The specs of the 911 Targa GTS are pretty easy to guess. This is a lovely car that combines the coolest roof in the business with the sports tech from the GTS coupe and convertible. So instead of stating the obvious, I'm going to compare this to the Ferrari 308 GTS, a targa-topped 2-seat supercar introduced in 1977.
In those days, the 2.9-liter V8 engine this was equipped with could be considered state-of-the-art. And yet it produced only 255 hp or as little as 240 hp for American versions. The new 911 Targa GTS manages to shame that with its 3.8-liter flat-six delivering 430 hp.
Just like the Cayman/Boxster GTS models, you can order both a manual and an automatic gearbox. The PDK is noticeably faster, taking just 4.1 to rocket you to 60 mph, while the 3-pedal model requires 4.5 seconds. Whichever gearbox you go for, the top speed is very impressive at 188 mph, 1 less with the PDK (303 km/h or 301 km/h). Euro-spec models claim 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds with a manual or 4.3 seconds with PDK and Sport Plus engaged.
Oh sure, this isn't the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Porsche has ever built, but the 7.5% power bump over the standard Targa 4S's 400 hp makes a difference. This is not the sort of car that makes sense on paper, more one that you buy because you've always been a loyal Porsche fan.
As standard, the Targa GTS comes with Sport Chrono package, PASM chassis (active suspension management), 20-inch wheels and a sport exhaust system. It's not going to be as comfortable on longer journeys, but will feel planted on the track.
Beauty on the inside
The optional GTS interior package is one of the major highlights of this car. The cabin is enhanced by accents in Carmine Red or Rhodium Silver over black leather and dark-grayish Alcantara. The ‘GTS’ logos on the headrests are embroidered in a contrasting color.
The 911 Targa is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and to celebrate that, the company is launching the GTS, on display for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show. It looks noticeably more aggressive and sporty than a normal Targa, starting with a redesigned front end and continuing with larger center-lock wheels, side skirts and lowered .
It's likely the Targa GTS also previews the 911's mid-life facelift, the so-called 991.2. The deck lid and some of the details at the front are different to what we see on 2014, though speculation is a bit redundant at this point.
Ever since the day of the 997 Turbo, Porsche has been known for offering bespoke leather-clad interiors. The Targa GTS show car is no exception. Every nook and cranny has been tailored and there are even carbon fiber accents to let you know where the cash been spent. Compared to this, Alfa Romeo's 4C Spider looks like a sportscar from another century.
Prices announced
The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS will be available in Germany from mid-March 2015. The price has been set to start at €137,422 including value added tax and country-specific features. That's €13,500 more than the standard Targa 4S.
The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS will be launched in the United States in late Apri. The MSRP will be $132,800, not including the destination charge of $995.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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