12-hour driving and calculating quickly stacking up, our chances for careless errors are increasing drastically. Stay tuned for more updates and keep an eye on the 2011 Targa Newfoundland site for our times.

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 4: Off to Gander originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandflyin miatagandermazda miatamazda mx-5miatamx-5newfoundlandtargatarga newfoundlandThu, 15 Sep 2011 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20042186/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/20042186/article-detail.xml 20042186 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-update-4-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-update-4-630.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 1: Meet your classmates]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-1-meet-your-classmates/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-1-meet-your-classmates/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-1-meet-your-classmates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



While the 2011 Targa Newfoundland doesn't officially kick off until Monday, a handful of competitors have already arrived in St. John's to take advantage of the Open Road Motorsports Targa School. Operated by veterans of the event, the school gives novice competitors a little taste of the days to come. Glen Clarke, our instructor, routinely pilots a Porsche 911 to accolades and glory, so his word is worth pure gold to our motley crew. Over the course of eight hours, the Grand Touring Flyin' Miata team was introduced to the basics of navigation, ran a trial stage and generally sorted the roles of driver and co-pilot.

Our class included targa competitors from years past as well as newcomers like ourselves, including racers piloting a Ferrari Enzo, a delicious Porsche 914 and a completely sinister Audi 200 Avant Turbo AWD. A few additional racers have also set up camp at the local Holiday Inn, including a Maserati MC12, a Ferrari F430 Spyder, a Lamborghini Murciélago Super Veloce and a Saleen S7 from ZRAuto.ca. We can't wait to see how those bruisers fair on the demanding roads of Newfoundland.

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 1: Meet your classmates originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandenzof430 spiderferrariferrari enzoferrari f430 spiderflyin miatamaseratimaserati mc12targatarga newfoundlandFri, 09 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20038267/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/09/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-1-meet-your-classmates/20038267/article-detail.xml 20038267 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-flyin-miata-targa-newfoundland_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-flyin-miata-targa-newfoundland.jpg <![CDATA[The Road to Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Homework and gearing up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/the-road-to-targa-newfoundland-part-3-homework-and-gearing-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/the-road-to-targa-newfoundland-part-3-homework-and-gearing-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/the-road-to-targa-newfoundland-part-3-homework-and-gearing-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Alpinestars Gear

We're officially less than five days from the first stage of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland, and I'm frantically busy trying to cram as much information into my brain before arriving in St. John's as I possibly can. Having never navigated in a rally, there's a slew of symbols, terminology and theory to absorb before the green flag drops on September 12.

Then there's the small issue of establishing a working relationship with the Terratrip on-board vehicle computer. The thing has an instruction manual that could have been written by a Soviet-era novelist, and while I think I'll only be responsible for a few button mashes here and there, I don't want to be the guy who accidentally recalibrates the machine or keys in the self-destruct code. Keep on reading to see how the rest of our preparations are proceeding.

Continue reading The Road to Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Homework and gearing up

The Road to Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Homework and gearing up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandalpinestarsflyin miatarallytargatarga newfoundlandTue, 06 Sep 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20036044/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/06/the-road-to-targa-newfoundland-part-3-homework-and-gearing-up/20036044/article-detail.xml 20036044 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/alpinestars-gear-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/alpinestars-gear-630.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog to compete in Targa Newfoundland with Flyin' Miata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/autoblog-to-compete-in-targa-newfoundland-with-flyin-miata/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/autoblog-to-compete-in-targa-newfoundland-with-flyin-miata/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/autoblog-to-compete-in-targa-newfoundland-with-flyin-miata/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Flyin Miata 2006 Mazda MX-5

No matter what part of the world you hail from, there's really nothing quite like the Targa Newfoundland. Held on a beautiful island off the Eastern coast of Canada, the course is over 1,350 miles long and winds through small towns, open spaces and deep forests for some of the most challenging and varied stages of any competition on the continent. As a result, competitors come wielding sheetmetal from every conceivable corner of the globe and era of automotive history. It's a buffet of horsepower at wide-open throttle, and this year, we'll be in the hunt ourselves.

