Porsche Design, the quintessential sports car brand’s (and performance crossover maker’s) in-house design department, is celebrating 50 years in 2022, so it only makes sense they’d commemorate such…
Porsche has made a special limited-edition 911 Targa 4 GTS, plus restored a 1972 911 Targa, to commemorate 50 years of Porsche Design.
Porsche Design, the quintessential sports car brand’s (and performance crossover maker’s) in-house design department, is celebrating 50 years in 2022, so it only makes sense they’d commemorate such an important occasion with a special version of the only model still made that was available back in 1972, the legendary 911.
The new 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design, based on a 2022 911 Targa 4 GTS, features plenty of stylish upgrades along with a nice package of bundled features, including dark-silver and satin-black exterior accents on the Targa bar, a similar treatment on the centre-lock Turbo S wheels, and a set of “Porsche Design” badges, while four gloss-black painted brake calipers and a “50 Years” plaque atop the engine cover finish off the retro look.
Subtle details enhance posh interior
Both new and renewed 911s would enhance the look of any driveway.
Inside, a dash plaque commemorates the Porsche Design division’s 50th anniversary as well as each car’s placement in the 750-unit limited edition series, while the 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design cabin also benefits from a special steering wheel badge, and the signature of Ferry Porsche’s son Ferdinand Alexander (the Porsche Design division’s creator), atop the centre console lid.
Of course, the 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design model just wouldn’t be right without a set of embroidered or embossed headrests, with the latter getting the nod, while this handywork gets added to the model’s top-level 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus, while Slate Grey seat belts can be found to either side. Additionally, Porsche’s much-lauded Sport Chrono Package comes as standard equipment, with a unique Porsche Design chronograph clock placed in the usual centre position on the dash-top.
Watchmaking has long been an important part of Porsche Design’s business
The new 2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design model features plenty of styling upgrades over regular 911 Targa 4 GTS models.
Important to understand, this unique chronograph clock face has more significance in this special edition Porsche Design model’s than it would in other 911s, because the in-house styling house has been designing timepieces from its onset. In fact, Porsche Design has now reissued its first wristwatch, the 1972 Chronograph 1, limiting it to a mere 500 units. To be clear, Porsche Design watches are respected much more than the quartz-powered pieces you might find in a dealership’s parts department. The original Porsche Design watch, powered by a Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph (Valjoux is now owned by Swatch group’s ETA, while now defunct Orfina, once a highly respected Swiss watchmaker, produced watches for Porsche Design as well), was also the watch industry’s first fully black timepiece (other than some of its details), a feature, like the dials in a car’s gauge cluster, designed to minimize glare during racing.
Of course, the Sport Chrono Package comes standard, with a special Porsche Design dial, but take note the purchase also includes a Porsche Design mechanical watch.
At $7,700 USD, the new 1972 Chronograph 1 reissue is hardly inexpensive, although the price is not over-the-top for a high-quality mechanical chronograph with Porsche Design credentials, so it should sell out quickly, while a second Porsche Design chronograph, dubbed Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited Edition, a more modern take on the original design, will be included with every 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design purchase.
Each of the 750 timepieces feature an all-black design, like the 1972 Chronograph 1, with bright white used to make the sharply printed indices and sub-dial markers easy to read. Ditto for the white hour and minute hands, although Porsche Design has once again bowed to history by providing a bright red seconds hand and red lettering above the 6 o’clock position. No doubt, each 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design buyer will cherish this unique timepiece, which will more than likely appreciate over time.
Porsche’s future is all about marrying the past to the present
It would be tough to choose which Porsche 911 we’d rather have, new or old?
Along with the special-edition Targa 4 GTS and two Porsche Design watches, Porsche Design chose to commemorate its 50-year celebration by commissioning a completely restored 1972 911 S 2.4 Targa, which can be seen in the photos. Turning to Porsche Classic, the brand’s in-house restoration division, made sure it would receive original and hand-made components, resulting in an almost completely new version of this 50-year-old example of rolling art and celebrated performance.
