Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS 2015 Review

Just when we though Porsche had completed the roll-out of its latest 991-series range with the mad new GT3 RS, out of left field comes the Targa 4 GTS, bringing the number of 911 variants to a record 21. Combining the unique design of the newest 911 Targa with the performance focus of other GTS models for the first time, the all-wheel drive targa-topped coupe isn't cheap but could prove a relatively popular niche model in the world's top-selling supercar family.

It's so obvious we wonder why Porsche didn't think of it sooner. Take the popular new 911 Targa and fit it with the Stuttgart sports car maker's most potent flat six powertrain this side of the GT3 and Turbo models.

In a perfect blend of show and go, the new Targa 4 GTS takes to a new level the performance of Porsche's latest targa-top 911, which returns to its 993 roots by eschewing the design of the two previous generations, which effectively offered a glass roof with a big sunroof, for a genuine, power-operated targa top.

As such, the latest Targa is immediately distinguishable from every other 911, combining open-air motoring at the push of a button and one of the largest, most curvaceous rear windscreens in the industry, with the more muscular wide-body look of the all-wheel drive Carrera 4S as standard.

Like the original Targa, it features a characteristic wide rollover protection bar instead of B-pillars, a wrap-around rear window without C-pillars and a fully automatic roof section above the front seats that can be stowed in just 19 seconds via buttons on the centre console.

Porsche says that since the first 911 Targa appeared in 1965, one in eight 911s have been Targa models, which now comprise 13 per cent of total 911 sales – up from less than five per cent in the previous generation.

Throw in the more focussed engine and running gear of the 911 GTS, for which Porsche can't keep up with demand since the first one was launched in the previous 997 generation, and this is an obvious way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both the first 911 Targa and the first Gran Turismo Sport – the street-legal 904 GTS that won the 1964 Targa Florio in Sicily.

As with the other four 911 GTS variants (there are now nine Porsche GTS model in total, including the Boxster, Cayman, Panamera, Cayenne and, soon, the Macan), the primarily means a more powerful 3.8-litre flat six.

The higher-revving naturally aspirated GTS boxer engine produces 316kW at 7500rpm – up from 294kW (400hp) at 7400rpm in the Targa 4S, which produces the same 440Nm of torque but at 5600rpm rather than 5750rpm as in 911 GTS models.

The result is 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.7 seconds in seven-speed manual form, or as little as 4.3 seconds in the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic's Sport mode – one-tenth quicker than the Targa 4S.

For the first time with a 911 Targa, top speed exceeds 300km/h – up from 296km/h (manual) and 294km/h (PDK). Yet combined fuel consumption remains unchanged, at 10.0L/100km (manual) and 9.2L/100km (PDK).

The GTS treatment extends to the standard fitment of Sport Chrono Package (including Sport mode, launch control and active engine mounts) and black centre-lock 20-inch alloy wheels from the 911 Turbo S measuring half an inch wider – now 9.0-inch front with 245/35 tyres and 11.5-inch rear with 305/30 tyres.

Other mechanical changes include a lower ride height for the GTS, plus standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM adaptive damping).

GTS cosmetic features include gloss black-finished rear and side badging, quad exhaust outlets and rear engine cover, smoked bi-xenon headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), sport design door mirrors and a racy Alcantara-themed interior including the steering wheel, gear shifter, door trims, centre seat section and rear headlining.

Inside, there are also classy GTS instrument dials, a red or silver tacho with matching seatbelt borders, neat anodised aluminium trim strips and aluminium door sill plates bearing the 'Targa 4 GTS' name.

Standard Targa hallmarks include the all-electric targa-top roof with striking silver rollover hoop and wrap-around rear windscreen. Options include Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll compensation.

But there are prices to pay for the Targa GTS's combination of individual design and extra performance.

Porsche's most hard-core Targa is also the most expensive, and one of the priciest 911s. Priced at $305,300 (plus on-road costs) in seven-speed manual form, it costs the same as the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet GTS, but $18,100 more than the 911 Targa 4S and $21,200 more than 911 Carrera 4 Coupe GTS.

And at $311,250 for the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic version, it's $17,650 more expensive than even the new PDK-only 911 GT3 racer-for-the-road, and pricier than all but the range-topping GT3 RS and Porsche's four 911 Turbo models.

Then there's weight. The Targa's extra rear glass – and the extra body reinforcement required to support it – sees it weigh 20kg more than the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, which is a further 70kg heavier than the 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, the AWD system in which adds another 50kg over the rear-drive 911 Coupe.

Add 20kg for the PDK transmission and a further 4kg in extra GTS equipment, and the Targa GTS weighs in at 1580kg (DIN).

That's fairly respectable compared to most key rivals including the Mercedes-AMG GT, but on the undulating, 26-turn Ascari circuit in the south of Spain, the Targa GTS felt significantly heavier than the 911 GTS Coupe we also drove.

We're not sure if tyre wear played a role, but it also squirmed around under braking and cornering noticeably more than the 911 GTS Cabriolet we sampled back-to-back.

Such comparisons are irrelevant away from the racetrack, for which the Targa GTS was not designed, and on the twisting mountain roads between Ascari and Malaga the newest 911 was as exhilarating as any other 911 GTS.

As we've stated numerous times since the 991's launch in 2012, a larger footprint, lower mass, more upmarket interior and the finest electric steering we've ever twirled make the third all-new generation 911 a class act.

But we continue to bemoan the lack of industry-standard driver safety aids at this price – even for a sports car – such as autonomous emergency braking and a head-up display.

And apart from adding weight, the sexy targa-top brings another penalty: it doesn't open on the move like the 911 Cabriolet's.

It would be easy to mount an argument that the Targa GTS goes too far, that it's a niche model nobody thought to want and it stretches the most iconic Porsche model's ethos too much.

But given the increasing demand for both the standard 911 Targa and GTS models in general, we reckon the newest 911's unique mix of style and performance will make it one of the most desirable 911s ever.

The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is on sale from September 2015.

2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS pricing and specifications:
Price: $305,300 ($311,250 PDK, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.8-litre six-cylinder petrol
Output: 316kW/440Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed manual / seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 10.0L/100km (9.2L/100km auto, ADR Combined)
CO2: 237g/km (214g/km auto, ADR Combined)
Safety rating: N/A

What we liked:
>> Distinctive design
>> GTS performance
>> Exclusivity

Not so much:
>> Weight penalty
>> Price premium
>> Roof doesn't open on the move