2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS (991.2 Facelift) Spied Completely Naked

Case in point with the prototype in the spy footage at the bottom of the page, which is a new Targa derivative. While the 991.1 Targa came in 4, 4S and 4 GTS trims, only the first two have been introduced until now, so we're assuming this is the GTS - sure, the rumors about a Targa Turbo are still keeping us on our toes, but this car doesn't seem to pack the visual badassery of the twin-turbo 3.8-liter models.

The turbocharging brought by the facelift is quite an asset for the Targa

We'll remind you the Targa badge means you end up with the heaviest 911 incarnation - the tech-fetishy roof mechanism means the Targa is over 20 lbs (10 kg) heavier than the Cabrio. As a result, the extra torque brought by the inevitable switch to turbocharging will serve the fancy-topped Zuffenhausen machine well.

Then again, you don't grab a Targa, be it a "standard" model or a GTS and expect to receive 100 percent of the fixed-roof model's sharpness. And speaking of the kind of experience this hairstyle-friendly Neunelfer derivative provides, here's our 991.1 Targa 4S review.

In the looks department, the outgoing Targa 4 GTS already borrowed the centerlock wheels of the 911 Turbo/Turbo S, so we know what to expect of the new model.

And while the forced-fed soundtrack of the revamped models has been nothing short of an opinion splitter, the Targa, with its open roof, will only allow occupants to get a better taste of the flat-six voice, which should help with the aural part of the adventure.

We have to admit that, once Porsche releases the refreshed Targa 4 GTS, we'll return to day-dreaming on the Turbo topic mentioned above.