The fact both new and old Porsche’s share many of the same styling details is no coincidence either, but as much as you might want to put the two 911s in a garage side-by-side, you’ll only be able to see the classic on display at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, alongside one new 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design, as well as the two Porsche Design watches.
New 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design available now
The new model is available now, ahead of arriving in Canada this spring, for the tidy sum of $217,200, and while it may already be sold out, it probably wouldn’t hurt to contact your local Porsche retailer to make sure.
50 years of Porsche Design with a special edition 911 #Shorts (best viewed on phone or tablet):
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qrReywyb3Yw
The 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design (1:00):
Porsche Design presents the Sport Chrono Collection (1:31):
Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 with Touring Package (1:14):
The new 1919 Globetimer UTC from Porsche Design (1:48):
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche Design
The fabulous 911 GTS is back, and just like in 2019, the last time Porsche offered the performance-first model with the car’s previous seventh-generation 991 body style, it comes in five distinct variations.…
The SportDesign package comes standard on all GTS models, making the front fascia, side sills, and rear styling unique.
The fabulous 911 GTS is back, and just like in 2019, the last time Porsche offered the performance-first model with the car’s previous seventh-generation 991 body style, it comes in five distinct variations.
The 3.0-litre flat-six engine’s displacement is unchanged as well, as is its twin-turbo forced induction system, but a new sport exhaust, together with reduced interior insulation, provides louder, more exhilarating sounds, while the GTS’ engine output has been pumped up by 23 horsepower to 473, while torque has increased by 15 lb-ft to 420, both thanks to 2.3 psi of additional boost.
With 473 hp to draw from, this is the side of the new 911 GTS you’ll likely see more often than not, unless you step up to purchase your own.
The massaged powerplant slices 3/10ths from the old GTS’ launch time when utilizing its eight-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox together with the standard Sport Chrono Package (which includes dynamic engine mounts, launch control, and Sport Plus mode), combining for standstill to 100 km/h sprint time of just 3.4 seconds in base Carrera GTS coupe trim, all before a 1-km/h-faster 311 km/h top track speed.
The AWD-enhanced Carrera 4 GTS is even quicker off the line, launching from zero to 100 km/h a mere 3.3 seconds, but its terminal velocity is a hair slower at 309 km/h. The Carrera GTS Cabriolet can achieve the same top track speed as the Carrera 4 GTS, although at 3.6 seconds to 100 km/h it’s the slowest of the five. This said, the Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet and Targa 4 GTS coupe each shave a 10th from the most affordable GTS convertible, with 0-100 km/h sprints only requiring 3.5 seconds, and their top speeds maxxing out at 307 km/h.
The Targa is the way to go if your summers aren’t as long as the winters.
Of note, those wanting a DIY transmission can opt for Porsche’s seven-speed manual, at no difference in price from the PDK. The short-throw shifter is a full 10 mm stubbier than the gear lever in the regular 911, but this isn’t the drivetrain to get if drag racing is your thing, as straight-line acceleration is down some 0.7 to 0.8 seconds (depending on the model) compared to the PDK. Instead, the manual is best for those who enjoy the art of driving.
The best of such moments can often be found when a given road starts to wind, and to that end the new GTS includes a Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system that was pinched from the newest 911 Turbo, while coupe and convertible models now roll on a 10-mm lower sport suspension that to improves aerodynamics and provides enhanced transitional response.
The 911 GTS Targa gets a special darkened roll hoop with black lettering.
The GTS’ 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Satin Black alloys were pulled from the 911 Turbo S, however, as were their 245/35R20 front and 305/30R21 rear summer performance tires, while the high-performance brakes hiding behind the spokes were initially developed for the regular 911 Turbo. These boast red-painted six- and four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers, with 408- and 380-mm cross-drilled and internally vented rotors front to back.
