DESCRIPTION

Pros:

• Exhilarating acceleration and dynamic handling characteristics
• Surprisingly fuel efficient
• Also works as a daily driver
• Brakes stronger than Vader's death grip

Cons:

• Price tag is not for the faint of heart

The 911 Targa is named after the famous Targa Florio endurance races where Porsche scored more victories than anyone else. The 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S have glass roofs made of two glass panels which extend from the windshield header all the way back to the leading edge of the engine cover and spans the entire width of the roof from side frame to side frame.

The front glass panel, which completely covers the area over the front seats, may be opened like a conventional sunroof. The rear glass panel is hinged and can be opened like a hatch to provide access to the rear seat area. This makes the 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S the only 911 models with this feature.

New for 2011 is the optional PDK transmission available for Targa 4 owners. When equipped with the PDK, the Targa 4 shifts faster and has better fuel economy. Minor exterior revisions have taken place with LED taillights, LED daytime running lights, and smaller fog lights.

The focal point of the Targa's updated interior is the new Porsche Communication Management 3.0 which features a touchscreen for simplified operation of the audio system as well as the optional hard-disk-drive navigation system. Other important additions to PCM 3.0 are the new options of XM satellite radio with XM NavTraffic capability, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod port, USB port and auxiliary jack.

The 911 Targa 4 features Porsche’s 3.6-liter, six-cylinder horizontally opposed engine producing 345 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The 911 Targa 4S has the 3.8-liter engine providing 385 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm.

0 to 60 times for the 911 Targa 4 equipped with the 6-speed manual is 5.0 seconds and has a tested top track speed of 177 mph. Adding the PDK gearbox and optional Sports Chrono Package improves the sprint time to 4.6 seconds. The PDK features high speed shifts and superior fuel economy, all without a clutch pedal.

The 911 Targa 4S, using the 3.8-liter Porsche boxer engine mated to the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The top test-track speed is an impressive 185 mph. Adding the PDK gearbox and optional Sports Chrono Package improves the sprint time to 4.3 seconds.

The 2011 MSRPs for the 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S is $92,100 and $104,800, respectively, plus $950 for destination fee.

Some of the available options for the Targa 4S include the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system, Sport Chrono Package Plus, stainless-steel exhaust pipes, self-dimming rearview mirrors, parking-assist sensors, navigati