991 Targa - retro, cool, both, neither?

That what's wonderful about the 991/911 line-up. You'll never find everyone agreeing on a specific model/version. Porsche has mastered different versions to appeal and polarize. That's how you maximize sales and attract new happy customers.

A Targa gives you the feeling of a cabriolet but keeps the wind from buffeting and gives you a feeling of security. Fantastic for driving through the snow with the heat on and getting more than a sunroof and not as exposed as a cabriolet. Still has the back seats for kids under the glass.

I love this version.

Freeman

 

It also preserves the lines of the car a bit better IMO. I wasn't sure what to think at first, but I like the vintage touch in there along with the very modern overall looks.

I should add that I have never been a big fan of the original targa except in certain (dark) colors, but the 991 really smoothes it out.

 

This videos confirms that the targa is for women...

 

Consider this, I see people (more often men & when NE weather permits) driving their convertibles with the top down and all the windows up. Personally I find it silly looking but those folks would be perfect for a targa or a vette with a removable roof panel.

 

I'm more fan of the 996/997 Targa roof (they are more panaroma sunroofs than real targas though). 996 Targa is a great, reasonable buy.

 

That feature is more or less now available as an option on the 991 coupe.

Freeman

 

Totally agree.

 

Thanks, I didn't know that!

 

I am in no way trying to be sexist but this had been my observation of owning convertibles for 40 odd years.

Women do not like convertibles and they especially do not like being a passenger in one. This is why I think the sunroof (and it's kissing cousin "the Targa") are in so many cars.

They like fresh air and sunlight but don't want to mess up their hair and makeup. They don't like too much sun. They don't like too much noise or too much wind.

The solution: Voila'! A Targa that acts like a sunroof.

 

If my wife is anything to go by,they also don't like to be seen to be showing off too much.

 

???

Sounds like all they need is a fully retractable pano-roof (ala 997 targa) that is already an option on all 991 coupes.

I just don't understand the need to have the entire backside of the car open up to store a small section of fabric roof.... And that's the other thing, if they went to all this trouble to make it retractable... then why did not make it a folding hard top??
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

There's no possible way to do a folding hard top with a rear engined car... no room. Barely have room for the little targa top.

The cab works because they can stack the top mostly above the bodywork.

 

Ferrari 458 Spider and McLaren 12C Spider handled it just fine.

 

The McLaren and 458 Spiders are basically like the 991 Targa in principle. They all use a "roll bar" or other structure for support and strength. The 991 Targa roof is a non-folding magnesium structure covered in Hartz cloth. The 991 also retains it's back seats top up or down.

A true folding hardtop is more like the Mercedes SL where it is completely gone when down and looks like a coupe when up.

Freeman