[Auto] Porsche 911 Targa 4S test (2020): Florilège

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The “nine-eleven” tirelessly recalls its essential versions. After the coupe, the convertible, and the Turbo, here is the Targa. A concept that appeared in… 1965.

It was to satisfy the American market, at a time when safety standards were already tightening, that Porsche invented the retractable roof concept. The idea was to design the safest convertible of its time, thanks to its fixed central arch. And thus respond to the strengthening of American security standards while silencing the supporters of an outright ban on convertibles in the United States, in a planned time. After having thought of the name “Flori”, Porsche finally adopted the surname Targa, also in reference to the famous Sicilian Targa Florio where the manufacturer had shone since the 1950s. The first Targa was thus unveiled in September 1965 at the Salon from Frankfurt, to be marketed a year later. Its success was immediate and this variation continued until 1993 when the "993" type adopted a sliding glass roof instead of the retractable roof. Solution which will be taken up by the 996 and 997. Then the original concept, greatly modernized, was brought up to date by the 991 in 2011. Here is the history of the Targa.

 

 

This brand new version, type 992, retains a real personality, marked by its large aluminum gray arch, its roof covered with an elegant canvas, offering the choice between four colors, electrically retractable in 19 seconds, and its rear glass window, bubble style.
The "flat-6" snorts with a characteristic hoarse sound, a true invitation to the great outdoors. In the "Drive" position, on a trickle of gas, the robotic gearbox shells 6 of its 8 gears with infinite smoothness; at 50 km / h, the tachometer indicates 1000 rpm! This thanks to a remarkable flexibility and especially its 530 Nm of torque available from 2300 rpm. We leave Zuffenhausen, the stronghold of Porsche, in the northern suburbs of Stuttgart. Head to the Black Forest which, if above all renowned for its sumptuous landscapes, interests us today for its fabulous asphalt strips. Once familiar with the beast, which is almost immediate as its docility gives you confidence, we attack roads that seem to have been designed to enhance this 911. Unless it is the other way around… We select the sport mode , using the small dial located on the branch of the steering wheel, which is reminiscent of a certain Manettino, from a transalpine competitor ...

 

 

You have to pinch yourself to remember that the flat-six is still housed right there behind the rear axle.
The flat 6-cylinder delivers thrust that is as vigorous as it is linear (up to 7,500 rpm), devoid of the shortest response time, which makes you forget that this is a block - double - turbocharged. There is no miracle, to get 450 hp out of a 3.0 liter requires not only a lot of know-how but also turbos. Needless to say, the performance is in tune with a 0 to 100 km / h announced in 3’’6, a 0-200 speeded in 13’’1 (!) And a top speed of ... 304 km / h. The slightest stretch of straight line is a pretext for lightning acceleration, punctuated by equally lightning shifts, which can be selected using the paddles on the steering wheel, which will be criticized for not being fixed, but integral with the steering wheel. Performance that the chassis easily accommodates. You have to pinch yourself to remember that the flat-six is still housed right there behind the rear axle. The pendulum movements of the steering have completely disappeared, just like those of diving under braking. This "nine-eleven" combines remarkable rigidity and absence of body roll. It winds up big curves and pins with the same ease, without ever losing its astonishing stability - the all-wheel drive is here delivered in series and the tracks are widened. While offering astonishing agility, thanks to its rear steering wheels (option), its rear limited-slip differential and its torque vector control. Pilot-controlled damping adapting to all types of driving and all surfaces. The "sport-plus" mode offering the right amount of extra sensations, without ever sparking a cold sweat. And that's where the hiatus lies, this 9.11 has almost become too easy as it is proving effective. Especially since its optional carbon-ceramic braking provides astounding efficiency, which is matched only by its endurance.

 

 

Less flattering than that of the atmospheric "flat-six" of yesteryear, cooled by air, its hoarse and guttural melody provides music - not too artificial - which contributes to the exceptional sensations of this pleasure machine. Which are here tenfold retracted flag. A Targa roof that offers much the same sensations as a real convertible. It remains to deal with unpleasant resonances, which we manage to reduce by playing with the two positions offered by the small deflector at the top of the windshield. Finally, note that certain "basic" equipment, such as the blind spot detector or the heated and ventilated seats are billed as an option ...
Verdict and opinion
More exclusive and safer than the Cabriolet, this Targa offers exceptional rigor and versatility. While providing a unique driving pleasure. Remains a pretty price, excluding - innumerable - options.

 

 

Buy
Porsche 911 Targa 4S test
Tested version: 146,255 €
Starting at: € 130,655 (Targa 4)
Average manufacturer consumption / during the test (l / 100 km): 11.1 / 17.6
CO2 / penalty: 253 g / € 20,000
Fiscal power: 34
Country of manufacture: Germany

PROPOSED RANGE
Gasoline: from 385 to 450 hp, from 130,655 to 146,255 €

Drive
Engines: 6-cylinder flat, 24 valves, biturbo, direct petrol injection, variable valve timing and valve lift, DPF, Stop & Start, 2,981 cm3
Transmission: four-wheel drive, 8-speed dual-clutch robot, limited slip differential
Power (hp @ rpm): 450 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque (Nm at rpm): 530 Nm at 2300 rpm
Weight (kg): 1750 (CE)
Length x width x height. (m): 4.52 × 1.85 × 1.30
Wheelbase (m): 2.45
Tank (l): 67
Max speed (km / h): 304 km / h
0-100 km / h: 3''8 (3''6 with Sport Chrono Package)
0-200 km / h: 13''1 (Sport Chrono)
Standard tires: AV, 245/35 R 20, ARR, 305/30 R 21
Test tires: Pirelli PZero NA1
Live

Boot: 132 liters (+ 163 on the back of the front seats)

RECOMMENDED OPTIONS

Carbon-ceramic brakes (€ 9,012)
Rear steering wheels (€ 2,268)
Manual gearbox 7 (free)
Main competitors

Ford Mustang V8 5.0 Convertible auto, 440 hp, from € 54,800
Jaguar F-Type V8 5.0 AWD auto Cabriolet, 450 hp, from € 106,130

 

Maserati GrandCabrio V8 4.7, 460 hp, from € 147,200
AMG-GT Roadster V8 4.0 DCT, 476 hp, from € 144,750

 

WE love

Outstanding driving pleasure
Braking behavior
Performances
Versatility
Cabriolet-sound sensations

 

We like less

Steering wheel paddles, not fixed
Resonances, top down
Too "easy", too "fast"
Equipment pettiness