2017 Porsche 911 Carrera: Targa And AWD Already
Porsche has a habit of presenting its multiple variants of the 911 in succession, painstakingly splitting their introductions by a year or two. Lately, that rhythm has quickened quite a bit. For example, at the Frankfurt Motor Show at the beginning of September, the German automaker simultaneously unveiled the coupe and cabriolet versions of a considerably refreshed 911, an iconic sports car whose “base” and S editions are now equipped with turbocharged engines.
A new Targa for the Golden State
And now, barely two months later, Porsche took the wraps off the new 911 in Targa configuration at the Los Angeles Auto Show. At the same time, the manufacturer announced the availability of the “4” all-wheel drivetrain on all the models already launched.
For his last speech as president of Porsche Cars North America, Detlev von Platen pointed out that there couldn’t be a better place to launch this retractable-roofed sports car than California, the best market on the planet for the Porsche 911. That statement was supported by the on-stage presence of one of the first-ever Targa models, obviously in immaculate condition.
The new Targa still uses the unique retractable top created for the 991-generation 911. Its large roof panel lodges itself behind the minuscule rear seats after an impressive mechanized ballet with the immense curved rear window, which lifts upward to let the top through. All at the touch of a button!
More powerful and more fuel efficient too
Every announced version of the 911 for the 2017 model year benefits from a new turbocharged engine that is more powerful and flexible, and also 12% more efficient. The 3.0-litre flat-six produces 370 horsepower and 331 lb-ft, or 420 hp and 368 lb-ft in the S versions.
The new 911s equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package get a wheel-mounted knob to choose between four driving modes, just like in the spectacular 918 Spyder. It’s a novelty that’s obviously inspired by the manettino that Ferrari has been offering for several years now. Each mode includes specific settings for the suspension, the active engine mounts, the PDK double-clutch gearbox and the sport exhaust, if equipped. Another button labelled Sport Response sets up the car for maximum acceleration for 20 seconds, a little like the push-to-pass feature that’s found in various race cars.
Motivated mutations for the “4” versions
Knowing that more than a third of all 911s sold are equipped with all-wheel drive, it isn’t surprising to see the company’s stylists and engineers give a little extra attention to the Carrera 4 and Targa 4. In addition to the various cosmetic changes applied to all 2017 models, the “4” editions distinguish themselves once again by a horizontal light band that connects the taillights. That line also softens and compensates the visual effect of the rear fenders that are widened by 4.4 cm each, necessary to accommodate the larger track of the AWD models.
The standard-issue Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) lowers the car by 10 mm, while a rear-wheel steer system – borrowed from the 911 Turbo and 911 GT3 – is optional on all the S versions for enhanced agility, manoeuvrability and stability. Another interesting novelty is a hydraulic system that can raise the front end of the car by 40 mm in less than five seconds in order to clear the steep entrance of a driveway or a garage without scraping the nose of the precious 911.
A bonus with the extra grip of the all-wheel drivetrain is even quicker acceleration runs, especially with the foolproof launch control system of the PDK gearbox. The promised 0-100 km/h times drop from 4.1 seconds in the Carrera 4 to 3.8 for the Carrera 4S.
The new 911 Carrera 4 and Targa 4 will arrive in Canada in mid-2016. The Carrera 4 will start at $110,100 while the Targa 4 will be offered from $124,100.
- Our test of the 2017 Porsche 911
- Our complete coverage of the Los Angeles Auto Show
