Porsche->ke1 is giving a mid-cycle refresh to its cornerstone 911->ke282 lineup, and while we saw the updated 991.2-generation in RWD form last September, it’s time for the AWD variants to get some love. That includes the stylish Targa-->ke573tops, which get the same revisions as their RWD counterparts, including mildly modified styling, the latest infotainment gear, and most importantly, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine.

Thanks to a healthy serving of boost, this new powerplant offers both higher output and greater efficiency compared to the outgoing model. And when paired with four-wheel grip, the AWD 911s->ke1920 will actually out-accelerate their RWD counterparts, a first in the model’s history.

So then – new looks, new tech, AWD traction, and a new engine, plus all the latest go-fast goodies Porschephiles have come to expect over the years. And topping it all off is that classic semi-convertible roof.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Porsche Targa 4.

porsche-911-targa-4

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: porsche-911-targa-4
Pros
Cons

2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4
  • Engine/Motor: flat-6
  • Horsepower: 370 @ 6500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Porsche isn’t exactly known for huge styling changes between 911 model years, and this latest refresh is no different. There are, however, a few subtle updates to point out.

First, the front bumper is slightly modified. The front intakes are now a bit smoother and the daytime running lights are slimmer four-point units. The headlights are also new.

On the flanks, the door handles now come without recess covers for a much cleaner look. Moving to the rear, you’ll find a new decklid with vertical louvers, rather than the old model’s horizontal design. Below this sit new four-point taillights connected by a single 3D light strip. This strip illuminates the rear end, but it also accentuates the Targa’s broader dimensions, which gain an extra 44 mm (1.73 inches) in width compared to the tail on RWD models.

Of course, being a Targa, you get that unique open-top style, complete with silver Targa-bar B-pillars and wrap-around rear window glass. All together, the Targa offers the suggestion of a roofline when viewed in profile, which to my eye, looks far better than the topless Cabriolet. It’s unlimited headroom, but in a more graceful package.

Sun and sky is just a button away – push it, and the retractable soft-top roof cover neatly folds behind the seats.

Interior

Inside is more or less the same performance-oriented layout offered previously – you still get a button-laden center console with a large touchscreen, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a tachometer mounted centrally in the gauge pod, well-bolstered seats, and top-notch materials.

Updates mostly revolve around the standard Porsche Communication (PCM) infotainment system, which Porsche calls “completely new,” starting with a fresh 7-inch multi-touch display. There’s also standard navigation that can accept hand-written inputs. Included is a free one-year subscription for real-time traffic info, remote vehicle data retrieval, Google StreetView, and internet radio. Smartphone connectivity comes courtesy of the onboard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a simple hardwire connection.

As expected, the 911 takes plenty of cues from its faster, more expensive siblings, starting with the new steering wheel. This unit is offered with a design similar to the steering wheel found on the 918 Spyder, measuring in at 375 mm (14.76 inches) in standard trim. If you’d prefer something smaller, either for quicker inputs or because you’re an overachiever at the gym on leg day, you can opt for the GT Sport steering wheel, which is measured at 360 mm (14.17 inches).

One final option of note is the electro-hydraulic lift feature, which increases front ground clearance by 40 mm (1.57 inches). Push a button, and five seconds later you’ll be able to navigate speed bumps and angled driveways without scraping that finely chiseled, road-hugging Porsche chin.

Drivetrain

Redesigned headlights and a smaller steering wheel are fine, but the most important changes are found under the rear decklid. Like the Coupe and Cabriolet, both the 911 Targa 4 and 4S are equipped with Porsche’s new 3.0-liter flat-six powerplant. Displacement is lower than before, but the addition of two turbochargers makes up for it, and the final result is more power and more torque (not to mention up to 12 percent higher efficiency).

The base model Targa 4 produces 370 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, while the 4S adds modified compressor wheels, a new exhaust, and a new engine tune to bump peak output to 420 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission comes standard on both models, while Porsche’s indispensable seven-speed dual-clutch PDK is optional.

Even more speed can be had by way of the optional Sport Chrono Package. Drawing further inspiration from the 918 Spyder, this pack adds a rotary dial to the steering wheel reminiscent of the hybrid map switch found on Porsche’s hybrid halo. Using this, drivers can choose between four different driving modes – “Normal,” “Sport,” “Sport Plus,” and “Individual.” The “Individual” mode allows for customized settings for a variety of equipment, including the suspension, PDK transmission, and even the exhaust. There’s also a “Sport Response Button” that puts it all in max attack for 20-second all-out acceleration bursts.

So then – what’s all that actually mean? Here are some figures to make sense of it all:

Equipped with a manual transmission, the Targa 4 can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while the addition of a PDK drops that time to 4.3 seconds. Throw in the Sport Chrono Package and 0-to-60 is achieved in 4.1 seconds. Top speed is 179 mph.

Meanwhile, a manual Targa 4S takes 4.2 seconds to hit 60 mph. With a PDK, it’s 4.0 seconds, or 3.8 seconds with a PDK and the Sport Chrono Package. Top speed is 188 mph.

