Offering more power than before, the 2021 Porsche Targa has joined the new generation 911 stable in two all-wheel drive formats – the Targa 4 and Targa 4S – with both having the iconic retractable roof section above the front seats and a wraparound rear window.

Both models are fitted with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) as standard to deliver compelling performance, traction and driving pleasure. Alternatively, the 911 Targa 4S can be ordered with a seven-speed manual transmission at no charge, which includes the Sport Chrono package as standard.

Both 911 Targa models are powered by a six-cylinder, 3,0-litre twin-turbo boxer engine: the 911 Targa 4 now delivers 282 kW and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4,0 seconds when equipped with PDK and the optional Sport Chrono Package – one tenth quicker than the previous model.

The engine in the 911 Targa 4S puts out 330 kW and reaches the 100 km/h mark in just 3,4 seconds with PDK and the optional Sport Chrono Package – four tenths quicker than its predecessor. The top track speed of the new 911 Targa 4 is 286 km/h, while the 4S peaks at 300 km/h.

Maximum torque on the Targa 4 is 448 Nm is delivered across a wide engine speed range from 1950 r/min to 5 000 r/min. The 911 Targa 4S generates 528 Nm of torque between 2 300 r/min and 5 000 r/min.

As with the 911 Carrera models, Porsche InnoDrive, which includes adaptive cruise control, is optionally available on PDK-equipped models for the first time. Thanks to the enhanced Smartlift function for the optional front axle lift system, frequently visited locations can be programmed so that the front end of the car is raised automatically when needed.

The performance of the new all-wheel drive models goes hand-in-hand with further development of the front-axle drive system that was already introduced in the 2020 911 Carrera 4 and 4S Coupé and Cabriolet models.

The clutch and differential unit is water-cooled and has reinforced clutch discs for greater strength and a higher load capacity. The increased actuating torque at the clutch improves its adjustment accuracy and the function of the front-axle drive. Overall, the enhanced front-axle drive with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) contributes to even better traction in all road conditions.

Like all Porsche 911 Carrera models, the electronically-controlled variable damping Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is standard equipment on the new 911 Targa models. This system automatically adjusts the damping characteristics focused on maximising driving comfort and handling to each driving situation and has two modes that can be activated by the touch of a button: Normal and Sport.

Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which includes an electronic rear limited slip differential with fully variable torque distribution, is standard for the Targa 4S with PDK and is available as an option on the Targa 4. When ordered with the manual transmission, the 911 Targa 4S comes fitted with a mechanical rear limited slip differential.

The Targa models are also equipped with Porsche Wet Mode as standard. Sensors fitted in the front wheel housings are capable of detecting water on the road surface and, if significant volumes of water are picked up, the stability control system is automatically optimised for wet conditions and a message in the instrument cluster provides a recommendation for the driver to manually switch to Wet Mode. Once the driver does so, the powertrain is then adapted to the conditions to help improve traction and stability in adverse weather conditions.

The most striking feature of the 911 Targa is, of course, its Targa bar and roof, which was adopted from the previous 991 generation model. Harking back to classic Targa models of the 1960s and 1970s, the Targa bar comes standard in silver but can also be optionally ordered in black, and features the characteristic ‘Targa’ model designation on each side, which has graced 911 Targa models since 1965.

The exterior of the 911 Targa is characterised by the design elements of its 992-model generation. Compared to its predecessors, its body features significantly more pronounced wheel housings at the front and, between its LED headlights, its front luggage compartment lid has a distinctive recess evoking the design of earlier 911 generations.

The rear has a wider, variably extending rear spoiler and an integrated light bar. With the exception of the front and rear fasciae, the entire outer skin is made from aluminum.

The interior echoes the 911 Carrera models with clear and straight lines for its dashboard and its recessed instruments. The 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here. Alongside the central tachometer – very much a defining feature for Porsche – two thin, frameless freeform displays offer key vehicle information for the driver. Five toggle switches providing direct access to important vehicle functions are located below the 10,9-inch center screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM).