Porsche->ke1 has a very predictable model lineup. For decades, the German company has released a 911, then followed that with a set of variations that alternate between coupes,->ke141 convertibles,->ke144 rear-wheel-drive models, all-wheel-drive models models, Targa,->ke573 Turbo->ke571 and various horsepower iterations of standard, S and GTS. Despite a wide array of models, one 911 that has never existed is a Targa version of the powerful naturally aspirated 911 GTS with all-wheel drive. That all changed at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show with the 911 Targa 4 GTS.

The Targa 4 GTS 911 is exactly as it sounds. Porsche has taken the classic Targa with its removable roof panel, but has fitted it with the powerful 430-horsepower, flat-six engine and Porsche’s advanced AWD system. The GTS is a great model for buyers who want the roofline and strength of a coupe, but want the open-air experience afforded by a convertible.

Thanks to a host of included bonus options inside and out, the new Targa 4 GTS is the fastest, most powerful and most luxurious naturally aspirated Targa 911 you can buy as of 2015.

Updated 02/02/2015: Porsche unveiled a new video showing the new Targa 4 GTS in action. Enjoy!

Continue reading to find out more about the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS.

2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
• Engine/Motor: flat-6
• Horsepower: 430 @ 7500
• Torque: 325
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

The shape of the 911 has barely been altered over the last 50 years, but that doesn’t mean that the new 911 Targa 4 GTS is boring to look at. Aside from that legendary profile, the Targa 4 GTS comes with special 20-inch alloys that are matte black and feature single center lock. The nose is a sportier design than lesser 911s, the air intakes are black, and the logos around the car are also finished in black.

It’s easy to sport that this car is a Targa by its unique roofline and the stowable roof panel, and that signature silver rollover protection bar. Since this is an AWD 911, the rear fenders are wider than a standard 911. The sporty front end has wider openings, and the headlights are smoked bi-xenon units.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Inside the Targa 4 GTS it is essentially identical to most other 911 models, but with just a few extra touches. The standard Sport Chrono package adds a stopwatch at the top-center of the dash, and the seats included are the upgraded Sport Plus seats with black GTS logos in the headrests. The interior is covered in a large amount of black Alcantara that is softer than leather and weighs half as much as leather.

Drivetrain

The real difference between a normal Targa 4 and the Targa 4 GTS is the running gear. The Targa 4 GTS uses a 3.8-liter, flat-six engine that produces 430 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque; that is 30 more ponies than the Targa 4 S. Porsche says that this new car is good to hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds when equipped with a seven-speed manual transmission. If you want to go even faster, the PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission drops that 60-mph sprint time to just 4.1 seconds. Manual transmission cars have a top speed of 188 mph while the PDK rings in at 187 mph.

As discussed already, that power is sent to all four wheels.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

The 911 Targa 4 GTS will go on sale in the United States in April 2015 with a price tag of $132,800, not including the $995 destination fee.

Competitors

Audi R8 V8

The current Audi R8 V8 is right on par with the GTS when it comes to output. Sure, the Audi doesn't come with a targa roof, but you can go with the convertible if you want to enjoy unlimited headroom. Motivated by a 4.2-liter, FSI V-8, this R8 comes with 430 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque on tap. However, Ingolstadt's halo car isn’t as fast in a straight line, needing 4.3 second to reach 60 mph from a standing start. This figure comes the S tronic autobox and drops to 4.6 seconds with the manual transmission. As far as top speed goes, the automatic version can hit 186 mph, while the manual R8 tops out at 187 mph. Pricing begins from $115,900 for the latter and $124,900 for the former. The convertible retails from $129,400 and $138,400, respectively.

Find out more about the Audi R8 V8 here.

Conclusion

On the 50th anniversary of the first 911 Targa, Porsche has decided to create one of the best and most luxurious models to ever wear the badge. That GTS badge adds more horsepower, a tighter suspension setup, better interior equipment and upgraded looks. The result is the best 911 Targa ever created. With that grip afforded by all-wheel drive, this is also the fastest and best performing Targa ever. If there was ever reason to consider the closest things Porsche makes to a hard-top convertible, this is it.

Update History

Updated 01/23/2015: We've added a series of new images from the car's official debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

Rendering

Not much to talk about with this rendering. It's simply a 911 Targa with the super-sexy GTS bits added into the mix.

Spy Shots

November 27, 2014 - First testing session

At first glance, this prototype looks identical to the one our paparazzi spotted in early September 2014. We can see the same new details all around. Even the wheels are a perfect match, with the front axle riding on twin five-spoke wheels, with the rear end rolling on plain five-spoke rollers. But take a closer look at this 911's rear end and you'll notice it features center-mounted exhaust pipes instead of the standard layout seen on the earlier test car.

So what does this mean? Well, last time we saw a 911 prototype with a similar exhaust everyone thought it will become a particular feature of the GTS. That didn't happen, as the GTS broke cover with quad-exhaust pipes. Confused? So are we, but we have a theory. Word has it the entire 911 lineup will get turbocharged power with the facelift, meaning the GTS will make the switch as well. What we're looking at could very well be the first turbo GTS to introduce the center-mounted exhaust configuration. Of course, there's also the posibility this is an upcoming, naturally aspirated Targa GTS and the strange exhaust is only a head-scratcher Porsche sent our way just for kicks.

We'll find out soon enough, so make sure you stay tuned to TopSpeed for further details.