Additionally, a new Lightweight Design package, that chops up to 25 kilograms from the model’s curb weight, can be had for the first time on a GTS, featuring a set of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats, lightweight side and rear window glass, deleted rear seats, plus more.
The steering wheel is covered in a suede-like microfibre dubbed Race-Tex.
As far as aesthetics go, the SportDesign package is standard on all GTS models, so therefore the front fascia, side sills, and rear styling is unique when put side-by-side with other 911 models. Additionally, black is once again the theme from the outside in, most noticeable with the cars’ tail lamps that feature darkened lenses, while the Targa features a darker roll hoop with black lettering on both sides.
Inside, black suede-like Race-Tex microfibre surfaces the steering wheel rim, shift knob, centre seat panels, door handles, armrests, and the centre storage compartment lid/armrest, aiding grip and adding plush style. What’s more, buyers can opt for optional red stitching in key areas, or just keep it black on black.
A set of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats can be had when ordering the new Lightweight Design package.
Being based on the new eighth-gen 911, the new GTS features the upgraded Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 6.0 infotainment system, that features a more user-friendly interface design, faster response to inputs, plus Android Auto smartphone integration (joining Apple CarPlay that was already available).
Porsche improved the PCM’s voice assistant as well, which can now recognize natural speech more easily. All a user needs to do to activate the upgraded system is say, “Hey Porsche,” and then follow the prompts. Another PCM 6.0 bonus is the Porsche Track Precision app that lets track driver’s time laps and much more, plus a tire temperature display is also part of the standard package when choosing a GTS.
The new 911 Carrera GTS: More of What You Love (2:41):
The new 911 Carrera GTS: Drone POV (1:00):
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche
Porsche has once again earned top spot amongst premium brands in J.D. Power most recent 2021 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study. It’s the second time in three years that Porsche was awarded first place…
After earning top spot in its class for dependability with its latest Macan, JD Power awarded Porsche with its highest CSI score for 2021.
Porsche has once again earned top spot amongst premium brands in J.D. Power most recent 2021 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study.
It’s the second time in three years that Porsche was awarded first place in the luxury sector, and this happened just a month after the brand earned a “most trouble-free new car overall” ranking for its 911 sports car in the same third-party analytics firm’s latest 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study, and the Macan achieved the highest position possible in its “Premium Compact SUV” class.
“Our dealers worked hard for our customers throughout the initial lockdowns of the past year and subsequent social distancing and health measures to make sure they could rely on Porsche,” stated Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA). “We are continually striving to not just meet, but exceed the high expectations of our customers – and it’s vital that the quality of service must live up to that vision.”
The 2021 Porsche 911 earned the highest overall score amongst luxury vehicles in JD Power’s latest Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).
The J.D. Power CSI Study measures “customer satisfaction with service for maintenance or repair work among owners and lessees of 1- to 3-year-old vehicles,” with the survey’s latest data collection period having taken place from July 2020 through December 2020. More than 62,500 new vehicle owners responded to this CSI study, allowing for a comprehensive ownership base to draw results from.
Porsche garnered 17 additional points since last year’s CSI study, incidentally, with its 2021 results totalling 899 points out of a possible 1,000. The automaker’s retail outlets were ranked in either first or second place in each of the survey’s five categories, which include Service Facility, Service Advisor, Service Initiation, Service Quality, and Vehicle Pick-Up.
According to JD Power, less things break on Porsches, and when they do (or its customers just need a service), they’re treated better by Porsche dealers.
According to CarCostCanada, Porsche is offering all models with zero-percent financing, so follow the links embedded into each model’s name (above) to see their body style and trim pricing, to configure a car with all of its colours and options, and learn about any other manufacturer incentives that may be available. Also, be sure to find out about a CarCostCanada membership so you can access dealer invoice pricing that can save you thousands when negotiating your next deal, and remember to download the free CarCostCanada app so you can access all of this important information when you need it most.
