2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 4S joins the 911 family

The Targa is an iconic body style for the Porsche 911, combining the advantages of both the Coupe and Cabriolet. Porsche has never missed offering a Targa version of all their 911s since 1965, even if the interpretation has wildly varied. So, when the 992 gen Porsche 911 came out last year, a Targa version of that was always on the cards. And here it is, the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 4S.

The 911 Targa’s unique design combines the classic silhouette of the Coupe and the open-top motoring experience of a Cabriolet. It is almost identical to the 911 Coupe under the beltline. But Porsche dumps the three-quarter windows and the traditional windscreen on the Coupe for a wrap-around glass at the back. The glass is connected to a bar that runs over the 911, connecting either side of the car. This silver bar, called the Targa Bar, hides a retractable fabric cover that forms the roof of the car. The cover electrically retracts in 19 seconds for an open-top driving experience.

In the “boot” sits the same turbocharged 3.0-litre flat-six engine from the Coupe/Convertible. It churns out 379 hp and 449 Nm in the Targa 4. The outputs get bumped up to 443 hp and 528 Nm in the more potent Targa 4S. The engine can be paired to either the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or the glorious 7-speed manual.

As the 4 and 4S monikers are already a clue, the new Targa 911s come with all-wheel-drive. Adding the optional Sports Chrono Package gives enough grunt to let the 911 Targa 4 scoot from 0 to 100 kph in just over 4.2 seconds while the more powerful 4S slashes it down to a bit over 3.5 seconds. Purists sticking to the manual ‘box will be rewarded for their loyalty in the form of the Sports Chrono Package as standard as well as a limited-slip differential.

As always, Porsche pegs the 992-gen 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S above the Coupe and Cabriolet from their respective lineups in terms of price. There are likely rear-wheel-drive versions in the pipeline as well.