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Review: Porsche 911 Targa 4S – Targa of War

David Khoo discovers the seventh generation 911 Targa is quite a work of modern art

BARI, ITALY - Based on informal polls, the new Targa is likely engender a great tug-of-war between the 'likes' and the 'dislikes'. However, Porsche tells us that to date, this model variation of the 911 has represented some 13 per cent of total 911 sales, which is decent enough for such a niche product.

In a nutshell, the Targa was conceived to address the concerns of the USA market, which felt more comforted by its convincing looking roll-over protection (in the form of the T-bar) versus let's say, the conventional cabriolet's apparent lack-of. Moreover, the Targa solution was intended to provide occupants with the structural security of a Coupe, with the open-top motoring joy of a Cabriolet, especially for those considering a C4 or C4S Cabriolet.

The type 964 was the last of the 911s to feature the characteristic wraparound rear window, wide T-bar in place of the B-pillars and soft-top roof panel (electronically-actuated in this latest version). From the type 993 to 997, an oversized glass panel replaced the soft-top roof, much to the consternation of Targa purists, since by the 997, one could achieve almost the same effect with the optional panoramic roof on the regular 911 Coupe.

Happily, the type 991 harks back to the original in spirit if not in execution. In this iteration, the soft-top is no longer a manual affair, as a sophisticated mechanism lifts the rear glass up and shifts the corners of the T-bar aside for the soft-top to deploy – this work of visual engineering art can be appreciated at the touch of a button. The operation takes 19 seconds to complete, but will only work when the car is at a standstill. At the moment, only 4WD versions are available, but we're told that it is also possible to apply the Targa treatment to a 2WD platform, but the feeling was the wide-body of the 4WD was more dramatic.

There are a few reasons for this: Firstly, at full extension, the rear glass momentarily blocks the brake lights (there's also a parking sensor for this, so it won't operate if the car's rear is too close to a wall), which is not legal in certain countries. Secondly, if Porsche had to engineer more dynamic stability into the mechanism (to match the Cabriolet roof's up-to-50km/h operating speed), it would have added an extra 20kg to the car.

On the winding B-roads around the Borgo Egnazia resort, the ride on the 20-inch footwear was well-damped and there is a good balance to the Targa 4S that belies its 1575kg kerbweight. Compared to the Targa 4, the 4S has a far more furious acceleration on the short straights; with Sport Plus engaged in the 4S, the century sprint to 100km/h drops to under 4.4 seconds, with top speed rated to just under 295km/h.

Coupled with the type 991's modern trappings, the classical silhouette of the Targa, have all the makings of a lifestyle icon, so you'd imagine it would appeal to those looking for a little more 'show' with the 'go', especially the ones who find the wind-effects in the Cabriolet to be overbearing at higher speeds. On the winding roads, the Targa 4S demonstrated plenty of 'go' with an accompanying angry snarl as you got on the gas, especially in the face of the occasional 'challenges' from the local talent...

For instance, on most cabriolet/convertible test-drives, the roof would come down for the first half-hour, before it pops back up again for the remainder of the day. On the Targa, we left the roof down for the 280km or so distance, with some colleagues even going through a short shower spell with it down, since the speed kept the cabin mostly dry. The soft-top aperture gave us just enough of an open-top motoring experience, yet retained the structural insulation of the Coupe.

Like all the diverse models of the Porsche we've had the occasion to try, the brand's performance DNA is easily discerned in even something as 'lifestyle' oriented as the Targa. Considering how Porsche has evolved from creating products for the performance-minded purist to the 'trendy' who appreciates the brand's greater luxury appeal, the 'likers' could well win this 'Targa' of war. - PHOTOS: PORSCHE & DAVID KHOO

NEED TO KNOW
Engine 3,800cc, 24v, flat6
Power 400bhp at 7400rpm
Torque 440Nm at 5600rpm
Gearbox 7-speed PDK dual-clutch
Top Speed 294km/h
0-100km/h 4.4 seconds (Sport Plus)
Fuel efficiency 9.2l/100km
CO2 214g/km
Price from $608,588 w/o COE (C4S Cabrio: from $604,588 w/o COE)