2008 Porsche 911 Targa

A Good Kind of Glass Ceiling

The Porsche 911 Targa blurs the line between coupe and convertible and benefits from some surprisingly practical features.

Performance

With very little added weight over the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, the Targa is capable of similar performance. Porsche says the Targa 4 can do the 0-62 mph sprint in 5.3 seconds, and the 4S can hit the same mark in 4.9 seconds. The 4 can reach a top speed of 174 mph, while the 4S can reach 179 mph.

In real-world driving, you probably wouldn’t be able to feel the difference between the 4 and the 4S unless you drive them both back to back, and aggressively. Using all the available rpms in each gear, we noticed that the 4S leapt forward with more enthusiasm than the 4 as we shifted up to the next gear using the sweet six-speed manual transmission, indicating that the larger 3.8-liter engine’s torque curve is especially advantageous in the upper-middle range.

The Targa provides just as much of a sensory experience as any 911 of recent history — meaning that you can expect a healthy dose of engine noise and some road noise in the cabin, along with a decent amount of road feedback through the steering wheel. The latest engine sounds much like the air-cooled six-cylinder of 911s from days past, with ever-present belt noise and a small amount of mechanical rustle at idle. But there is the typically sonorous engine note at high rpms, as well.

To match the Targa’s wider back end, heavier curb weight, and more touring-minded customer base, the suspension is tuned with softer springs and stiffer anti-roll bars. Compared with other 911 variants, it feels a bit more settled, especially over rough roads.

We were a bit suspicious that this more forgiving setup would bring more body roll, or handling that was less sharp, but the Targa's driving dynamics are still stellar, aided by the excellent all-wheel-drive system. With a special multi-plate clutch, the system can bring five to 40 percent of engine torque to the front wheels as needed, helping traction under power, and stability during extreme handling.

The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system feels like a partner in driving fun instead of a big brother, working with the 911 so well that you can keep it turned on and let it enhance the experience.

The Targa is confidence-inspiring in every way, with tenacious grip, a steering system that allows both quick response on tight winding roads and good high-speed stability, and huge cross-drilled disc brakes among the best on any car at any price.

The Porsche Active Suspension Management system that’s standard on the 4S and optional ($1,990) on the 4 adjusts damper firmness individually at each wheel. The Normal mode is ideal for everyday cruising or commuting, while the Sport mode tunes the system for more aggressive handling.

If you like to feel like you’re going fast no matter what, the Targa might be the top choice over more isolated grand-tourers like the Mercedes SL550 or BMW 650i. Its sheer athleticism and more direct sensory experiences translate to a great sense of speed. In other words, you don’t have to tempt state troopers to truly enjoy the Targa.

We had only a couple of minor criticisms, both pertaining to everyday driving. The lack of wind noise with the top closed only amplifies road noise inside the cabin, which is especially loud over coarse surfaces at high speeds. Also, rear visibility while backing up with the top open can be challenging due to the darkly tinted glass and because of the way the retracted panel doubles up against the rear window.

But in everyday driving, there is one last positive: With fuel economy ratings at 18 city mpg and 26 highway mpg for the Targa 4, this sports car is no less frugal than a midsize luxury sedan.

The Targa broadens the 911’s appeal without compromising any of the things that make it great. Though the six-figure price of a well-equipped Targa 4S seems steep — especially next to the Carrera’s base of $73,500 — there’s nothing else like it that so ably combines practicality, all-weather drivability, and the reflexes of a well-bred sports car.