PORSCHE® RELEASES INITIAL INFORMATION AND PHOTOS OF 2009 911® TARGA 4 AND TARGA 4S

New Targa Blends Stunning Looks With Latest Porsche Technology Atlanta, July 28, 2008

Completing a triple update of the 2009 911 model lineup, Porsche is introducing the new 911 Targa, executing this generational change in record time. Two new Targa models will join their brethren, the new generation Carrera coupes and cabriolets that have been introduced in the past two months. The new 911 models will be available at Porsche dealerships in the U.S. starting in September of this year.

The most striking visual highlight of the 911 Targa is its 16.58 square-foot glass roof made up of two segments - an elegant sliding roof at the front and a more practical tailgate at the rear. The roof slides smartly beneath the tailgate within seven seconds, conveniently offering almost five square feet of open space above the passenger cabin when opened completely. The sliding roof comes standard with a new sunblind offering even greater privacy than before. When closed, the sunblind covers the entire area of the sliding roof, opening and closing electrically independently of the roof itself. The glass roof and tailgate are made of special tinted glass, which protects the occupants from UV radiation and excessive heat even in bright sunshine.

The focal point of the Targa's interior is the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 which features a touchscreen for simplified operation of the audio system as well as the optional hard-disk-drive navigation system. Other important additions to PCM 3.0 are the new options of XM satellite radio with XM NavTraffic capability, Bluetooth® connectivity, iPod® port, USB port and auxiliary jack. Technological highlights of the 2009 Targa include two new engines, with direct fuel injection to improve both performance and fuel economy; the seamlessly-shifting PDK Porsche- Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or double-clutch gearbox, replacing the optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission; and the electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which takes the place of the former all-wheel drive system.

As before, the latest addition to the new generation of the 911 will come in two variants: the 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S. The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a new 3.6 liter flat-six engine, developing a maximum output of 345 horsepower for a top track speed of 176 mph. The 3.8 liter 911 Targa 4S engine delivers a maximum output of 385 horsepower that accelerates this exclusive sports car to a top track speed of 184 mph.

Like the previously announced 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 models, direct fuel injection technology continues to be a central point of the efficiency enhancements in the 2009 Targa. Direct fuel injection increases engine power, while simultaneously contributing to a reduction in fuel consumption. The new-generation Targa models will be available with the Porsche seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or double-clutch gearbox. An intriguing alternative to the manual six-speed gearbox, the PDK features unparalleled speed during gear shifts combined with superior fuel economy.

The electronically controlled PTM system replaces the viscous multiple-plate clutch all-wheel drive system of the previous Targa models, which results in a more pronounced, Porsche typical driving characteristic. To ensure maximum traction and agile handling at all times, PTM feeds exactly the right share of engine power to the front wheels, as needed, in every driving situation through an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch. As on all new Carrera 4 models, a standard rear-locking differential gives the car even greater driving dynamics. The 2009 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S will be available in the United States in October at a MSRP of $89,500 and $100,100 respectively.

There's also an enhanced version of the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) now available with additional functions on the Carrera models and a new braking system for the 3.6-liter models including thicker brake discs on the front and rear tires — 12 mm thicker in the front and 31 mm thicker in the rear to be exact. We're also told we'll see a mechanical limited-slip diff as a standard for Targa 4 and Carrera 4 models and a 7-speed PDK transmission, which would be a sequential two-shaft transmission — just like the Nissan GT-R. Production actually started this week on the Carrera Coupe and Cabrio, with both going on sale stateside in September of this year and the new 2009 911 Carrera 4 going on sale worldwide in late October.

[Rennlist via 911uk]