First Porsche 911 Targa GTS launched

Porsche has launched its first ever 911 Targa GTS, bringing the number of 911 GTS models to five, the number of GTS variants in its range to nine and the number of 911 variants to a record 21.

First seen at the Detroit motor show in January, the new 911 Targa 4 GTS combines the performance focus of other GTS models with the design focus of the 911 Targa for the first time.

It joins the four existing 911 GTS variants (Carrera 2 and 4 coupe and cabriolet) and Porsche's four other GTS models -- Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne and Panamera – to expand the Targa, 911 and GTS model families to unprecedented levels.

Due on sale in Australia in the third quarter of this year, Porsche says the 911 Targa 4 GTS was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both the first 911 Targa and the first Gran Turismo Sport – the street-legal 904 GTS that won the 1964 Targa Florio in Sicily.

Unsurprisingly, Porsche's most hard-core Targa is also the most expensive, and one of the priciest 911s. Priced at $305,300 plus on-road costs in seven-speed manual form, it costs the same as the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet GTS, but $18,100 more than the 911 Targa 4S and $21,200 more than 911 Carrera 4 Coupe GTS.

And at $311,250 for the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic version, it's $17,650 more expensive than even the new PDK-only 911 GT3 racer-for-the-road, and pricier than all but the range-topping GT3 RS and Porsche's four 911 Turbo models.

Naturally, the Targa GTS shares its folding glass roof, wider rear-end and standard all-wheel drive with the latest 991-series 911 4 Targa, and adds the same mechanical and design features as other GTS 911s.

That means a more powerful 3.8-litre flat six that produces 316kW at 7500rpm – up from 294kW (400hp) at 7400rpm in the Targa 4S, which produces the same 440Nm of torque but at 5600rpm rather than 5750rpm as in 911 GTS models.

The Targa's extra glass sees it weigh 20kg more than the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, which is a further 70kg heavier than the 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, the AWD system in which adds another 50kg over the rear-drive 911 Coupe.

Add 20kg for the PDK transmission and a further 4kg in extra GTS equipment, and the Targa GTS weighs in at a still-respectable 1580kg (DIN) and still sprints to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds (manual), or as little as 4.3 seconds in PDK Sport mode – one-tenth quicker than the Targa 4S.

For the first time with a 911 Targa, top speed exceeds 300km/h – up from 296km/h (manual) and 294km/h (PDK). Yet combined fuel consumption remains unchanged, at 10.0L/1100km (manual) and 9.2L/100km (PDK).

The GTS treatment extends to the standard fitment of Sport Chrono
Package (including Sport mode, launch control and active engine mounts) and black centre-lock 20-inch alloy wheels from the 911 Turbo S measuring half an inch wider -- now 9.0-inch front with 245/35 tyres and 11.5-inch rear with 305/30 tyres.

Other mechanical changes include a lower ride height for the GTS, plus standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM adaptive damping).

GTS cosmetic features include gloss black-finished rear and side badging, quad exhaust outlets and rear engine cover, smoked bi-xenon headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), sport design door mirrors and a racy Alcantara-themed interior including the steering wheel, gear shifter, door trims, centre seat section and rear headlining.

Inside, there are also GTS instrument dials, a red or silver tacho with matching seatbelt borders, anodized aluminium trim strips and aluminium door sill plates bearing the 'Targa 4 GTS' name.

Standard Targa hallmarks include the all-electric targa-top roof with striking silver rollover hoop and wrap-around rear windscreen. Options include Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll compensation.

Porsche says that since the first 911 Targa appeared in 1965, one in eight 911s have been Targa models, which now comprise 13 per cent of total 911 sales -- up from less than five per cent in the previous generation.

Sales of GTS models also continue to grow as Porsche expands its GTS model family, which began with the race-ready 904 GTS coupe in 1963, with the mid-size Macan SUV confirmed to be next in line.

GTS models have been a resounding success since Porsche relaunched the performance sub-brand with the 997-series 911 five years ago, with the company selling every GTS model it can build.