Curious About the 911 Targa

Lately, I’ve started getting interested in the Targa, so I began researching it. The current Targa model is an almost perfect modern reinterpretation of the original 911 Targa that first appeared in 1965, featuring a semi-convertible body style that sets it apart from the 911 Cabriolet. It’s such a rare model that I’ve only ever seen a Targa driving around town once.

Even on used car sites, there are only about a dozen current Targas listed. It really is a rare find.

*Image source: Porsche Japan official site “911 Targa 4 Models”

Why did my interest in the Targa spark? Because during a recent trip to Los Angeles, I stopped by the Porsche Experience Center LA and saw a Targa parked on the circuit. Under the open sky, the navy blue Targa looked stunning.

I don’t know much about how the Targa drives… but since it’s all-wheel drive, it’s probably more stable on the road (even I, a not-so-great driver, could handle it, haha). Plus, the design is rare, stylish, and really lovely. A red Targa would look incredibly cool, I bet.

When I mentioned to my husband, “The Targa is nice, isn’t it?”

He said, “Yeah, I’ve been curious about the Targa too. You don’t see many on the road, and the design is beautiful. But I’ve heard the wind turbulence when the roof is open is pretty intense, and the fact that the roof doesn’t fully retract is a bit of a downside.”

Dealer Sent the Targa Specs…

One day, the dealer called my husband about the one-year inspections for our Boxster and Panamera. When he casually mentioned to our contact, Mr. H, “The Targa is really nice, isn’t it?”, Mr. H replied, “The production volume for the Targa is even lower than the GT3, so it’s quite rare. But we just got a Targa GTS in stock, so I’ll send you the specs!” (laughs)

Shortly after, an email arrived.

The Targa GTS comes standard with the “Sport Chrono Package,” “PASM,” “20-inch wheels,” and “Sports Exhaust System.” Also, the rollover protection bar’s “targa” logo is finished in silky gloss black, matching the wheels, which looks very stylish. Here’s an overview:

[911 Targa 4 GTS]
■ Engine
Engine layout: Rear engine
Number of cylinders: 6
Displacement: 2,981 cm³
Power output (kW): 331 kW
Power output (hp): 450 PS
Max power rpm: 6,500 r/min
Max torque: 550 Nm
■ Transmission
Layout: All-wheel drive
AT: 7-speed PDK
■ Fuel Economy
City: 9 km/l
Highway: 13.6 km/l
Combined: 11 km/l

Looking at the specs with my husband, I casually said, “It’s so cool, but if it’s a Targa, I’d want a sporty body color like red or blue.” Then I saw the price and was shocked.

Total vehicle price: ¥24,189,320!! (；ﾟДﾟ)))

That’s expensive!

No wonder—the base price for the Targa 4 GTS is already high at ¥21,540,000. On top of that, the options are:

Just the options alone could buy a brand-new POLO…

911… Still Undecided

Looking over these specs, my husband said:

“If I’m going to buy a Targa, I’d want to drive it more relaxed rather than pushing the engine hard. So maybe I don’t need the GTS; the standard model might be enough. Also, the 911 Cabriolet is nice too—so pretty. But with the new 911 coming out this fall, buying one now feels tricky… Unless they give a huge discount, which Porsche usually doesn’t… And even if I buy, I’d hate to give up the Boxster. Maybe swap it for the Panamera… but then again…”

As usual, he was mumbling in his “undecided loop about wanting a 911 but not being able to decide” (laughs).

Still, the Targa really is cool. I’ll keep an eye on updates about the new 911 and future Targa news.