The beating heart of the 911 Targa is the new twin-turbocharged six-cylinder boxer engine, which is also used in the 911 Carrera models. The two power ratings of 283 kW (385 PS) for the 911 Targa 4 and 331 kW (450 PS) for the 911 Targa 4S are primarily determined by the size of each engine's two symmetrical turbochargers and their boost pressure. Further downstream in the intake system, compressed air flows through two newly positioned charge air coolers. Compared to the last model, these have switched position with the air filter. The charge air coolers are now centrally located directly over the engine under the bottled grille, having been previously located at the engine's sides, in the rear wings. The innovative VarioCam Plus variable valve control system is also used in the current generation of engines. For the first time, this system controls the gas exchange with asymmetrical intake camshafts, which allow the two adjacent valves of a cylinder to open with a different lift in the partial load position. The differences in cross section and opening duration produce a defined swirl in the process air flowing into the combustion chamber. This charge motion improves mixture preparation and combustion – both fuel consumption and emissions are reduced.
Emotive sound both inside and outside
The new 911 Targa offers a characteristically 911 aural experience. In order to achieve this, the four-branch exhaust system now includes map-controlled and fully variable exhaust flaps. A sports exhaust system with reduced exhaust backpressure is available as an option. Whereas the standard system on the 911 Targa 4 features two single tailpipe finishers, the system on the 911 Targa 4S has a pair of twin tailpipes. The sports exhaust system can be recognised by its two oval exhaust outlets.
New eight-speed dual-clutch transmission
The 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S are equipped for the first time with the new eight-speed dual clutch transmission (PDK). Compared with the seven-speed gearbox in the previous models, the new PDK offers a host of improvements. The driver can immediately feel the difference in the interplay of comfort, performance and efficiency. All gears have new ratios: first gear is now shorter and eighth gear longer than the previously highest seventh gear. The taller final-drive ratio also further reduces the engine speeds in higher gears. The result is a harmonious spacing of the ratios and further potential for reducing fuel consumption. Maximum speed can still be achieved in sixth gear.
For purists: seven-speed manual gearbox with Sport Chrono package at no extra cost
The new seven-speed manual gearbox is available as an option on the 911 Targa 4S and, when ordered, comes in combination with the Sport Chrono package. In this specification, the PTV Plus electronically controlled rear differential that is used in combination with the PDK transmission is replaced by the PTV mechanical rear differential. This configuration is aimed at enthusiastic drivers who enjoy changing gear themselves. The Sport Chrono package includes a mode switch with Sport Response button (in combination with the PDK) as well as PSM Sport mode, dynamic engine mounts, a stopwatch and the Porsche Track Precision app.
Four-wheel drive with optimised performance
The enhanced performance of the new all-wheel drive models goes hand in hand with further development of the system that provides drive to the front wheels, the clutch and differential unit of which is water-cooled and has reinforced clutch discs for greater robustness and a higher load capacity. The increased actuating torque at the clutch improves its adjustment accuracy and improves the function of the additional front-axle drive system. Overall, the enhanced front-axle drive system with PTM (Porsche Traction Management) contributes to even better traction in all road conditions.
Cutting-edge chassis with active control systems and mixed tyres
The chassis of the new 911 Targa models is equipped with the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) electronically controlled variable damping system as standard. This system automatically adjusts the damping characteristics in terms of driving comfort and handling to each driving situation and has two manually adjustable maps: Normal and Sport. A fully variable, electronically controlled differential lock for the rear axle including Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV Plus) is part of the standard equipment on the 911 Targa 4S with PDK and can be ordered for the 911 Targa 4 at extra cost.
Like the other eighth generation Porsche 911 variants, the all-wheel drive models are equipped with mixed tyres and Porsche Wet mode as standard. The different wheel dimensions front and rear help the new car build up even higher cornering forces and further improve traction. The driving dynamics set-up for the 911 Targa 4 includes 235/40 ZR tyres on 19-inch alloy wheels on the front axle and 295/35 ZR tyres on 20-inch wheels on the rear. The 4S model is fitted with 245/35 ZR tyres on its front 20-inch wheels and with 305/30 ZR tyres on its 21-inch rears. The mixed tyres have a considerable influence on the vehicle balance, allowing better handling control.
If sensors in the front wheel arches detect significant levels of surface water, a signal is issued in the instrument cluster as a recommendation for the driver to manually switch to Wet mode, whereby Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and the responsiveness of the drivetrain are adapted to guarantee maximum stability.
On the Targa 4, deceleration is performed on both axles by 330-mm brake discs with black four-piston monobloc fixed callipers. The Targa 4S boasts six-piston callipers on the front axle and four-piston callipers on the rear, all four finished in red. Brake discs are 350 mm front and rear. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) can be ordered as an option.
Options: rear axle steering and roll stabilisation
Rear axle steering is available as an option on the Targa 4S to improve agility and everyday usability even further. Depending on road speed, the system steers the rear wheels by up to two degrees either opposite to or in the same direction as the steering angle on the front axle. As a result, the 911 is even more agile when cornering, offers greater stability at high speeds and when changing lanes, and is more manoeuvrable in urban traffic thanks to its tighter turning circle. The optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is also available with the rear axle steering option. This system features active anti-roll bars and virtually eliminates body roll when cornering.
