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How much?	£80,270
Engine:	3800cc flat six, 380bhp @ 6500rpm, 310lb ft @ 4400rpm
Transmission:	Six-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Performance:	4.9sec 0-62mph, 184mph, 25.7mpg, 259g/km CO2
How heavy / made of?	1540kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)?	4435/1852/1310

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Porsche 911 Targa 4S (2008) CAR review

By Adam Towler

First Drives

25 September 2008 08:10

Porsche’s 'Targa' moniker has been applied to open-air 911s since the late 1960s, and now with the latest version complementing the recently launched coupe and convertible models, it completes Porsche’s visually subtle but mechanically thorough overhaul of the 911 armada. We now awaited the Turbo and GT variants...

So, this Targa's basically a new Porsche 911 with a big sunroof then?

Well, technically yes. Since the days of the 993-generation 911 in the late 1990s, the Targa option has meant an electrically powered sliding-glass roof; in earlier decades it stood for a separate panel that you removed from the car. Still, it’s nevertheless an effective way of gaining more light in the cabin; achieving much of the pleasure of open-top motoring, and all without the usual security and (most of the) torsional stiffness bugbears associated with a traditional canvas roof.

Sounds like it’ll be easy to operate as well?

Absolutely. Two switches are located behind the gearlever: one operates the glass roof panel; the other shuffles the canvas blind back and forward. The operation is quick and quiet, and there’s very little buffeting with the roof slid back – no need for cumbersome wind breaks here.

The glass itself incorporates a UV filter to keep temperatures bearable in the cabin, supposedly letting through only 17 percent of the thermal energy of sunlight. However, despite the expanse of sky above your head, the Targa doesn’t offer the expansive environs you get from a true convertible; it always feels like a coupe with a large sunroof without that ultimate sense of freedom.

Unfortunately, rear visibility is mildly diminished when you have the roof glass section slid back, but with the roof section in place you can open the rear 'screen', allowing decent access to the storage area behind the rear seats – up to 230 litres with them folded, according to Porsche.

Click 'Next' below to read more of our Porsche 911 Targa 4S first drive

Scroll down the page to the embedded player below to watch the video road test of the new Porsche 911 coupe

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bobsterv12 says

RE: Porsche 911 Targa 4S (2008) CAR review

Well we know that the Targa driver doesn't want the attention seeking factor of the cab, or the track focused tool that is the coupe. So I always find such comparison superfilious; the rear hatch and glass roof make this a good high performance and practical GT car, much like the Vantage (now why cant all 997s have a rear hatch?). The Targa would be very tempting indeed if only Porsche could get over the aluminium side strip, a delete option perhaps? (and perhaps sent dealers to etiquette classes). Now reading this article, I'm trying to work out what I didnt know from wikipedia or by reading the press release. Apart from the supple ride, which is the same as for the previous generation, its difficult to know much about the drive. Is the Mk2 a better car? Does the roof squeak when in sport or sport plus mode? Oh well, guess all thinks in due time.

01 October 2008 14:16

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Batty says

RE: Porsche 911 Targa 4S (2008) CAR review

I concur, I think that they are often the most fetching of the breed.

26 September 2008 06:20

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JohnnyD says

RE: Porsche 911 Targa 4S (2008) CAR review

For some irrational reason I've always been taken by the Targa. I know it makes no sense when you add up the pros & cons but if I was to land the Euro-Millions jackpot (I guess I need a ticket?!) a Targa would end up in my fantasy garage. Please feel free to laugh...

25 September 2008 13:22