2009 Porsche New 911 Targa review and pictures

Porsche New 911 Targa review:

Introducing the new 911 Targa, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is completing the fastest generation change the world has ever seen in the 911 model series: Two new power units with direct fuel injection improve both performance and the economy of the new model, the fast-shifting PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch gearbox replaces the optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission, and electronically controlled PTM Porsche Traction Management takes the place of the former all-wheel drive.

The latest model series in the new generation of the 911 comes as before in two variants, as the 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S. The “basic“ version is now powered by a 3.6-litre flat-six developing maximum output of 345 bhp (254 kW) and giving the car a top speed of 284 km/h or 176 mph. The power unit featured in the 911 Targa 4S displaces 3.8 litres, developing maximum output of 385 bhp (283 kW) and accelerating this outstanding sports car to a top speed of 297 km/h or 184 mph.

The visual highlight of the 911 Targa, as before, is the 1.54-square-metre glass roof made up of two segments, the elegant sliding roof at the front and the practical tailgate. When opened completely, the roof slides within seven seconds beneath the tailgate, offering an open space above the passenger compartment of 0.45 square metres. The sliding roof comes as standard with a new sunblind offering even greater privacy than before and, when closed, covering the entire area of the sliding roof and opening and closing electrically independently of the roof itself. The glass roof and the tailgate come in special anti-sunglare glass, protecting the occupants even in bright sunshine from UV radiation and excessive heat.

With the launch of the new Carrera, Porsche is introducing direct fuel injection also in the company’s range of sports cars. The advantages are an increase in engine power by up to 8.5 per cent, a reduction in fuel consumption by 11.2 per cent, and a decrease in CO2 emissions by 13.6 per cent, depending on the respective model and its features.

Introducing the new Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch gearbox featuring no less than seven gears, Porsche now offers a very interesting option as an alternative to the manual six-speed gearbox. PDK is replacing the former Tiptronic S transmission and excels in particular through its unparalleled speed in shifting gears, combined with superior fuel economy all round.

Featuring this outstanding transmission, the new Targa leaves hardly anything to be desired in terms of dynamic driving pleasure: The 911 Targa 4 accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and the even more powerful S-model completes the same exercise in 4.9 seconds – in each case with the manual six-speed gearbox. The optional Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe shifts gears even faster to set an even higher standard, the 3.6-litre Targa 4 with PDK accelerating to 100 km/h in exactly 5.0 seconds, the Targa 4S offering an even faster and more dynamic 4.7 seconds.

Yet another change in technology comes on the car’s all-wheel drive: In the new 911 Targa electronically controlled PTM Porsche Traction Management replaces the former all-wheel drive with its viscous multiple-plate clutch. This superior system combines the driving pleasure so typical of a Porsche thanks to the engine at the rear and rear-wheel drive as the primary concept with an even higher standard of driving stability, traction, and agile handling. To ensure this supreme class at all times, PTM feeds exactly the right share of engine power and traction additionally to the front wheels in every driving situation through an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch. And as on all new Carrera 4 models, a mechanical rear axle differential featured as standard gives the car even greater driving dynamics.