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche
Porsche Canada has just released pricing for the all-new 502-horsepower 2022 911 GT3, which will start at $180,300. The updated model is now ready to configure and order on the automaker’s retail website,…
The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 can be yours for $180,300, plus freight and fees.
Porsche Canada has just released pricing for the all-new 502-horsepower 2022 911 GT3, which will start at $180,300. The updated model is now ready to configure and order on the automaker’s retail website, and at your local Porsche retailer, after which deliveries will arrive this coming fall.
Additionally, you can already configure each and every 911 body style and trim for the 2022 model year on Porsche’s retail site, with pricing for the base model increasing from $113,000 for the 2021s to $115,000 for 2022s.
The increase is for good reason, being that Porsche has updated the comfort and communications systems in every new 911 model. Porsche connected services have now been expanded thanks to the adaption of the automaker’s newest Porsche Communication Management (PCM), which features a standard 10.9-inch touchscreen integrating a new simplified interface that was inspired by the version initially used in the new Taycan electric. The revised PCM combines entertainment, navigation, comfort and communications systems into one flexible layout boasting numerous personalization options.
Pricing for the updated 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet starts at $129,600, while the Carrera coupe can be had for $115,000, which is $2,000 more than last year’s version.
What’s more, the PCM system update marks a trial period extension for Porsche’s connected services, which has grown to 36 months, from 12 months in previous model year 911s. After the three years are up, connected services is continuable via subscription.
Porsche Connect, which comes as part of the connected services package, integrates a bevy of useful features including Voice Pilot that responds to natural language prompts available by saying, “Hey Porsche.”
Also new, the Navigation Plus system now features real-time traffic information, as well as online map updates, plus a calendar and Radio Plus.
Porsche’s current fastest model, the 2022 911 Turbo S, can be had for $235,600.
Newly added Android Auto is a first for any new Porsche vehicle, and will be much appreciated by the majority of smartphone users who own Android-powered devices. The new PCM continues to integrate with Apple CarPlay too, via wireless and wired connectivity.
There’s good news for lovers of every music genre too, not to mention those who enjoy talk radio on all types of subject matter, and more, because a three-month trial subscription of SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L is now standard.
Additionally, just like with Taycan, all 2022 911 models can feature direct integration of Apple Music and Apple Podcasts when an Apple service subscription is purchased.
All 2022 911 models receive updates to the brand’s PCM infotainment system, plus other standard and optional technologies.
Technology in mind, PDK transmission-equipped 911 Carrera, Targa, and Turbo models can now be upgraded with Remote ParkAssist for 2022, which allows the driver to remotely move the car in or out of a parking space via their smartphone when standing outside.
What’s more, Remote ParkAssist is bundled together with Active Parking Support, controlled via the updated PCM. A new 3D Surround View parking camera is optional as well, as is Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Lane Change Assist.
Over and above the new $115,000 base 911 Carrera, the same coupe body style can be upgraded to AWD-equipped Carrera 4 trim from $123,400, or you can get into a Carrera S for $133,100, and Carrera 4S for $141,500.
All 2022 Porsche 911 models, including this base Carrera, comes with standard Android Auto smartphone connectivity, plus a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.
The updated 2022 911 Carrera Cabriolet starts at $129,600, while removing the top in AWD guise results in the $138,000 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, with the Carrera S Cabriolet available from $147,700, and Carrera 4S Cabriolet from $156,100.
Porsche’s 911 Targa is a good choice for those wanting the best of both coupe and convertible worlds, with the Targa 4 starting at $138,000, and Targa 4S from $156,100, while a trio of 911 Turbo models have the ability to reach the race car-like levels of performance, with 2022 pricing starting at $198,400 for the Turbo, $213,000 for the Turbo Cabriolet, and $235,600 for the Turbo S.
