2018 Porsche 911 Targa. 8th generation
The Porsche 911 is a sports car by Porsche (Germany) that is intended for public roads. It has been produced since 1963 in coupe, convertible or targa bodies. In 2021, Israeli buyers have a chance to purchase the eighth generation of the 2018 model. This review will focus on the Porsche 911 Targa.
The Targa version has been an integral part of the Porsche 911 family since 1965. Over the entire time, the company has changed the concept of this bodywork several times, but the latest generation has not undergone any revolutionary changes. The new generation of the 911 model can be distinguished by the front trunk lid, which now has longitudinal ribs (such elements are typical of all the 911s with air-cooled engines). The bumpers and body coupling lines have changed, the bumpers themselves have become more massive, there is now an LED jumper between the rear lights, the third brake light is designed in the form of two vertical stripes, and the door handles are equipped with an electric drive and move out when you bring your hand to them. The new Porsche 911 is slightly longer thanks to the increased front overhang. Most of the exterior body panels are made of aluminum.
Exterior
The 2018/2019 Porsche 911 Targa is an iconic car with a breathtaking exterior. In terms of body dimensions, the Targa is shorter than the coupe and convertible, albeit by only 3 mm. The 2-door 4-seater targa is 4,519 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,297 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm. The unique silhouette of the car is characterized by the legendary Flyline roofline, which has remained largely unchanged since 1963 and is the main genetic hallmark of all Porsche models, including the 911 Targa. Made of magnesium alloy, the roof panel retracts under the rear window cover, which is raised entirely with the engine cover and slides back. The transformation process takes 19 seconds instead of the previous twenty. But it is still possible to raise and remove the roof only during parking (well, or at a very low speed).
The new Targa Porsche 911 features an elegant, laconic, 100% recognizable design that combines tradition and modernity and contributes to exceptional dynamics on the road. Noteworthy is the Targa main style-forming element, i.e. the safety arch. It meets all safety requirements and has an iconic look, thanks to aluminum trims and side gills. Different-sized wheels on the front and rear axles give make the car look athletic. As for the innovations, the door handles are completely recessed into the door panels. The shape and position of the headlights is a reference to the first generation 911, but there are modern LED units. The rear end features a continuous LED strip between the three-dimensional and also LED taillights. At night it looks particularly impressive!
Interior
The company claims that the interior is inspired by the aesthetics of the 1970s with a visor occupying almost the entire width of the front panel. The main feature of the new Targa Porsche 911 is the dashboard, featuring only one analogue tachometer scale and displays on its sides, the content of which can be configured by the driver. The touchscreen of the new media system has become noticeably larger: the diagonal has grown from 7 to 10.9 inches, the functionality and online capabilities have been significantly expanded. There are new seats, and the list of options now includes a night vision system with a thermal imager and all-round cameras. The driving electronics now have the Porsche Wet mode, which activates automatically and notifies the driver as soon as the system detects a wet road.
Engines and modifications
As before, the 2020/2021 Porsche 911 Targa is offered with all-wheel drive only. There are two versions to choose from, both of which are available in Israel in 2021.
- The base Porsche 911 Targa 4 is equipped with a 3-liter boxer biturbo engine with 385 hp and an 8-speed automated transmission. Acceleration to 100 km occurs in 4.4 seconds, and the top speed is 289 km / h.
- The advanced Porsche 911 Targa 4S features the same engine that is boosted to 450 hp, coupled with an 8-speed PDK tranmission or 7-speed manual transmission, which can be supplemented by the Sport Chrono package. Acceleration to 100 km occurs in 3.8 seconds (the version equipped with the manual transmission does it in 4.4 seconds), and the top speed is 304 km / h.
Both versions are equipped with the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), while the Targa 4S additionally has an electronically controlled rear differential PTV Plus (for a surcharge, it can be ordered for the basic Targa). Carbon ceramic brakes are optional on both versions.