Get-Ad Free Access: Join Today!
The 911 Targa received the same upgrades during the switchover to the 997.2 generation, including a boost in power and performance. The expansive glass roof now featured increased UV protection. This is the point in Porsche 911 Targa history when the model re-established itself as the perfect halfway measure between a true coupe and a convertible. Porsche engineered a wildly complex power-retracting center roof piece and left the rear glass fixed in place. Beyond this fabulous roof mechanism, it’s the same Carrera 4.
The 997 Targa design is the same as the 996s, with the power-operated panoramic sunroof and lifting rear window glass. The 997 Targa version's entire operation benefitted from thinner glass that cut approximately 4.2 pounds from its weight relative to the prior 996-series Targa. The 997 Targa 4 has softer spring rates than the coupe, a more generous helping of leather in the cabin, a better tally of standard equipment. The Targa 4 might therefore be all the 911 you ever want; not the fastest or the most visceral, but certainly the most complete car in a very impressive bunch. A great all-rounder.
As with the previous 996 Targa model, the most striking feature of the car is the large, sliding-glass roof and glass rear hatch, which blend sleekly into the classic 911 lines while providing the Targa with its own unique personality. Like the rest of the range the Targa 4S got a visual refresh and the all-new direct injection engine. In the Targa 4S, it produced 380 bhp @ 6500 rpm and torque of 310 ft lbs @ 4400 rpm. 0 - 60 mph takes just 4.5 seconds (PDK) and top speed is 185 mph.
The two 997 Targa 4 cars are both offered in only all-wheel-drive. Available with either a 3.6 litre flat 6 in the Targa 4, or with a more powerful 3.8 litre flat 6 in the Targa 4S, the new car offers almost all the fun of a convertible without sacrificing the dynamic abilities of a hardtop. The Targa 4S gets to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and tops out at 179 mph thanks to its 3.8 liter flat six pumping out 350 bhp and 295 ft lbs of torque. It has softer spring rates than the coupe, a more generous helping of leather in the cabin, a better tally of standard equipment, more storage space behind the front seats.
The 997.2 Turbo was introduced for the 2010 model year and received a new 3.8 litre engine capable of 493 horsepower, a significant evolution as compared to the 473hp in the 997.1 Turbo. The 997.2 Turbo was available in both manual and automatic transmissions, but the automatic evolved from the Tiptronic used in its predecessor, to a sportier dual-clutch PDK. Approximately 3,300 coupes were produced and 1,800 cabrios, far less than its predecessor. An epic all-around GT with more performance than you could ever need.
Like the 911 Turbo Coupe, the 997 Turbo Cabriolet is powered by a 3.6 liter six-cylinder boxer engine with biturbo turbocharging and Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG). The powerplant already generates 480 hp (473 bhp) and 460 ft lbs of torque at 1950 rpm. The manual transmission version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds while the Tiptronic S the time can be cut to 3.6 seconds. Top speed for the Cab is the same 193 mph as Coupe and only weighs 70 kilos.
The 997.2 Turbo was introduced for the 2010 model year and received a new 3.8 litre engine capable of 493 horsepower, a significant evolution as compared to the 473hp in the 997.1 Turbo. The 997.2 Turbo was available in both manual and automatic transmissions, but the automatic evolved from the Tiptronic used in its predecessor, to a sportier dual-clutch PDK. Approximately 3,300 coupes were produced and 1,800 cabrios, far less than its predecessor. An epic all-around GT with more performance than you could ever need.
The sixth generation of the 911 series’ top-of-the-range model was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. The 997 911 Turbo has 473 bhp @ 6000 rpm, 60 bhp more than its predecessor. Rated torque is now 473 bhp @ 6000 rpm. The speed range in which this power is available has also been extended. While the previous model’s maximum torque was available between 2,700 and 4,600 revolutions per minute, the corresponding figures are now 1,950 to 5,000 revs. 0 to 60 mph is over in a blistering 3.6 seconds and top speed is 193 mph. The ultimate GT.
Based on the 530-bhp 911 Turbo S, the special-edition Porsche has carbon-fiber trim inside and out, plus upgraded leather, badging and the exterior colors of the 918, including the use of Acid Green on the brake calipers, illuminated sill plates, interior stitching and instrument cluster needles. Also limited to 918 units, the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder will be available in Coupe ($160,700) and Cabriolet ($172,100) forms, making this one very expensive dealer option.
In 2011, Porsche China released a special limited edition model to celebrate an active decade in the Chinese market. The Porsche 10 Year Anniversary Edition is yet another 911 of only ten copies, each with a stylish plaque with the chassis number. The Porsche has a Gold Bronze Metallic paint, combined with matte black carbon components such as the hood, rear wing, tailgate and side mirrors. Underneath, you will spot a 911 Turbo S. The interior is a combination of black with gold stitching leather, alcantara and carbon.
The heart of this most exclusive high-performance athlete is of course a six-cylinder boxer boosted by two exhaust gas turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, with an increase in power over the 911 Turbo by 30 to 530 bhp (390 kW). Maximum torque is a most impressive 700 Newton-metres (516 lb-ft). At the same time this new top model comes as standard with all high-tech components available only as options on the “regular” 911 Turbo. The 911 Turbo S comes exclusively with seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) conveying drive power to PTM all-wheel drive.
The heart of this most exclusive high-performance athlete is of course a six-cylinder boxer boosted by two exhaust gas turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, with an increase in power over the 911 Turbo by 30 to 530 bhp (390 kW). Maximum torque is a most impressive 700 Newton-metres (516 lb-ft). At the same time this new top model comes as standard with all high-tech components available only as options on the “regular” 911 Turbo. The 911 Turbo S comes exclusively with seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) conveying drive power to PTM all-wheel drive.