PORSCHE TARGA GETS THUMBS UP FROM PURISTS

The touch of retro in the latest Porsche 911 Targa will certainly appeal to enthusiasts of the German marque

An all-new Porsche 911 Targa, has just made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It looks great, with a touch of retro, particularly in the area of the wide B-pillar and the wraparound rear window, that was instantly given the thumbs up by those who love their Porsches.

Cleverly, the new 911 takes the classic Targa shape and combines it with the latest generation of powered-roof technology, The roof opens and closes at the push of a button. When open the roof stows itself behind the rear seat system.

Porsche 911 Targa shares much of its body with the 911 Carrera 4 cabriolet models. The added convenience of being able to drive with the roof open with minimal disturbance to the interior will certainly appeal to those with hair they don’t want disturbed (I nearly said “will appeal to the ladies” but I’m not allowed to say that these days!)

The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a 3.4-litre, 257 kW (350 hp) flat-six engine. The top model is the 911 Targa 4S, which produces 294 kW (400 hp) from a displacement of 3.8 litres. The 4S has a top speed of 296 km/h and, with the PDK transmission and Sport Chrono package fitted, accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Both engines are certified for compliance with the Euro 6 emissions standard.

Deliveries of the 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S to Australia begin in mid 2014, with the 911 Targa 4 priced from $247,900 and the Targa 4S from $285,100.