Next Generation Porsche 911 TARGA

With the introduction of the new 911 Targa this autumn, Porsche is completing the fastest ever generation change in the 911 model series. Two new power units with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) improve both the performance and economy of the car, the fast-shifting Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) - or double-clutch gearbox - replaces the optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission, and electronically-controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM) takes the place of the former viscous-coupling all-wheel drive system.

The latest addition to the new generation 911 line-up comes as before in two variants; 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S. The Targa 4 version is powered by a 3.6-litre flat-six engine developing maximum output of 345 bhp (254 kW) and giving the car a top speed of 176 mph. The power unit featured in the Targa 4S displaces 3.8-litres, developing maximum output of 385 bhp (283 kW), and accelerates this outstanding sports car to a top speed of 185 mph.

[b]Innovative Glass Roof[/b]
The visual highlight of the 911 Targa remains the distinctive 1.54-square metre glass roof made up of two segments; the elegant sliding roof above the occupants and the versatile top-hinged tailgate. When opened completely, the roof slides beneath the tailgate within seven seconds to offer an open space above the passenger compartment of 0.45 square metres. The sliding roof comes as standard with a new electrically-controlled sun-blind, which offers increased shading than that fitted previously. When closed, this spans the entire area of the sliding roof, and can be opened and closed independently of the roof itself. The glass roof and the tailgate are manufactured from specially-treated glass designed to deflect the sun’s glare, thereby protecting the occupants even in bright sunshine from UV radiation and excessive heat.

[b]Porsche Traction Management (PTM)[/b]
As their designation implies, the 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S remain exclusively available with four-wheel drive. For the new generation models, the all-wheel drive is now provided via electronically-controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which replaces the viscous multiple-plate clutch arrangement fitted previously. The superior PTM system was first developed for the 911 Turbo and has been modified for the Targa models. The transmission delivers an even higher level of driving stability, traction and agility, further enhanced by the mechanical limited slip differential also now fitted as standard to the rear axle.

PTM feeds exactly the right amount of engine torque in each situation through an electronically-controlled multiple-plate clutch to the front wheels, supplementing the flow of power to the rear wheels. Combined with the highly dynamic PTM control system, this clutch precisely delivers a distribution of power and torque to the front and rear axles as road and driving conditions change. With the previous viscous clutch, up to 40 per cent of torque could be directed to the front axle. In contrast, the new electronically-controlled PTM system delivers an infinitely variable torque split, and is able to distribute up to 100 per cent of traction to the front or rear wheels.

[b]New engines with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI)[/b]
The 911 Targa 4 models share their all-new flat-six engines with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) with the sister models in the next generation 911 line-up. With the launch of the new 911 Carrera model series, Porsche is introducing direct fuel injection 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. Specifically, output of the 3.6-litre power unit is up by 20bhp to 345 bhp (254 kW). The improvements on the 911 Targa 4S with its 3.8-litre power unit are equally significant, with maximum output up by 30bhp to 385 bhp (283 kW).

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Credits: Jarvis