Lastly, the car Porsche considers “the most focused and agile ‘992’ generation car yet” can only be had in one single trim, but no doubt those lucky enough to get into a new 2022 911 GT3 won’t mind spending its relatively reasonable (for what it can do) $180,300.
The 2022 Carrera 4 Cabriolet starts at $138,000, with the Carrera S Cabriolet available from $147,700, and Carrera 4S Cabriolet from $156,100.
As noted earlier, the 2022 Porsche 911 is available to order now, with deliveries expected this fall.
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche
Have you ever wanted something so bad that your credit card just magically pops out of your wallet, all your personal info auto-fills the various fields, “accept charges” buttons unconsciously get…
Absolutely gorgeous! The new 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition will be limited to just 992 examples.
Have you ever wanted something so bad that your credit card just magically pops out of your wallet, all your personal info auto-fills the various fields, “accept charges” buttons unconsciously get pressed and confirmation emails immediately arrive? That’s what Porsche hopes will happen with its new very limited 2021 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, and while most of us don’t have American Express Centurion cards that allow us to nonchalantly plop $205,900 plus fees for a frivolous sports car when such desires strike, enough high-rolling, Fed-infused Wall Street hedge managers do to make special projects like this happen.
The new 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition fits the phrase “modern-day classic” better than anything we’ve seen for quite some time. It’s based on the new 2021 911 Targa we shared here last month, and we have to say the car’s classic silver roll hoop body style suits this special edition’s retro design perfectly.
Yes of course we want one, complete with its motorsport-inspired livery.
Unless you detest such memory lane recreations, or more specifically in this case, homages paying tribute to the glory days of Porsche’s beginnings, the 911 Targa 4S Heritage probably had you at hello. From its gorgeous Cherry Metallic paintwork (it’s also available in four alternative exterior colours), motorsport-inspired spear-shaped front fender stripes and circular decal-style number livery, and historically true 1963 Porsche Crest badges, rear mounted Porsche Heritage badge, and gold-tone nameplates, to its two-tone Bordeaux Red or Black leather and Atacama Beige OLEA club leather and corduroy-lined cabin, this is one stunning head-turner.
The gold emblems are period-correct and oh-so cool.
Porsche goes even further with details like green backlighting on the tachometer and centre dash top-mounted “stopwatch”, which being typical of ‘50s and ‘60s cars, plus the microfibre roofliner gets perforations similar to past Porsches (and VWs). And those just-mentioned period-correct Porsche crests? You’ll find them on the key fob, hood, steering wheel and wheel hub covers, those latter items capping off wheels resembling the “five-leaf” Fuchsfelge alloys brought to market for the 1966 911S. Of course the new Carrera Exclusive Design alloys are staggered and much larger than those from Porsche’s past, now measuring 20 inches up front and 21 inches at the back, while framing a set of classic black brake calipers.
For anyone that grew up in the ’60s or ’70s, there’s corduroy in this car! We’re half expecting to see geometric velour patterns in Porsche’s follow-up Heritage Design Edition.
This is the first example of four collector’s models from Porsche’s Heritage Design strategy, incidentally, and as was shown in this article’s first paragraph, it doesn’t come cheap. There’s always a price paid for exclusivity, and with just 992 of these special Heritage 911 Targas available (the number referencing the latest 911’s internal code name), its lofty window sticker will make sense to those capable of taking advantage. Porsche commemorates the example purchased with a beautiful gold metal “911 Heritage Design Edition XXX/992” dash plaque, with the number “000” shown likely kept for Porsche’s own collection.
The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition pays obvious tribute to late ‘60s and early ‘70s 911 Targas, but Porsche makes the point of claiming this car represents four decades of classic 911s.
Porsche pulls the green background lighting in the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition’s gauge cluster from ’50s and ’60s-era 356 and 911 models.
“We are evoking memories of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s in customers and fans with the Heritage Design models,” stated Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG in a press release. “No brand can translate these elements into the modern day as well as Porsche. In this way, we are fulfilling the wishes of our customers. With the exclusive special editions, we are also establishing a new product line which stands for the ‘lifestyle’ dimension in our product strategy.”
