ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 17, 2006–Porsche today announcedthat the new 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S will go on sale in November,2006. For the first time, the Targa models will be availableexclusively with permanent all-wheel drive and a rear body profilethat is 44 millimeters (1.73 in.) wider than the standard 911Carrera(R). Porsche’s Targa concept, originally launched in 1966 and namedafter the storied Targa Florio race, was the first car of its type tooffer all the driving sensations of a convertible without sacrificingthe benefits of a solid roof. Then and now, the Targa continues toevoke a distinct cache unlike any other sports car, […]
ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 17, 2006–Porsche today announced
that the new 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S will go on sale in November,
2006. For the first time, the Targa models will be available
exclusively with permanent all-wheel drive and a rear body profile
that is 44 millimeters (1.73 in.) wider than the standard 911
Carrera(R).
Porsche’s Targa concept, originally launched in 1966 and named
after the storied Targa Florio race, was the first car of its type to
offer all the driving sensations of a convertible without sacrificing
the benefits of a solid roof. Then and now, the Targa continues to
evoke a distinct cache unlike any other sports car, conveying serious
sports car performance with the free-spirited thrill of open-air
motoring.
As with the previous Targa model, the most striking feature of the
elegant sports car is the large, sliding-glass roof and glass rear
hatch, which blend sleekly into the classic 911 lines while providing
the Targa with its own unique personality. A polished, anodized
aluminum trim strip runs the entire length of the roof frame,
emphasizing the 911’s classic silhouette.
The glass roof is not just a styling exercise, however, as it also
provides for a light, airy interior. Moreover, the electrically
operated roof panel can be retracted at all vehicle speeds in only
seven seconds, revealing a spacious 4.8 square-foot opening. Made of
specially tinted two-ply glass, the new Targa’s translucent top is 4.2
pounds lighter than its predecessor, and wind noise is kept low at
higher road speeds by a newly developed sealing system. With the top
open, turbulence within the cabin is also reduced by a wind deflector,
encouraging open-roof motoring even at lower ambient temperatures. A
semi-translucent, black-cloth sunblind provides protection from
excessive sunlight, and both the glass roof and roller blind are
operated by a rocker switch located on the center console.
Gas struts make it easy to open the upward-tilting rear window,
providing access to over 8 cubic-feet of cargo capacity with the rear
seats in the folded position. The tailgate can either be unlocked by a
switch on the driver’s-side doorsill or by the remote control button
on the key fob.
The 911 Targa 4 is powered by Porsche’s venerable flat-Six Boxer
engine, delivering 325 horsepower from 3.6 liters. The Targa 4 will
accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and reach a top test-track
speed of 174 mph. The more powerful Targa 4S variant features a
3.8-liter engine producing 355 horsepower. This model sprints from 0
to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds, and has a top test-track speed of 179
mph.
Thanks to Porsche’s VarioCam(R) Plus intake-valve control system,
the Targa 4 develops maximum torque of 273 lb.-ft. at 4250 rpm. The
3.8-liter mill in the Targa 4S provides 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600
rpm. In both of the new Targa models, power is routed via a standard
six-speed manual gearbox with short, precise shift throws. Optionally,
customers can choose Porsche’s well-known five-speed Tiptronic(R) S
automatic transmission, which allows gear changes via rocker switches
mounted on the steering-wheel spokes.
As with the Coupe and Cabriolet versions of the Carrera 4 and 4S,
power is transmitted to the pavement by a standard all-wheel drive
system featuring a viscous, multi-plate clutch. Depending on driving
conditions, the all-wheel-drive setup distributes between 5- and
40-percent of the engine’s torque to the front wheels. The
all-wheel-drive system ensures well-balanced proportioning of power in
corners during spirited driving and improves traction on wet or
slippery road surfaces.
The Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S go on sale in the U.S. in
November. Pricing for the new models is $85,700 for the Targa 4, and
$95,900 for the Targa 4S.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and
its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers
of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne(R) sport utility vehicles for the
United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr.
Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 300 people who
provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for
its 214 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche
owners with best-in-class service.
