Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS drops its top at 2015 NAIAS

porsche-911-targa-4-gts-12

Amidst the hype surrounding the newly-launch Ford GT, Shelby GT350R Mustang and new Honda NSX, it’s easy to glance past the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, which makes its debut as the first Targa in history to be offered in Porsche’s GTS guise – a treatment consisting of both aesthetic and mechanical upgrades.

Eagle-eyed readers will first notice the wider hips, an exclusive touch to all-wheel drive 911 variants, being 22 mm wider than its rear-driven counterparts. In front, the 911 Targa 4 GTS receives a reworked front bumper and smoked bi-xenon headlights – again a GTS trademark.

Additional GTS badges located aft of the front wheels along with restyled door mirrors are a subtle hint at the car’s more sporting intentions – the black, 20-inch 911 Turbo S wheels with central locks, on the other hand, shout it out loud. The ‘targa’ tag on the rollover bar is now painted black, as opposed to silver.

911 Targa 4 GTS

At the rear, changes are less noticeable with only the air inlet screen, designation badge and chrome exhaust outlets now dressed in black. Providing additional power is a 3.8 litre, flat-six engine pumping out 430 hp at 7,500 rpm and 440 Nm of torque – an increase of 30 hp over the Targa 4S.

Paired to either a seven-speed manual or Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch (PDK) transmission, the century sprint is completed in 4.5 and 4.1 seconds, respectively, while top speed is 302 km/h on the manual, the PDK tops out at 300 km/h. Fuel efficiency is said to mirror the Targa 4S.

Other performance goodies which are now standard on the Targa 4 GTS include the aforementioned 20-inch wheels, a sports exhaust system, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the Sport Chrono package, which sports a stopwatch sitting atop the dash when one steps inside.

porsche-911-targa-4-gts-7

Helping to set to mood are a pair of four-way adjustable Sport Plus seats trimmed in a leather/Alcantara combination, complete with GTS logos embossed into the headrests. Alcantara replaces leather almost everywhere else with the dashboard, door panels and centre console receiving the lightweight material.

A contrasting tachometer and optional carbon fibre accents complete the interior makeover. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS goes on sale in Germany from March 2015 with an entry price of €137,422 (RM576,400).

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Gregory Sze

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

Comments

  • Dr. Doom on Jan 13, 2015 at 10:53 pm

    BMW is better than this car. problematic car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 9
    • Johnny Storm on Jan 14, 2015 at 2:16 pm

      only in Latveria you villanous fiend!

      don’t believe Dr. Doom, he will take pleasure in knowing your BMW’s problems started the week your warranty expired. He is a bad guy afterall.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Josh Ling on Jan 14, 2015 at 10:23 am

    love love love the look….drooling now!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

Add a comment

required

required