As noted before, this first example of the four Heritage Design models is based on the all-new 2021 911 Targa 4S, and therefore is as modern as the new the new 992-generation gets under the skin, including all of Porsche’s latest chassis tech, driver assistance systems, infotainment advancements, and more. Below its automatically deployable rear wing is 443 horsepower worth of horizontally opposed, twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder greatness combined with a paddle-shift prompted eight-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. It’s capable of shooting from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.6 seconds (when Launch Control is engaged) and maxes out at a track speed of 304 km/h.
Each of the 992 examples get this beautiful numbered plaque on the dash shelf.
Classic car aficionados have long appreciated how horology has played an important role in the automotive industry’s beginnings, in that early watchmakers provided the same types of instruments we now refer to as gauge clusters. Porsche remains true to its past with the beautiful analogue clocks found on the centre dash tops of all models, which can usually be upgraded to a complex chronometer stopwatch and lap counter by adding its Sport Chrono Package. Exclusive to 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design owners, Porsche Design, a majority-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, although a credible luxury watchmaker on its own, has created the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design edition chronograph wristwatch.
Of course, it goes without saying that you must have the matching Porsche Design wristwatch too.
Once again just 992 examples will be manufactured, and come complete with a face featuring a white seconds hand and “Phosphorus Green” rings around its perimeter like the primary instruments in both the 356 and original 911 Targa. Additionally, its Arabic hour indices are styled in typical Porsche block lettering, while the leather strap is produced from the same hides as those found in Porsche interiors.
This watch and the new 2021 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition are available to order now before arriving in Canada this fall. And yes, if you’ve read this far you definitely don’t have an American Express Centurion card, or you would’ve already placed your order.
Those that end up missing out on the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, yet still have some room left over on their platinum cards, should take a look at our recent overview of the 2021 911 Targa 4 and 4S (it only starts at $136,000), and then click on one of CarCostCanada’s 2019, 2020 or 2021 Porsche 911 Canada Prices pages to find out about available manufacturer rebates, financing and/or leasing deals, and otherwise hard to get dealer invoice pricing that could save you thousands. Right now factory leasing and financing rates can be had from zero percent on all of the above model years. Knowledge is everything, and in this case a CarCostCanada membership is a small price to pay for all the savings coming your way. Also, make sure to download the new CarCostCanada app from Google Play Store or the Apple iTunes store.
Story credit: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche
With the redesigned 992-generation Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet body styles now widely available, and plenty of trims such as Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, and Turbo S already on offer,…
Anyone familiar with Porsche’s iconic 911 will immediately know this is the new Targa, complete with a classic silver roll hoop and curved rear glass.
With the redesigned 992-generation Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet body styles now widely available, and plenty of trims such as Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, and Turbo S already on offer, it was only a matter of time before a fresh new Targa appeared.
While originally sporting a silver roll hoop and large, curved rear window (although the first 1967 model, first introduced at the 1965 Frankfurt Motor Show, had a removable rear window made from plastic that was replaced with fixed glass in 1968), its roof has gone through a variety of changes. The roll bar wasn’t always wrapped in silver stainless steel as on the first generation, and the initial removable roof panel morphed into a power-sliding glass roof that tucked under the rear window on 1996–1998 993 models, this resulting in new sweptback C-pillars and similarly angular rear quarter windows.
From side profile it’s easier to see the differences between the Carrera coupe and this new Targa.
Porsche revived that Targa design for the 2006–2012 997 version of this model, while adding hatchback access to the rear glass, but abandoned it for the 2016–2019 991.2 Targa which received a power-operated retractable hardtop-style roof mechanism that lifts the entire rear deck lid before hiding the roof panel below. This also allowed for a return to the original silver roll hoop Targa design, all of which carries forward into the all-new 2021 911 Targa. Lowering or raising the sophisticated roof takes a mere 19 seconds, incidentally, meaning that it’s easily accomplished while waiting for a red light.
