The Porsche 911 Targa is one of the most unique sports cars currently on sale, and we had a chance to drive a very special version of the latest 992-generation Targa recently.
The Porsche 911 is one of the most celebrated sports cars in the world, with each passing generation becoming bigger, faster and more impressive. With a purist philosophy to the design and development of the 911 range, the Targa, which manages to blend open-top driving thrills with a coupe-like experience with its roof in place, seems to exist because there is simply a demand for it, and perhaps Porsche appreciate the heritage of the model.
The Targa can trace its lineage back to the mid-60s when Ferdinand Porsche penned the original Targa as a result of a demand for a safer open-top sports cars amid threats the USA were to outlaw cabriolets, and well, the rest is history. Ferdinand also started the design studio Porsche Design back in 1972, which has gone on to produce some fantastic watches, pens and sunglasses. As such, the brand has released just 750 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design Targa models, and we recently had a chance to drive car number 9 for a few days.
Styling
In this writer’s opinion, the Targa is the best-looking model within the ‘regular’ 911 range, particularly after you have performed a show for onlookers by lowering the roof, leaving behind a satin silver hoop and a gorgeous rear glass house, creating a silhouette that is both iconic and timeless. This 50th-anniversary model is based on a Targa GTS, which means that in addition to the Porsche Design stickers on side of the vehicle and a commemorative plaque on the rear, there are 20/21-inch silver alloy wheels with centre-lock nuts and tinted front and rear lights, while there is also the Porsche Design Package which adds high-gloss accents to the front apron and spoiler, then side skirts and a rear apron.
Interior and space
The interior of the Edition 50 continues the theme first presented in the latest 992-generation 911 where designers have incorporated the old with the new by creating an aesthetic reminiscent of early 911 models, but with the inclusion of modern technology. This particular model gets Slate Grey seat belts, a Porsche Design analogue clock on the top of the dashboard, a central storage lid embossed with Ferdinand Porsche’s signature, commemorative door sill guards, aluminium interior inserts, a Sport-Tex chequered pattern on the Adaptive Sports seats and a leather dashboard package.
In terms of infotainment, there is a digitised instrument cluster, which features two 7.0-inch configurable screens separated by an analogue rev counter, again creating a retro aesthetic. The centre screen itself is the 10.9-inch PCM unit that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and with several updates, has become one of the best infotainment systems available on a sports cars thanks to its ease of use and high-resolution display.
Other standard features include a multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, two USB charging ports, semi-autonomous driver aids, keyless entry/start, cruise control, a ParkAssist system and a reverse camera, among others.
When looking at practicality, the Targa offers a 132-litre ‘frunk or froot’ for storage, as well as a 163-litre storage area at the rear, making this best used by just two people on extended trips while the rear seats, in typical 911 fashion, are bets suited to children.
Performance and driving impression
Powering the limited-run model is a 3.0-litre flat-six engine equipped with two turbochargers, allowing for an impressive 353kW and 570Nm of torque. The potent motor is paired with a deeply impressive 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. Despite suffering from a 180kg weight gain versus the standard Carrera, the Edition 50 years still manages a 300km/h-plus top speed and a 3.5-second 0-100km/h time.
The car feels incredibly fast and is certainly more than enough performance for most, but we say this about all 911 models, and when presented with a faster version, always appreciate that for what it is too. The elasticity of the engine’s torque and power delivery coupled with the phenomenally fast shifts of the near-telepathic PDK gearbox along with that all-wheel drive system makes for an effective tool for carving up any road, while the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) means that the ride quality remains impressive, despite our often pockmarked road surfaces.
The Targa is far from perfect, though, sacrificing the aforementioned weight, which is some 100kg versus a regular 911 GTS cabriolet in order to have that roof, making it a slightly more blunt tool, a feeling cemented by the all-wheel drive system which provides supreme traction, but ultimately robs front-end feel. There is also quite a lot of resonance inside the cabin when the roof is down, an issue made better by the deployment of an air rake which sits above the windscreen, however, the buffeting sound is still present.
The sacrifice made for the aesthetically pleasing roof isn’t all bad, though, because the flat-six engine sound absolutely fantastic, with turbo blow-off sounds and a satisfying wail all the way to the 7 000 r/min redline. Overall, the experience provided by the Targa will not disappoint, and it is certainly not a case of “…never meet your heroes” with this particular product.
Safety
The 911 range has not been crash tested as the brand does not submit the models for evaluation, however, the 911 is incredibly important for Porsche, so it is logical to assume that it would be at least as safe as the likes of the Macan and Taycan, which have both been rated as 5-Star cars by the Euro NCAP new car assessment programme.
Fuel consumption
Porsche claims that the Targa, in GTS guise, will consume petrol at a rate of 9.9 L/100km, however, our three-day jaunt resulted in a figure of 13.1 L/100km thanks to some spirited driving, although, a daily commute was negotiated at an entirely acceptable 8.7 L/100km during our test.
Pricing
The Edition 50 Years Porsche Design model of the Targa was listed at R2 949 000 at the time of writing, however, all local examples are already spoken for, so those in the market for similar thrills can opt for a standard Targa 4 GTS, which retails for R2 717 000. All new Porsche products come with a comprehensive 3-year/100 000km Drive Plan as standard.
Verdict
It was a privilege to be able to drive a 911 Targa for the first time, and the fact that this was a limited-run model made it all the more special. While the Targa is an inherently flawed product thanks to its theatrical roof, its shortcomings only make it that much more endearing. In true 911 fashion, its driving experience remains exceptional even though engineers have had to overcome several technical challenges related to the location of the engine, the relative height of the additional weight provided by the roof mechanism and, of course, the all-wheel drive system. This is a 911 that appeals to a very select group of buyers, but those lucky enough to add one to their garage will have an exceptional driving tool that comes with a rich history, and will certainly be highly collectable in the future.
Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews
Keyword: Porsche 911 Targa Edition 50 Years Porsche Design (2022) Review