2022 Porsche 992 GTS Targa

Exterior

Design-wise, we can expect the usual Porsche 911 treatment. Similar to the 911 Carrera GTS we talked about a little over a week ago, the exterior has experienced some subtle changes, to make it slightly more distinctive and aggressive than the less-powerful 911 Targa versions. The front fascia has a slightly sportier look, with more distinctive individual vents.

On the side, the Targa GTS looks identical to the others, except for the new sportier wheels with a center lock. At the back, we see a familiar sight from the lesser 911 models. The only notable differences are the clear taillights and the number plate location, which now belongs on the rear bumper, instead of the diffuser.

We have to talk about the Targa’s most distinctive feature – the fully-automated folding roof. It has an innovative design that allows it to fold in just 19 seconds. As this is a Targa, only the section over the front seats retracts. The rear roof section features the signature Targa bar, first seen on the 1965 Porsche 911 Targa. The upper section is nicely finished with a wraparound back window.

Interior

The Targa GTS is still 911, which is why we can expect the same simplistic, highly-finished, and driver-centric interior we’ve come to know from the other 911 models. With the GTS version, you can expect the same subtle reminders that you’re driving a sportier version. Notable features of the 911 interior are the center tachometer, which on GTS models usually has a red background, five toggle switches for quick access to important functions, and a 10.9-inch infotainment screen. Since the 911 Targa GTS is not a track-focused version, you get a full interior.

Drivetrain

Powertrain-wise, the Targa versions of the 911 have always shared the engines of their Carrera and Cabriolet versions. For instance, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 develops 380 horsepower (283 kW) at 6,500 RPM and 322 pound-feet (450 Nm) at 1,950-5,000 RPM from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, while the Targa 4S takes these numbers up to 444 horsepower (331 kW) at 6,500 RPM and 391 pound-feet (530 Nm) at 2,300-5,00 RPM. The figures are identical to those of the Carrera and Cabriolet versions of the 911, wearing the 4 and 4S designations.

With this in mind, and what we already know for the 911 Carrera GTS, we can expect the 911 Targa GTS to develop around 475 horsepower (354 kW).

This will be a nice middle ground, considering the purpose of the GTS variants has always been to bridge the gap between the more “sedate” and more hardcore Porsche models. As for performance, we can expect it to be similar to that of the 911 Carrera GTS, which should mean a sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) in around 3.4 seconds, thanks to Porsche’s all-wheel-drive and eight-speed PDK. With the Targa 4 peaking at 179 mph (280 km/h) and the Targa 4S peaking at 189 mph (304 km/h), we can expect the Targa GTS top speed to be close to 195 mph (314 km/h).

Prices

The exact price for the 911 Targa GTS is not yet out, but judging by the pricing of other 911 versions, we can expect the Targa GTS to be somewhere between the Targa 4S and the GT3. The 911 Targa 4S costs $135,200, while the track-focused GT3 has a sticker price of $143,600. With this in mind, expect the 911 Targa GTS to start at around $140,000.

Competition

Jaguar F-Type Roadster

Just like the classic Jaguar E-Type, its modern-day successor – the F-Type – comes both as a coupe and as a soft-top convertible. In the P450 trim, the 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 pumps out 450 horsepower (331 kW) at 6,000 RPM and 428 pound-feet (580 Nm) at 2,500 RPM, which is enough to propel the cat to 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 178 mph (286 km/h). Power is sent to the rear through an eight-speed ZF automatic. With the Jaguar, you don’t get a Targa version, but you still get a very nice interior, which combines a great driving position with old-school British luxury. Despite the power and torque figures, the Jaguar is a bit less eager to go, compared to the 911. That said, it’s also less expensive. In Europe, the British V-8 convertible starts at €102,520 or the equivalent of $120,822. However, the P450 version is not available in the US.

Read our full review on the Jaguar F-Type Roadster

Chevrolet Corvette

As capable as it is, the 911 Targa GTS will have fierce competition, in the form of the Corvette C8 Convertible. Unless you are a Porsche fanatic, you cannot argue with the bang for buck the mid-engine Corvette offers. Like the 911, the C8 Corvette Convertible has a Targa roof. However, it’s not automated, which means you have to take it off and then put it back on manually. On the other hand, the $68,495 starting price for the American convertible will be reason enough for many to go for it. Yes, it may not have the same finish as its German rival, but that mid-mounted 6.2-liter V-8 cranks out 495 horsepower (369 kW) and 470 pound-feet (637 Nm). Power goes to the rear through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. All this is enough for a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of around 3.0 seconds and a top speed of around 192 mph (310 km/h).

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Corvette

Conclusion

The GTS version has established itself as the sweet spot between comfort and performance. Now, Porsche is expanding its GTS lineup, by giving the 911 Targa the same treatment as the Carrera GTS. Although the Targa has been one of the more controversial variants of the 911, there’s no denying that the Targa GTS represents a perfect blend of comfort and performance, with the iconic body style, we first saw in 1965. The Porsche 911 is one of the few cars that manage to embody both the old and the new. The GTS treatment was originally reserved for the last model year of Porsche 911, but with the increased interest, they’ve included it into the regular lineup. Infusing the 911 Targa with a bit of zest could mean that more people will turn their attention to the quirky, but iconic body style.