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Reviews: Week at the wheel - Porsche 911 Targa 4
Inside & Out:
The Targa, a niche 911 if there ever was one. In the seven days we had this 997 Targa in our possession I only saw one other - and it was a 993 model. I've always admired the Targa's lines, the way the sliding glass roof necessitates a slightly different side window profile - that shape highlighted by a neat chrome trim line - and the fact that the trick roof adds a useful hatchback to the mix. And it does look good; fantastic even. With the proliferation of 911s on our roads it's easy to ignore them, but the Targa's visual differences do stand out, ensuring more attention than in a standard Carrera.
The interior follows the rest of the 997 range updates that brings smarter materials and a touch-screen interface on the centre console. The Targa's hatchback really does add practicality, meaning you can drop big bags into the back seats (folded or not) from above easier than you can by squeezing them in through the doors and behind the seats. It's brighter in there too thanks to the glass roof, though it can get a bit squeaky, highlighting the Targa's 911 Cabriolet roots.
Engine & Transmission:
There's little to match the combination of a Porsche flat-six and a manual transmission. In this car it's the smaller 3.6-litre non-S model, which brings an ample 345bhp and 288lb.ft of torque. It's quick enough to have you wondering why you need to spend the extra money on the S, the 3.6-litre also feeling a touch more linear and revving more freely than the bigger capacity engine. The gearshift is as sweet as ever, the fitting of Porsche's Sports Shift short throw gear lever only quickening and sharpening the stick's action through the gate. Get it all right and the Targa will reach 62mph in 5.2 seconds and it can hit 176mph flat out.
Full Story: The Car Enthusiast - | Week at the wheel | Porsche 911 Targa 4 |
A beautiful Porsche, and rare too.
M
Inside & Out:
The Targa, a niche 911 if there ever was one. In the seven days we had this 997 Targa in our possession I only saw one other - and it was a 993 model. I've always admired the Targa's lines, the way the sliding glass roof necessitates a slightly different side window profile - that shape highlighted by a neat chrome trim line - and the fact that the trick roof adds a useful hatchback to the mix. And it does look good; fantastic even. With the proliferation of 911s on our roads it's easy to ignore them, but the Targa's visual differences do stand out, ensuring more attention than in a standard Carrera.
The interior follows the rest of the 997 range updates that brings smarter materials and a touch-screen interface on the centre console. The Targa's hatchback really does add practicality, meaning you can drop big bags into the back seats (folded or not) from above easier than you can by squeezing them in through the doors and behind the seats. It's brighter in there too thanks to the glass roof, though it can get a bit squeaky, highlighting the Targa's 911 Cabriolet roots.
Engine & Transmission:
There's little to match the combination of a Porsche flat-six and a manual transmission. In this car it's the smaller 3.6-litre non-S model, which brings an ample 345bhp and 288lb.ft of torque. It's quick enough to have you wondering why you need to spend the extra money on the S, the 3.6-litre also feeling a touch more linear and revving more freely than the bigger capacity engine. The gearshift is as sweet as ever, the fitting of Porsche's Sports Shift short throw gear lever only quickening and sharpening the stick's action through the gate. Get it all right and the Targa will reach 62mph in 5.2 seconds and it can hit 176mph flat out.
Full Story: The Car Enthusiast - | Week at the wheel | Porsche 911 Targa 4 |
A beautiful Porsche, and rare too.
M