Below the beltline the new Targa benefits from most of the new 992-generation Carrera Coupe and Convertible design cues, which means its hood and lower front fascia say goodbye to the outgoing 911’s combination of mostly body-colour oval shapes and hello to a nearly straight-cut, horizontal slit separating the former from the bodywork below, plus a broad, black rectangle on the latter becomes the first visual clue to its 992 designation that oncoming Porschephiles will take notice of.
This is the best angle to see the Targa’s main changes, all of which are above the beltline.
Such gives the entire car a wider, more assertive stance, while the more angular hood now integrates classically tapered creases at each side of its indented centre, much like the original 911’s hood, albeit without a vented end. As for Porsche’s ovoid multi-element four-point LED headlamp clusters, they appear very similar to the outgoing model.
Thanks to the same three vertical slats on the new Targa’s B pillars, which also wear the classic scripted “targa” nameplate, the old and new cars’ profiles look almost identical at first glance. Closer inspection shows front and rear fascias that wrap farther around the side bodywork, slightly more upright headlamps, taillights that extend forward similarly to the rear bumper vents, modified front side marker lights, new chiseled wheel cutouts, fresh mirror caps, more sharply angled flush-mounted door handles that extend outward when touched (replacing the old model’s more classic rounded door pulls), and a much smoother rear deck lid, resulting a modern take on classic 911 Targa styling.
The Targa top provides the benefits of a convertible, and then 19 seconds later is as tightly enclosed as the 911 Carrera Coupe.
Those taillights come into clearer view when seen from behind, with the new model building on the old 991’s narrow dagger-like LED-infused lenses and even slimmer body-wide light strip by extending the latter farther outward to each side, and then grafting in some 718-sourced 3D-like graphics at centre, these above seemingly open vent slats below, while chiseling out even more linear lines for the outer lamps.
Like the Carrera, the Targa’s diffuser-infused lower rear bumper is bigger, bolder and blacker than before, plus it feeds exhaust tips from within rather than forcing them to exit underneath, while hidden beneath the new 911’s gently flowing rear deck lid, just above the aforementioned light strip and below a row of glossy black engine vent strakes, is a much wider and larger active spoiler featuring multiple positions for varying levels of rear downforce.
The new Targa gets all the same classic 911 design elements as the new Carrera.
Excluding the bumpers, all 911 Targa body panels are now made from lightweight aluminum, while the front fenders were significantly lightened and the underlying body structure more than halves its steel content from 63 to 30 percent, with the 70 percent remaining now fully constructed from aluminum. All this dieting helps to improve structural rigidity, handling, fuel efficiency, and more.
New 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels come standard with the Targa 4, the former on 235/40 ZR-rated rubber and the latter on a wider set of 295/35 ZRs, while the Targa 4S receives staggered 20s and 21s wrapped in 245/35 ZRs and 305/30 ZRs respectively.
Like the Carreras and Turbos that launched earlier, the new Targa boasts an interior inspired by 911 models from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and even the ‘90s, particularly the wide, horizontal dash design to the right of the traditionally arcing instrument hood, the former even incorporating a narrow shelf mimicking the lower edge of the original dashboard.
The new 911’s interior combines styling cues inspired by classic Porsches from the past with ultra-advanced tech.
The gauge cluster follows Porsche’s classic layout, or at least this mostly digital design appears to. As it is, there’s only one mechanical dial at centre, the tachometer as always, with the four surrounding instruments integrated within two large TFT/LCD displays that can also show route guidance, audio, trip, and cruise information, etcetera. Specifically, the right-side display is for multi-information use as with the outgoing 991, while the left side includes a conventional looking speedometer in default mode or alternatively a number of new advanced driver assistive systems such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane keeping assist, and more.