The good people at Flyin' Miata have been so kind as to offer us a much-coveted co-driver seat in their supercharged 2006 MX-5. Nancy, as our valiant stallion is affectionately known due to her NC chassis, started life as an abused orphan of the Mazda press car fleet. After a little massaging by the Flyin' Miata crew, the car now rocks a 2009 front fascia, the company's proprietary supercharger kit, springs and sway bars as well as a set of Tokico Shocks. All told, the car produces somewhere around 240 horsepower, which should be enough to help us keep up with the rest of the Grand Touring Class.

Yours Truly will doing his level best to keep from confounding Bill Cardell as he whips Nancy across the Canadian landscape. Those familiar with the Miata scene know Cardell as the founder and owner of Flyin' Miata, so if anyone knows how to properly cane an MX-5, it's this guy. I'm honored to have the chance to share the cockpit with him.

This year, Flyin' Miata is actually campaigning two vehicles. While Cardell, myself and Nancy are set to go the distance in the Grand Touring category, Keith and Janel Tanner are also taking to the Targa. The husband-and-wife team will once again helm the same 1994 MX-5 Miata that they drove in the 2008 Targa Newfoundland, with one big change. This year, the car rocks a General Motors L33 V8 conversion that cranks out 400 horsepower to the rear wheels thanks to a set of LS6 heads and a trick cam. All of that power is funneled through a T56 six-speed transmission and a Getrag differential with a clutch-pack limited slip. Needless to say, the Tanners will be taking on the Open Class to do battle with the quickest metal of the event.

Interestingly enough, Flyin' Miata wouldn't have been able to head to the 2011 Targa Newfoundland at all without the help of the company's fans and supporters. The team tried to seduce large sponsors to help fund the trip to Canada before turning to the Miata nation for help. To date, they've raised over $14,500 to help put the cars on the first stage. It's a testament to just how faithful Miata owners can be.

Given that my navigation experience is limited plotting the quickest path to the Dippin Dots stand at the local amusement park, I've got some serious work to do before the race gets started on September 10. Stay tuned for updates on my Targa education.

Autoblog to compete in Targa Newfoundland with Flyin' Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandbill cardellflyin miatajanel tannerkeith tannermazda miatamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 miatamiatamx-5newfoundlandtargatarga newfoundlandtarga newfoundland 2011Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19991362/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/14/autoblog-to-compete-in-targa-newfoundland-with-flyin-miata/19991362/article-detail.xml 19991362 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-flyin-miata-nancy-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-flyin-miata-nancy-630.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche to bring back old-school Targa on next-generation 911]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/porsche-to-bring-back-old-school-targa-on-next-generation-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/porsche-to-bring-back-old-school-targa-on-next-generation-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/porsche-to-bring-back-old-school-targa-on-next-generation-911/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1970 Porsche 911 Targa
1970 Porsche 911 Targa

There once was a time when roofs came in two forms: fixed or convertible. But these days, you can get a cloth-roof convertible, a hardtop convertible, partial convertibles like the Fiat 500C, flip-tops like the Renault Wind or Ferrari Superamerica... but one thing you don't see much of anymore is the Targa top.

Although removable roof panels existed beforehand, it was Porsche that first coined the term 'Targa' to refer to the roof style. It was introduced on the 911 in 1966, when the fear was that the authorities were preparing to ban full convertibles due to safety concerns. That fear turned out to be unfounded, but the Targa became a fixture of the 911 lineup.

Porsche replaced the lift-off roof panel with a sliding glass panel in 1996, as it has continued since, but the latest product of the rumormill suggests that the German automaker could be preparing to bring back the old-school Targa with the next-generation 911.

Why would Porsche do this? Maybe the current Targa's assembly is too heavy or too expensive. One way or another, it'll be a good few years until the next Targa comes along, so we'll just have to sit tight - with or without the wind in our hair - to find out.

Porsche to bring back old-school Targa on next-generation 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 targaporscheporsche 911porsche 911 targatargaMon, 20 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19971474/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/20/porsche-to-bring-back-old-school-targa-on-next-generation-911/19971474/article-detail.xml 19971474 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/porsche-targa2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/porsche-targa2.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Porsche provides a peek at the 2011 Targa Tasmania]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/video-porsche-provides-a-peek-at-the-2011-targa-tasmania/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/video-porsche-provides-a-peek-at-the-2011-targa-tasmania/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/video-porsche-provides-a-peek-at-the-2011-targa-tasmania/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 targa tasmania finish line
Last leg of the 2011 Targa Tasmania - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Targa Tasmania is a road-rally event that's been running since 1992, taking place, as you may have guessed, on the island of Tasmania. In 2011, this five-day race began in the coastal city of George Town and ended in the capital city of Hobart. The event features both classic and modern sports cars, changing weather conditions and some truly amazing driving talent.

