Porsche 911 Targa

Porsche 911 Targa was introduced in 1967 as a “stop gap” model. It was a classic 2-door sports coupe that won several sport car race championships worldwide.

The name “Targa” came when Porsche 911 won the championship car race in Targa Florio in Italy.

Earlier Editions

Targa featured soft canvas cover with a flexible plastic window that could be removed from the vehicle. The first production of Targa was wretched; the rear windows distorted, and tops leaked, but Targa improved over from later productions.

The wheels of 1968 Targa were widened an inch; the new door handle and the engine case switched to magnesium construction and a 4-speed auto transmission was also offered. The increased wheel base brought slight fender flares as well.

1973 Porsche Targa with Bosch fuel injection pushed the output level to 157 hp from 142 hp.



In 1975, Porsche got its most serious makeover by introducing Carrera RS replacing Targa. Moreover, the introduction of 911 full convertible in 1983 devastated sales of the Targa. The cabriolet was based on the Targa body shell, featuring removable rear window. Rather than addition or deletion of few features, the earlier Targa models did not gain much change.

Porsche introduced the heavily revised Targa for 1996, which used a new Webasto-built roof with flexible and sliding glass panels.

The revised engine of 1996 Targa edition came with new cylinder heads with one millimetre larger exhaust valves, “Varioram” variable induction system, and revised camshaft that increased the power output level up to 282 hp. Targa, equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, went from 0-60 mph in just five seconds.

There were no Targa models available from 1999 to 2001, but it was offered in either cabriolet or coupe versions.

2002-2010

Targa models were re-introduced in 2002, which was quite similar to the older Targa 911 and was powered by a 3.6-L DOHC V6 engine, which delivered 320 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to 6-speed manual transmission.

Porsche offered the choice of 5-speed Tiptronic S auto-manual and 6-speed manual transmission on 2003 Targa.

Targa 4S coupe joined the Porsche line-up in 2007 and was equipped with a 3.8-L V6 engine that produced 355 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The EPA-fuel ratings of both the Targa models were more or less same, achieving 16 mpg in city and 23-24 mpg on highways.

The changes were limited on 2008 edition; more effective sunshade for the glass roof and carbon-fiber racing seats were added as option.

For 2009, Porsche 911 received some major updates, including bigger brakes, refreshed rear and front fascia, optional automated manual gearbox, Bluetooth, ventilated seats, and satellite radio.

2011 Porsche 911

The 2011 edition gained iPod/USB audio interface and Bluetooth as standard equipments. The Targa editions come standard with more complex rear hatch, larger sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, and touch-screen electronics interface.

2011 Targa models feature a 345 hp 3.6-L 6-cylinder engine (288 lb-ft), while the S versions get 385 hp 3.8-L unit (310 lb-ft).



The base price of 2011 911 is around $92,100 and the MSRP of Targa 4S is tagged at $104,800.

2012 Targa

The four-passenger 2012 Targa will come with an array of features and specifications that has the potential to win over its competitors like Acura NSX, Mercedes Benz CLK, and Jaguar XK series.



2012 Targa 911 is not expected to receive any significant mechanical changes when compared to 2011 911 edition.

Sizzling Pictures of 911 Targa