2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S revealed, check details

KUALA LUMPUR: For those confused between buying a Porsche 911 convertible or coupe, here’s a piece of good news. The Zuffenhausen automaker has introduced the latest versions of its long-running combo cars. The 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are packed with all the things we love about other members of the 992 family with a throw-back style combination roof.

Why would one go for a 911 Targa over a Cabriolet? Well, for starters, it is the nearest member of the family. But the real deal lies in the fact that it allows open-roof motoring without ruining the 911’s classic silhouette. We are not joking, as Porsche offered some versions of the Targa since 1965.

This time around, Targa forgoes the traditional three-quarter and rear windows for big, wraparound design. Where there would live B-pillars on a 911 Coupe, the Targa flaunts the trademark silver bar, called the Targa bar. Connecting the Targa bar and the windscreen frame is a retractable fabric covering. This covering retracts in 19 seconds and can operate at speed well beyond 48 kmph.

Under the hood configuration of the Targa is similar to other members of the 911 family. Both Targa 4 and 4S feature the same 3.0-litre flat-six twin-turbo engine. In the Targa 4, this motor pumps out a maximum power of 379 hp along with a peak torque of 448 Nm. As for the 4S trim, the performance figure revises to 443 hp and 528 Nm. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is a standard offering, although a seven-speed manual option is also available.

Equipped with the automatic transmission and Sport Chrono Package, the Targa 4 model can touch the 97kmph mark in 4 seconds. The 4S covers the same distance in 3.4 seconds. The top-speed for the Targa 4 and Targa 4S models rests at 288 kmph and 302 kmph, respectively.

Aside from the Turbo and Turbo S models, the Targa is the most expensive car in the 992 family. For Targa 4 the price starts at $119,300 (RM 521,353) and for Targa 4S it is $135,200 (RM 590,838) - both prices are $1,800 (RM 7866) more than the true convertible models.

The latest 992 variants will hit the dealerships in late 2020.

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