Targa Tasmania has played host to some amazing drivers (such as Walter Röhrl) and equally amazing machines (such as Eric Bana's Beast). Porsche rather conveniently put together a video shot on the last leg of the 2011 Targa, and you can watch it by clicking past the jump. There you'll see Porsche driver extraordinaire Röhrl and others talk about their participation in the rally, and you'll also see plenty of footage of all the little Tasmanian Devils as they wind their way across the island before finally crossing the finish line. Enjoy!

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Porsche provides a peek at the 2011 Targa Tasmania

Video: Porsche provides a peek at the 2011 Targa Tasmania originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911australiaeric banaporschetargatarga tasmaniatasmaniathe beastvideowalter rohrlTue, 12 Apr 2011 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19911079/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/12/video-porsche-provides-a-peek-at-the-2011-targa-tasmania/19911079/article-detail.xml 19911079 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/targa-tasmania_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/targa-tasmania.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Porsche's got plenty in the pipeline... starting with a Cayman Targa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/report-porsches-got-plenty-in-the-pipeline-starting-with-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/report-porsches-got-plenty-in-the-pipeline-starting-with-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/report-porsches-got-plenty-in-the-pipeline-starting-with-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Porsche 911 Targa

It's no secret that Porsche has big sales ambitions. Just how it plans on getting there, however, is another matter entirely. On the back of such diversified products as the Panamera and Cayenne, it's clear that extending its product range will be integral to its growth plans, and recently appointed Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller has given a few clues as to what's in store down the product pipeline.

First up could be a Targa version of the Cayman that could stand to bridge the gap between the existing Cayman coupe and its open-top counterpart, the Boxster, with removable (or sliding) roof panels. But that's hardly the extent of it.

In speaking with Automotive News, Mueller hinted at plans to introduce a sub-Boxster four-cylinder sports car based on the Boxster's platform but with the possible use of Volkswagen Golf components to keep costs down.

Beyond that, Porsche has big plans for the Panamera, including possible derivatives (like a coupe or convertible as rumored) as well as spin-offs for other Volkswagen divisions including Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini. One thing's for sure, Porsche's not about to sit back and rely on just one continuing product line any longer.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Report: Porsche's got plenty in the pipeline... starting with a Cayman Targa originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caymancayman targapanameraporscheporsche caymanporsche cayman targaporsche panameratargaMon, 24 Jan 2011 16:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19812151/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/24/report-porsches-got-plenty-in-the-pipeline-starting-with-a/19812151/article-detail.xml 19812151 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/targa-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/targa-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder takes 2010 Targa Trophy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/lamborghini-gallardo-spyder-takes-2010-targa-trophy/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/lamborghini-gallardo-spyder-takes-2010-targa-trophy/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/lamborghini-gallardo-spyder-takes-2010-targa-trophy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Radoslav Kalla's winning Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've got your ear to the ground, you've probably heard a thing or two about the Targa Trophy. Think of it as a more responsible, but no less entertaining version of the Gumball. Instead of encouraging drivers to be the first across the line, the Targa trophy works just like any other TSD (time, speed, distance) road rally: teams are given the location of a checkpoint and are expected to navigate there within a predetermined amount of time. Those closest to the time without being over (or under) are awarded the most points.

This year's running of the SoCal event has wrapped up with 73 drivers tackling a varied course that wound through the Californian countryside. Radoslav Kalla and his Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder took the overall win with 1,048 points. His closest competitor, Thomas Dillman, piloted an Audi S4 to finish with 966 points.

The Targa Trophy will now head to San Francisco. The green flag drops on August 27, and the checkers will fall the following day in Silicon Valley. For now though, you can enjoy a few shots of the participating metal on hand for the SoCal Targa Trophy, or reminisce about last year's event by reading our own Jonny Lieberman's account of his drive in a Hyundai Genesis in the 2009 event.


Gallery: 2010 SoCal Targa Trophy


[Source: Targa Trophy | Images: Mo Satarzadeh | The ID Agency]

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder takes 2010 Targa Trophy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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