2021 Porsche 911 Targa lets the good light in

Porsche loves slow burning. Although the 911 of the 992 generation has been on the road for some time, the automaker has not immediately introduced every possible variant that will exist for the rest of the generation’s life. Instead, new models are being released here and there, and today it’s time for the Targa to move into the spotlight.

Porsche introduced the 911 Targa of the 992 generation on Sunday. The electronically operated roof can be retracted or extended with a button in the cabin in about 19 seconds. Like Targa’s earlier, the 2021 911 Targa maintains the pole that spans the width of the car and doesn’t look too different from the outgoing Targa model. Otherwise, the 992 Targa takes on the same exterior updates as the rest of the 911 range, including the redesigned front and back with sharper lighting elements. The interior also keeps it in the family and adopts the latest layout that puts a lot of strain on the screens, yet still offers plenty of materials that the owners can customize in different ways.

Two 911 Targa variants are offered. The “normal” Targa 4 will use a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder gas engine with two turbochargers that produces 379 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The Targa 4S will be a little meatier, with the same engine delivering 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft, 23 and 22 improvements over the previous generation. A seven-speed manual transmission is available on the Targa 4S to involve the driver a little more. The de facto gear swapper is the excellent PDK double clutch automatic from Porsche. The Targa 4 is expected to reach 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, with the 4S reducing that time to 3.4 seconds – with the optional Sport Chrono Pack, natch.

Of course, the car has more to offer than just a peppier flat-six. The 911 Targa is equipped with the adaptive PASM two-mode dampers from Porsche as standard, and the 4S has an electronic limited slip differential as standard (optional with the Targa 4). Also included is the new Porsche Wet Mode, which uses sensors to detect the presence of water on the street. 330-millimeter brakes are standard on the Targa 4 and 350 mm on the Targa 4S. As always, the ceramic composite braking system from Porsche is available for powerful charging.

The Porsche 911 Targa 2021 is slated to go on sale in late 2020, but the order books are now open to eager Porschephiles. However, be prepared to pay for the Piper: the 2021 Targa 4 starts at $ 120,650 including the destination, while the Targa 4S charges a high $ 136,550.