All in all, the heavier Targa models only take an extra 0.2 seconds to reach 60 mph compared to the Coupe. Even more impressive is the fact that, for the first time ever, this AWD 911 accelerates quicker than its RWD equivalent (not including the monster 911 Turbo, of course).

Much of that can be attributed to the electro-hydraulically controlled AWD system, which was adopted from the aforementioned Turbo. Also pulled from the same parts bin is the rear-axle steering system, an available option for 4S models. This offers sharper turn-in, which is great for tight hairpins on the track or quick passing maneuvers on the highway. It also reduces the Targa’s turning radius by about a foot and a half.

Finally, keeping it all rubber-side-down is the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, which comes with new shock absorbers and lowers the ride height by 10 mm (0.39 inches), all in the name of striking a balance between comfort and sportiness.

Drivetrain Specifications

Porsche Targa 4

Porsche Targa 4S

Cylinder layout / number of cylinders

Horizontally Opposed / 6

Horizontally Opposed / 6

Displacement

3.0 l

3.0 l

Engine layout

Rear engine

Rear engine

Max. Power

370 HP @ 6,500 RPM

420 HP @ 6500

Max. Torque

331 LB-FT

368 LB-FT

Compression ratio

10.0 : 1

10.0 : 1

Top Track Speed

179 MPH

187 MPH

Acceleration 0 - 60 mph

4.5 seconds

4.0 seconds


Safety

Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have posted any crash test results for the Porsche 911 Targa, even stretching back several model years. That said, there are a variety of standard safety features worth mentioning, such as full-size two-stage driver and passenger airbags, the Porsche Side Impact Protection System (which includes “side impact protection elements” in the doors and two side-impact airbags per side), an automatically deploying roll-over protection system, and bi-xenon headlights.

There’s also Porsche’s Dynamic Light System offered as an available option, which comes with speed-sensitive beam-range adjustability, adverse weather functionality, and a pivot function that helps to illuminate around corners. Finally, there’s the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus, which comes with LEDs, plus an automatic high/low beam function.

Prices

Pricing starts at $108,600 for a Targa 4 equipped with a manual transmission, while the 4S starts at $122,600. If you want a PDK for either model (and odds are you do), expect to pay an additional $3,200. And don’t forget the $1,920 Sport Chrono Package, either.

Then you’ve got all those other options to rack through, like 20-inch wheels (up to $3,560), Adaptive Sport Seats Plus ($3,825), a full-leather interior (up to $5,790), keyless entry and drive ($1,090), Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes ($8,520), the Sport Exhaust System ($2,950)… hell, even a rear wiper is $360.

The point is this – a new 911 can be rather costly, so factor in your desired spec when looking at that MSRP.

Expect availability in April of 2016. In the meantime, we’ll get a closer look at the new 911 Targa at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show this November.

Model

Price

Porsche Targa 4 (manual)

$108,600

Porsche Targa 4 (PDK)

$111,800

Porsche Targa 4S (manual)

$122,600

Porsche Targa 4S (PDK)

$125,800


Competition

Jaguar F-Type

Finding a convertible, AWD sports car in this price range can be tricky, but Jaguar meets Porsche blow-for-blow with the F-Type. Motivation is derived from a supercharged V-6 that produces 380 horsepower, while a standard 8-speed QuickShift automatic transmission puts it to the ground. There’s also continuously variable suspension and a driver-selectable Active Sport Exhaust system, both as standard. Pricing is also a bargain compared to the Porsche, starting at just $87,900. Looking for more? Then check out the F-Type R, which equips a 550-horsepower supercharged V-8. And at only $106,450, the R is still $2,150 less than a base-model Targa 4.

Read our full review here.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Taking on the 911 is no easy task, but Aston Martin thinks it has the right stuff with the Vantage. Also available as a coupe, this two-seat drop-top uses copious amounts of aluminum to keep the curb weight low, while nestled in the nose is a 430-horsepower, 361-pound-feet powerplant sending power to the rear. Routing it all is a six-speed manual transmission. The Aston a more traditional sports car setup compared to the rear-engine, AWD Porsche, but the result is just as potent – a sprint to 60 mph takes just 4.6 seconds, while top speed is rated at 190 mph.

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

No matter where you stand on the turbo vs NA debate, it’s hard to argue against the end result seen here. Enthusiasts looking for the sharpest throttle response and clearest exhaust note can explore other models in the Porsche stable, but for the majority of buyers out there, the move to boost is a good one.

The new Targa offers the kinds of things most people care about – it’s faster, but also more efficient, it offers lively handling, but also comes with AWD grip, it’s chock-full of the latest technology, but it’s also derived from a highly celebrated pedigree, and thanks to that targa-top, it can both shelter you and invite in the elements. If you really wanted, you could even drive it every day.

Of course, all these great attributes come at a rather steep price, especially if you pick up the options list, but if you’ve got the means, the new 911 Targa 4 and 4S are sure to please.