Porsche today unveiled its latest facelifted model — the 2009 911 Targa. The launch follows updates to the Carrera and Carrera 4 lineups and brings a similar set of improvements. The exterior of this glass-roofed 911 has been revised, with LED taillights, LED daytime running lights, and smaller fog lights.
The new-generation Targa models will be available with the Porsche seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or double-clutch gearbox. Offered as an alternative to the manual six-speed gearbox, the PDK features high speed shifts and superior fuel economy.
The focal point of the Targa’s updated interior is the new Porsche Communication Management 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. 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.
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.
07/28, 9:38 AM
posted by:
Nightblack_97
Another Porsche… faster with a better engine/transmission combo. Who exactly is suprised to hear this?
07/28, 9:45 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Oooooo, LEDs. This must be, like, advanced technology crap. LEDs!
07/28, 9:58 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
Another nice sophisticated offering by Porsche… I love it.
07/28, 9:59 AM
posted by:
Fromes
I see plently of 911s where I live, but I dont think ive ever seen a targa version…they must be pretty rare
07/28, 10:02 AM
posted by:
xyunya
Probably not worth paying extra even for Porsche clientele.
07/28, 10:07 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
$90k to $100k for a super beetle with a measely 345hp?? Uh, no thanks.
07/28, 11:10 AM
posted by:
Rafa LL
…The most powerful and coolest 345 hp you can find in the market.
07/28, 11:30 AM
posted by:
Fletch
Hate the chrome window/roof molding, yuck.
07/28, 1:09 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Yeah, that chrome window strip is wrong.
07/28, 1:16 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
The engine is in the wrong place…..You’d think for a car sold at 90-100k that they would have put enough money into R&D to realize this.
07/28, 2:11 PM
posted by:
Mr. Piston
One of my favorite 911’s, I don’t see them on public roads often.
07/28, 3:33 PM
posted by:
cocksterS
Haha, F3INT, I’m not doubting your engineering prowess, but I’m sure Porsche has done at least a little bit of homework. The 911 has been with us for some time, and it’s basic design, all else considered, has remained relatively static. That’s gotta be worth something.
*
I’ve always thought Targas were cool–they’re rare, and they give the 911 a welcome dose of character. Kudos.
07/28, 4:44 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
Ya I know I’m just not a Porsche guy in case you couldn’t tell haha. But I give credit where it’s due and the 911 certainly deserves a ton of it; I also wouldn’t mind owning a GT3 even if it is a backwards car.
07/28, 11:19 PM
posted by:
maxcar
for performance, reliability, and drivability, you can’t really beat a porsche. still a little boring in the styling department, though. i guess it’s what keeps the design timeless.
07/29, 2:11 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
You mean boring lol, Porsche has to have the laziest design studio in the world. I mean they make the same car for like 30 years and here comes 2009 so what do they do? They put LED tails and running lights on it and BOOM job done. If they were my head designers they would be out the door faster than you can say lederhosen.