Porsche 911 Targa

It’s the Porsche 911’s glassiest act yet! Auto Express reveals the all-new Targa's dazzling looks

Text: Automedia / Photos: Automedia July 2006

It’s the 911’s glassiest act yet! Auto Express is the first magazine to reveal the look of the all-new Targa, due on sale early next year.

Set to replace the current machine, the newcomer will keep the original’s panoramic glass, which can be slid open in warm weather. The opening it leaves will be about twice the size of the standard sunroof.

From behind the wheel, drivers and passengers will be given a near uninterrupted view of the sky. As our pictures reveal the only metal parts of the roof run over the top of the windows, adding to the car’s strength and preserving it’s teardrop shaped silhouette.

Aimed at the likes of the Mercedes SL, and designed to offer a novel alternative to the established 911 Cabriolet, the Targa is the only glass roofed Coupé currently in production and is expected to cost from £70,000.

Unlike previous editions of the Targa, two versions will be offered, including a basic 325bhp 3.6-litre machine and a sporty 355bhp S version with a bigger 3.8-litre engine.

For the first time, the Targa will offer Porsche’s PASM active suspension and PCCB ceramic brakes.

Though Porsche have yet to officially announce the car’s exact performance figures the firm is promising that the criticisms of the original car’s handling and chassis will be addressed.

That means extra strengthening for the chassis and lighter glass, which will be applied to help improve the vehicles basic response to the steering and brakes. According to sources the suspension will also be stiffer than before, as a new glass roof construction is expected to be stronger.

The new model will go on sale early next year.