2008 Porsche 911 Targa

Sky-High Performance

The Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S combine a glass roof with standard all-wheel drive and a choice of powerful engines.

The Porsche 911 Targa is a glass-roofed version of the 911, with a few extra standard features thrown in to make it one of the most comfortable versions of the iconic car.

The Porsche 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S models differ from the all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4 Coupe and Carrera 4S Coupe mainly in the way they’re topped off. The Targas feature a tinted glass roof that can be opened by about 20 inches at any speed, thanks to two electric motors. A wind deflector helps minimize wind noise, and a power-operated roller blind is included for days when the sun is too intense.

A power-opening rear window makes loading the trunk of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S easy. Eye-catching aluminum trim strips run the length of the roof on both sides of the vehicle.

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A rear-mounted, 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine powers the base Porsche 911 Targa 4. Top speed approaches 180 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of around 5 seconds. The 911 Targa 4S, meanwhile, includes a bigger, 3.8-liter six-cylinder that shortens the 60 mph sprint by about half a second.

The standard all-wheel-drive system in the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S transfers between 5 and 40 percent of the engine’s power to the front wheels. This improves handling and also traction on slippery roads.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S. A five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, which allows manual shifting via steering wheel-mounted buttons, is optional.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Active Brake Differential are standard on the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S. So is the Porsche Stability Management System (PSM), which uses sensors to monitor each wheel and automatically apply the brakes or adjust the throttle to improve traction and performance. In high-powered cars like the Porsche 911 Targa 4, such safety systems are a boon.

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PSM can be disabled for drivers who wish to explore the car's limits without electronic aids. If deactivated, heavy braking will automatically turn the system back on.

The Porsche Active Suspension Management system is standard on the Porsche 911 Targa 4S and optional on the 911 Targa 4. It monitors body movement and automatically adjusts the suspension according to driving style and road conditions. A “Sport” mode stiffens the suspension for sharper handling. The ride can be rough, though, given the car’s already taut suspension and low-profile tires.

For aspiring amateur racers, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S offer a Sport Chrono Package Plus, which features a digital/analog stopwatch on the center dash and the ability to improve throttle, suspension, and transmission response (only with the optional Tiptronic S automatic). Data from the stopwatch is logged in the onboard computer for future review. Parameters can be set to measure and record driving times for any stretch of road or track.

Interior styling is understated and more purposeful than luxurious, with well-placed controls. The rear seat is useful only for small children or cargo.

• Porsche 911 Targa Vehicle Summary

Standard features on the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S include front side and side-curtain airbags. Porsche’s staggering options list allows detailed customization, including comfort and convenience equipment, performance upgrades, trim materials and colors, and cosmetic addenda. You can choose paint and upholstery to match virtually any color or fabric.

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A European delivery program allows owners to pick up their new Porsche 911 Targa 4 or 911 Targa 4S at the factory in Zuffenhausen, Germany, and drive cross-country to a port for shipment back to the U.S.