Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS Review: A Timeless Classic
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Introduction
Porsche has a saying: "There is a 911 for everyone." If you are looking for a car that breaks lap records, the GT3 RS is the one for you. If you want a head-turning Porsche for the streets, the standard Carrera convertible is waiting for you. However, among all the 911 models, there is one that fits all occasions, and that is the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS.
Exterior Design
The exterior shape of the 911 Targa 4 GTS is a design that Porsche has maintained with every 911 model. Some may find it repetitive to the point where an average person cannot distinguish one year's model from the next. However, for owners, this is an advantage, as older models do not feel outdated compared to newer ones.
All 911 GTS models feature a wider body due to their all-wheel-drive system and sit lower than the standard 911, giving them a more aggressive and sporty appearance. Each GTS model is adorned with black accents on the front, sides, and rear, in addition to black chrome exhausts and LED lights with a dark background. The car also comes equipped with black wheels featuring a central locking system, similar to those found on race cars.
However, the Targa has an additional feature: a glass roof that can be retracted from inside the car or via the key fob, making it one of the most beautiful 911 models you can own.
Interior Design
Upon entering, you will notice the craftsmanship we have come to expect from the German manufacturer. In the version we tested, there is extensive use of leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber.
The interior design features sporty aesthetics with straight lines, but Porsche is still committed to using numerous buttons, which I hope they will reduce in the future to give the cabin a more modern design.
Technological Specifications
The specifications are sufficient to make the Targa a practical daily driver, equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, Bluetooth, sporty seats with 18-way adjustments, a Bose sound system, and cruise control.
- Sporty instrument cluster in front of the driver.
- Customizable display screen for information based on preference.
Being a GTS, it comes with the Porsche Track Precision system, which automatically monitors the car's performance on the track and transfers all recorded data to a mobile app.
Driving Experience
This year, the GTS features a new 3-liter twin-turbo engine that produces 450 horsepower, which is 20 more than last year's model and 30 more than the current Carrera S model. The torque reaches 550 Nm.
This engine accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and allows it to reach a top speed of 312 km/h. It is equipped with Porsche's 7-speed PDK transmission. Honestly, the responsiveness of this transmission when changing gears is phenomenal, with the option to shift manually via the gear lever or the carbon fiber paddles behind the steering wheel.
However, the most significant feeling the Targa GTS provides is a tremendous sense of confidence. Some cars immediately show you the limits you can push while entering corners, but in my experience with this car, I felt there were no limits to the grip and stability it offers, along with a high level of steering precision that lets you know exactly where the car is going at every moment.
All these specifications change according to the driving modes, enhancing steering sensitivity and gear response time for optimal performance. If you find yourself needing instant power, simply press the Sport Response button, which prepares both the engine and transmission for maximum response for 20 seconds.
The Targa's stability comes from its all-wheel-drive system, adjustable suspension, and rear-wheel steering system, which allows the rear wheels to move at an angle based on speed, providing ultimate stability and making every corner enjoyable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Targa has rekindled my love for the 911 and brought a smile to my face every time I entered a corner. It truly proves that there is a 911 for everyone.
Don’t forget that even this model comes with numerous options that affect the price, for example, the 911 Targa 4 GTS starts at AED 538,000, and the version we reviewed today, with its additional features, raises the price to AED 640,000.