Six airbags for all-round protection
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911 Targa 4 / Targa 4SThe Porsche 911 Targa 4(S) is now entering its next generation full of elegance, power and performance. The large roof made of tinted glass as well as the new high-gloss-polished aluminium trim strips on the side edges of the roof are the first eye-catcher.
Large sliding roof and hinged rear window The Porsche Targa is characterised in particular by its large glass roof. The complete glass area measures 1.54 square metres in size and is split up into two segments, the sliding roof and the hinged rear window. The large glass sliding roof is opened and closed by a toggle switch in the centre console, opening up by sliding beneath the rear window to an open area of 0.45 square metres within just seven seconds - approximately twice the roof opening area in the 911 Carrera Coupé with its steel sliding roof. The roof module of the 911 Targa 4 is made up of two layers of special tinted glass 1.9 kilos or 4.2 lb lighter than on the former model. The sliding roof comes as standard with a roll cover extending when closed over the entire sliding roof area, opening and closing as required either together with the glass roof or by itself at the touch of the two-stage toggle switch in the centre console. Both the glass roof and the rear window come in tinted glass protecting the occupants from UV radiation and heat even in bright summer sun. As on the former model, the tailgate opens separately via a button on the driver's door cutout or by remote control from the car key, and is supported when closing by an electrical closing aid. All-wheel drive now also for the Targa Based on its new body configuration carried over from the 911 Carrera 4, the Targa for the first time comes exclusively with all-wheel drive. Central power division is ensured by a viscous multiple-plate clutch permanently feeding variable power between five and 40 per cent of the engine's full output to the front wheels, depending on driving conditions and the road surface. This gives both versions of the Targa well-balanced drive power and traction in bends all the way to the extreme limit, very good directional stability up to top speed, and enhanced driving dynamics at all times. Refined and sporting suspension Both the 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S come with a suspension setup combining superior comfort with equally superior sportiness. PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management optionally available on the 911 Targa 4 and standard on the 911 Targa 4S offers a sporting but comfortable damper setup in the Normal mode and switches over to a dynamic and firm setup once the driver presses the Sports button. In both positions the suspension adjusts consistently to the driver's style of motoring and road conditions, thus varying its control and operation maps within fractions of a second. The 911 Targa 4 comes with 8J x 18 wheels running on 235/40 ZR 18 tyres at the front, the 911 Targa 4S features 8J x 19 wheels and 235/35 ZR 19 tyres. The rear wheels offer an even larger contact area, running on 295/35 ZR 18 tyres in the case of the Targa 4 and 305/30 ZR 19 tyres on the Targa 4S. Ceramic brake discs and Sports Chrono Package Plus as an option Both the 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S come with aluminium monobloc fixed calliper brakes with four pistons each as well as cross-drilled, innervented brake discs on all four wheels. As an option, both cars are available with PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes featuring composite ceramic discs approximately 50 per cent lighter than comparable brake discs made of grey-cast iron. The advantage is quick, substantial and consistent deceleration as well as abrasion reduced to a minimum. Like the other models in the range, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 4S are also available as an option with Porsche's Sports Chrono Package Plus for the particularly sporting driver, offering an extra-dynamic setup of various functions. To activate the program, all the driver has to do is press the sports button in the centre console, giving engine management, PSM Porsche Stability Management, PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management, and the Tiptronic S automatic transmission an even more sporting and dynamic setup. Extra-safe passenger cell The inner roof structure in the 911 Targa 4(S) ensures superior safety and stability at all times. As on the 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 30-millimetre (1.18") thick tubes made of ultra-strong steel reinforce the A-pillars. Welded directly on to further tubes extending along the edge of the roof and resting on the body of the car via the B-pillars and at the bottom of the C-pillars, these special tubes ensure very good protection of the occupants even in a rollover. Like all Porsche sports cars, the Targa comes as standard inside with Porsche's comprehen-sive airbag system featuring a total of no less than six airbags for maximum safety. Sophisticated equipment and individual options In terms of both equipment and ergonomics, both versions of the new Targa are largely identical to their sister models in the 911 model series. Reflecting the elegant shape of the roof in the 911 Targa, however, Porsche's designers have created new roof linings. The windscreen frame, for example, comes with modified sun visors adapted to the shape of the roof. Both the 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S are available with a wide range of leather upholstery and trim comprising both the seat centrepieces, the side supports, and the head-rests on the front seats. Further standard features are automatic air conditioning as well as PCM Porsche Communication Management complete with an integrated radio, CD-player, and nine loudspeakers. And last but not least, Porsche offers a wide range of options for customising the car, such as the BOSE Surround Sound System, the Porsche ParkAssistant, or the electronic logbook.
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Another design feature typical of the
Targa is the side windows tapering out to a sharp angle at the rear and giving
the Targa its characteristic, sleek and stretched silhouette. And then of
course there are the widely flared wheel arches, with the new Targa for the
first time boasting the wider body of the Carrera 4 models broadened at the
rear by 44 millimetres or 1.73" and giving this elegant sports car truly
impressive and highly dynamic looks.