10 Things You Didn’t Know about The 2021 Porsche 911 Targa

So, what exactly is a Porsche Targa? Let’s rewind to the 1960s when the United States banned full convertibles. The reason behind this ban was that in case these cars rolled, it was easier for your block to be knocked off. Porsche decided to resolve this matter in 1966, by offering the 911 Targa. Instead of folding the entire roof, the manufacturer decided to offer removable roof panels over the front seats that kept drivers aerated on hot summer days. But the rear roll-hoop and window remained intact to alleviate possible injuries.

Decades later, convertibles are still on the mainstream market, safer than ever. Interestingly, while remaining anonymous, the 911 Targa still exists today, mainly due to its style. Folks adore its classic look more so because it’s now electrically operated to provide excellent insulation, especially during winter. With this in mind, is the 911 Targa superior to the 911 Cabriolet, or the Mercedes SL? Well, here are ten things you probably didn’t know about the 2021 Porsche 911Targa that answer this question.

1. Its Performance

There’s been much pub-talk platitude wrangling over the inferiority of the 911 Targa against the 911 Coupé. The 911 Targa has a more massive chassis than the Coupé by about 90kgs. It also comes in four-wheel drive (badged Carrera 4), which also adds more weight relative to the Cabriolet and Coupé (Carrera 2) versions. In conventional physics, more weight means faster acceleration.

The Targa 4 – an entry-level model – features a 365bhp, 7-speed manual gearbox. It does 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds. Its flat-six engine with an electrifying howl is an extra treat. Next up on the line is the Targa 4S that’s relatively expensive, but 414 bhp makes it a superior pedigree sports car than the Targa 4. The GTS version is the most potent in the series, lightning-quick, and pricey.

2. Its Interior

According to “What Car”, the 911 Targa’s lumbar adjustment makes up part of the costly 14-electrically adjustable seats. The range of movement to the steering wheel and seats is adequate – that’s when you avoid the buckle seat option. By modern standards, the dashboard has an unusually high number of buttons, but with a little practice and familiarization, they are easy to understand.

3. Its Infotainment

All models in the Targa series feature infotainment touchscreens. These screens offer exciting features such as Google maps, on-board Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay (although Android is conspicuously unsupported). Other features include Bluetooth support, Sat-Nav, and DAB radio. When comparing to models such as the F-Type and SL systems, Targa offers superb infotainment.

4. Boot and Passenger Space

Being a supercar, no one can expect that the 911 Targa has room, as well as a surprising amount of space in its front. Ideally, it’s more spacious than the F-Type, and any occupant must be incredibly tall to run out of leg or headspace. The rear is a different story. Squeezing in an adult can be quite uncomfortable on their part, even when on a short trip. These seats are considered more suitable for smaller kids. They are an ideal supplement to the boot, allowing you to carry bulkier items like golf clubs. The 911 Targa has its boot in the front and the engine in the rear.

5. Driver Assistance and Safety Features

According to “Car and Driver”, the 2021 911 Targa hasn’t been officially evaluated and crash-tested by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). However, this car features a host of driver-assistance tech, including automatic high-beams, night vision, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

6. Its Exterior

While the 911 Targa 4 and 4S roof was the same idea from the previous-gen 911 Targa, its exterior style is borrowed from the current 911 platform. The improved rear and front fascia complement the aluminum-intensive body panels. The exterior also features standard LED headlights, a rear light bar, and a variable-extending spoiler at the rear to maximize aerodynamics.

7. Its Electronically-Operated Roof

The new 911 Targa 4 and 4S have an electronically-operated fabric roof that can fold in 19 seconds. Besides, it comes with the famous Targa roof covering the entire width of the car, featuring the “Targa” nomenclature on both sides. Generally, this has been the typical standard on all 911 Targa versions since 1965.

8. Its Power and Performance

The new 2021 911 Targa 4 has a 3.0-litre; twin-turbocharged flat-six motor powering it. It also features a 331 pound-feet of torque and 379 horsepower. The 911 Targa 4S features similar motor but upgraded to provide more grunt with 390 pound-feet torque and 443 power. For any of the two models, the engine is attached to standard PDK with an 8-speed dual-clutch, automatically turning all the four wheels. All this is facilitated by Porsche’s intelligent 4WD controlled by the Porsche Traction Management (PTM).

9. Speed and Braking

Compared to the outgoing 911 Targa model, the Targa 4 can attain 60 mph in just 4 seconds, while the Targa 4S (Sport Chrono Package) only takes 3.4 seconds to achieve the same speed. Other impressive features in these models include PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) with variable dumping, Normal, Sport, and the new Wet driving modes. They also feature torque vectoring and fully variable torque distribution. The Targa 4 has 20″ rear and 19″ front wheels with 4-piston caliper brakes. On the contrary, Targa 4S has 21″ rear and 20″ front wheels with 6-piston brakes.

10. Availability and Price

For the supercar enthusiasts who follow the Porsche 911 Targa saga, it’s clear that this car isn’t an inexpensive proposition compared to the standard Carrera 4 Coupe. And that’s precisely the scenario here. According to “The Fast Lane Car”, the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4 has a $120,650 price tag and $136,550 for the Targa 4S. These two are approximately $14,100 pricier than the Carrera 4 and 4S counterparts. The two 911 Targa models are expected to hit dealerships in late 2020.

Conclusion

The 2021 Porsche 911 Targa is a true masterpiece, a supercar that has inherited most of its features from its predecessors. With more added features and functionality, this car seems to be Porsche’s most inventive auto that every supercar aficionado is hoping to drive.