The next-generation Porsche 911 Targa – Type 992 – have been revealed over digital channels. Three versions are on offer, including a manual.
The Porsche 911 Targa lineage dates back to the 1960s. The latest 992-generation models have now been introduced following the introduction of the new Carrera and Carrera S. These are the Targa 4 and Targa 4S, the latter of which is available with a choice of automatic or manual. As always, all three Targa models are all four-wheel driven. Two of them use the new eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the Targa 4S has a choice of seven-speed manual transmission, and also packs the Sports Chrono package as standard.
Measuring a compact – but still quite large compared to their ancestors – 4,591 millimetres long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,297 mm high, the new Porsche 911 Targa models run the same 2.45-metre wheelbase as the Carrera models, with the widened wheel tracks of 1,591 mm at the front and 1,557 mm at the rear. The signature element on the new Porsche 911 Targa 992 models is the glass-bubble roof that stows inside, convertible-style, behind the rear seats – and ahead of the engine. The roof lifts or drops in 19 seconds.
The interior is laden with choice appointments and a selection of tech and equipment, including Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) are standard kit and make the best of what’s on offer. The active all-wheel drive gets an electronically-regulated, map-controlled multi-plate clutch, and variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles. The PDK models get Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus).
The Porsche 911 Targa 4 packs a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, signature Porsche boxer-six. The peak output is 385 hp at 6,500 rpm and a hefty 450 Nm between 1,950 and 5,000 rpm. The engine redlines at 7,500 rpm. With a kerb weight of 1,665 kg, that’s a rather decent 231 hp/tonne power-to-weight ratio. In Sport Plus, the Targa 4 PDK will hit 100 km/h from zero in 4.2 seconds and get up to 289 km/h. The Targa 4 PDK is rated at 10.2 km/l and 223 g/km CO2.
The Porsche 911 Targa 4S models have an uprated 3.0-litre, twin-turbo unit making 65 hp and 80 Nm more –that’s 450 hp at 6,500 rpm and 530 Nm between 2,300 and 5,000 rpm. As mentioned, the Targa 4S can be had with either an 8PDK or a 7MT. The PDK model weighs in at 1,675 kg for a power-to-weight ratio of 268.66 hp/tonne. In Sport Plus, the Targa 4S PDK will hit 100 km/h from zero in 3.6 seconds and go on to a top speed of 304 km/h. The Targa 4S PDK is rated at 10.1 km/l and 227 g/km CO2.
The Porsche 911 Targa 4S MT, meanwhile, weighs in at 1,640 kg. That’s 274.49 hp/tonne and the potential to get from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 304 km/h. The ratios are overdrive from fifth (0.94:1) onwards. The Targa 4S manual is rated at 9.7 km/l and 235 g/km CO2 – yes, the PDK is quicker and more efficient, too.
Expect to see the new Porsche 911 Targa offered in India soon.
Also read: New Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Porsche World Road Show
Also read: Porsche 911 Targa 4S 991 Road-test Review