The aforementioned horizontal dash design houses a 3.9-inch larger 10.9-inch high-definition Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment touchscreen with much greater depth of colour than its predecessor, as well as updated graphics, enhanced performance, and more functions from fewer physical buttons, plus most everything else already included with more recently redesigned Porsche models.
If you want a 911 you won’t be seeing around every corner, the Targa is for you.
As far as trims go, the outgoing 911 Targa was available as a 4 and 4S throughout its tenure, plus as a Targa 4 GTS from 2017–2019, so it comes as no surprise that Porsche would choose to introduce the new 2021 Targa in 4 and 4S trims as well. While a more potent version will no doubt be on the way soon, for now the Targa 4 utilizes the 911’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo horizontally opposed six making 379 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, plus Porsche’s eight-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) automated gearbox with steering wheel paddles as standard equipment (this new automatic improved by one forward gear over the previous Targa’s seven-speed PDK), resulting in 4.4 seconds from standstill to 100 km/h in base trim or 4.2 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package.
A seven-speed manual transmission is available as an option when choosing the Sport Chrono Package in the new 911 Targa 4S, which together with a more formidable 443 horsepower 3.0-litre six boasting 390 lb-ft of torque only manages to match the less powerful Targa 4’s 4.4-second sprint to 100 km/h due to the more efficient PDK transmission, but when the more powerful car is hooked up to its dual-clutch automated gearbox the Targa 4S is good for much more lively acceleration equaling 3.8 seconds in base trim and 3.6 with its Sport Chrono Package.
Just in case you missed the previous profile shot, here’s one of the other side.
Just like the new all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and 4S models introduced earlier this year, the new Targa 4 and 4S use an innovative water-cooled front differential that incorporates reinforced clutches to increase load capacities and overall durability. When combined with standard Porsche Traction Management (PTM), the updated front axle drive system enhances the two Targa models’ traction in slippery conditions, while also improving performance in the dry.
Additionally, all 2021 911 Targa owners benefit from a new standard Wet mode added to the updated steering wheel-mounted drive mode selector, the unique technology automatically maintaining better control over watery or snowy road surfaces when engaged.
All new 911s receive standard autonomous emergency braking with moving object detection as well, improving safety further, while a high-definition backup camera and rear parking sensors are also on the standard equipment list.
Feast your eyes, the new 911 Targa is one beautiful sports car.
Additionally standard, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) includes electronically variable dampers with both Normal and Sport settings, while Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), standard with the Targa 4S, is now optional with the Targa 4, and features an electronic rear differential lock with fully variable torque distribution.
The Targa 4’s standard brake discs measure 330 millimetres front and rear, and feature black-painted monobloc fixed calipers with four pistons up front, whereas the Targa 4S model’s 350-mm calipers get a coat of bright red paint and utilize six pistons at the front. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system is optional, as are staggered front to rear 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels.
The all-new 2021 Porsche Targa 4 starts at $136,000 plus freight and fees, while the 2021 Targa 4 S can be had for $154,100. Both can now be ordered at your local Porsche retailer.
To learn more about all the 2020 Carrera models and 2021 Turbos, check out CarCostCanada’s 2020 Porsche 911 Canada Prices page and 2021 Porsche 911 Canada Prices page (the 911 Targa and 2021 Carrera models will be added when Canadian-spec details are made available), where you can configure each model and trim with available options, plus find out about valuable rebate info, manufacturer financing and leasing rates (currently available from zero percent), and otherwise difficult to ascertain dealer invoice pricing that could save you thousands.
Story credits: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche
Make sure to check out our gallery above, and the following four videos (Dreamcatcher filmed in Vancouver) that show the power-operated roof (and car) in action:
The new Porsche 911 Targa (1:07):
The new Porsche 911 Targa – Dreamcatcher (1:21):
Virtual world premiere: The new Porsche 911 Targa (3:53):
The 911 Targa – the timeline of a Porsche legend (2:15):
