Porsche South Africa has publishedpricesof the Zuffenhausen-based brand's 3rd and arguably, most elegant,992-series 911 variant – the Targa– on its official website. The range comprises 4 and 4S derivatives…as well as the exclusive 4S Heritage Design Edition.

The distinctive Targa debuted in 1965 and this is the 8th iteration of the variant, which is distinguished by its silver Targa bar, which substitutes the B-pillars, encases the rear screen, arches over the cabin and features the characteristic “Targa” designation on each side. With perhaps the exception of the exotic Speedster version, the Targa is the rarest body shape of the iconic 911.

The Targa bar is also optionally available in black.It incorporates a fully automatic roof system that can be opened and closed in a claimed 19 seconds at the touch of a button. The roof construction consists of 2 flat magnesium elements that hold the roof in place, while the fabric incorporates sound-deadening material and an extendable wind deflector is integrated into the upper cowl frame.

The Targa top has graced several iconic sportscars in the past, but Porsche has arguably kept the concept going for the longest time.

Compared to its predecessor, the 992-series 911 Targa features significantly more pronounced wheel housings at the front and its front luggage compartment lid has a distinctive recess that evokes the design of earlier 911 generations. The rear is characterised by a wider, variably extending rear spoiler and an elegant light bar.

Inside, the crisp lines of the dashboard and its recessed instruments areinspired by 911 models from the 1970s. There is a pair of frameless digital displays alongside the traditional central tachometer, while 5 toggle switches sit below the 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management touchscreen infotainment system. The latterincludes online navigation and Connect Plus as standard.

Both 911 Targa derivatives are powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-6 engine, but in different states of tune. The Targa 4produces 283 kW and 450 Nm of torque (the latter from 1 950 to 5 000 rpm), while the Targa 4S delivers 331 kW and 530 Nm of torque between 2 300 and 5 000 rpm.

The Targa's instrument dial is a mix of analogue (centrally-mounted tachometer) with digital sub-displays on either side of it.

An 8-speed dual-clutch (PDK) automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) come as standard, but the Targa 4S can be ordered with a 7-speed manual ‘box at no cost (in some markets), which includes the Sport Chrono package and a mechanical limited-slip diff.

When equipped with PDK and the optional Sport Chrono package, the Targa 4 is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.0 sec and its 4S sibling is claimed to do the same in 3.4 sec. Their claimed top speeds are 288 kph and 303 kph respectively.

Meanwhile, the 911 Targa incorporates a plethora of mechanical updates introduced in its 992-series brethren, including the beefed-up front-axle drive setup (with a water-cooled differential and clutch – the latter with reinforced discs for greater strength and higher load capacity), which works in conjunction with the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system.

Originally marketed as a "safety cabriolet with supplemental roll bar", the 911 Targawent on to become a style icon.

The electronically-controlled, variable-damping Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is standard, as is Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which includes an electronic rear limited-slip differential with fully variable torque distribution on the 4S with PDK (it is optionally available on the Targa 4).

Another new standard feature is Porsche Wet Mode, which utilises sensors to detect water on the road surface and, if significant volumes of water are indicated, it automatically optimises the 911 Targa 4 or 4S' stability control system to suit wet road conditions.

Porsche InnoDrive, which includes adaptive cruise control, is optionally available on PDK-equipped derivatives for the first time and, thanks to the enhanced Smartlift function for the optional front axle lift system, frequently visited locations can be programmed so that the front end of the car is raised automatically when necessary…

Porsche is apparently working ona special edition of the 911 Targa, which will make its debut next month.

The Targa 4 comes standard with 235/40 ZR tyres on 19-inch alloy wheels in front and 295/35 ZR tyres on 20-inch wheels at the rear, while the 4S is fitted with 245/35 ZR tyres on 20-inch front wheels and 305/30 ZR tyres on 21-inch rears. The former has 330-mm brake discs with black 4-piston monobloc fixed calipers, while the latter has 350-mm rotors with red-painted brake calipers (6 pistons at the front axle, 4 at the rear). The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is optionally available.

Earlier this month, Porschereleased the first of 4 limited-edition Heritage Design 911 models through its Exclusive Manufaktur division. The911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, whichis laced with exquisite details that reference the ‘50s, is also listed on Porsche South Africa's website, although its price hasyet to be confirmed.?

The prices below include the standard 3-year/90 000 km Driveplan maintenance plan, with the optional 5-year Driveplan stated in brackets.

Porsche 911 Targa (2020) price in South Africa

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