The next episode in Porsche’s Targa saga

The updated Porsche 911 Coupes and Cabriolets have already broken cover, and now, in record time, the latest permutations of Stuttgart’s ne plus ultra of sports cars are the 2009 Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S. This is the one with the sliding glass roof and the flashes of chrome over the side windows.

The roof is made up of over 16 square feet of glass. It’s in two sections: the front part slides back to give occupants nearly five square feet of sky to appreciate, which it does in seven seconds. The rearward segment lifts up to become a handy tailgate. Porsche says a set of golf clubs can be placed in the Targa’s rear quarters with ease. A newly designed electrically operated sunblind comes as standard and works independently of the roof. The glass itself is of a special tint that protects against UV radiation and excessive heat, even in bright sunshine.

Like the rest of the 911 range, Targa models offer either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the seven-speed double-clutch gearbox (the PDK, or Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe). The latter replaces the old Tiptronic auto system and is, Porsche claims, super-fast (60% faster than a conventional slush box) and super-smooth. It’s also about 20 pounds lighter than the old system.

As their names suggest, both models have all-wheel drive, which is now controlled electronically. The ‘entry-level’ engine is the 3.6-liter flat six that develops 345 horsepower and enables a zero-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds. The S model has a 3.8-liter version that’s good for 385 hp and 4.9 seconds; the PDK transmission shaves off another two-tenths in each case. Both feature direct fuel injection that results in a power increase of up to 8.5%, yet reduces consumption by 11.2% and carbon dioxide emissions by 13.6%, depending on the model.

Both models will be available from October. The 4 has an MSRP of $89,500, the 4S $100,100. Equipment upgrades include touchscreen controls for audio and navigation, plus Bluetooth, satellite radio, and iPod/USB sockets.

-- Colin Ryan

Photos: Porsche