Porsche 911 Targa 4, 2009

Porsche 911 Targa 4, 2009The 911 Targas differ from both the Carrera Coupes and Cabriolets by dint of their stunning glass tops. The all-wheel drive Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are unique with roofs comprised entirely of two transparent panels. The glass extends from the windshield header back to the leading edge of the engine cover, from side frame to side frame.This combination of glass roof panels with windshield, backlight, and side windows creates a glass canopy for the occupants that delivers total protection from the elements while offering clear, unobstructed vision in every direction.When weather allows, the front glass panel, which completely covers the area over the front seats, may be opened like a conventional sunroof, sliding back beneath the rear glass panel. The rear glass panel is hinged and can open like a hatch, making the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S the only cars in the 911 model range with this feature.Both glass panels are made from a specially formulated glass that absorbs nearly all ultraviolet radiation yet remains transparent. A standard closable sun shade can completely cover the sliding glass panel for privacy.New for 2009For 2009, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and and its higher-output variant, Targa 4S, receive a number of critical refinements.Foremost among them are totally new drivetrains boasting new direct fuel injection engines and the availability of Porsche's innovative double-clutch gearbox, PDK. Power from the new engines in the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S is now distributed to all four wheels via the same electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system found on the Porsche 911 Turbo.The new engines deliver greater performance while using less fuel than their predecessors, thanks in large part to their direct fuel injection systems.In lieu of the optional Tiptronic S transmission, Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S owners may now specify the driver-shiftable PDK. This ground-breaking seven-speed automatic transmission is lighter, more efficient and quicker shifting than the previous Tiptronic S.The electronically activated PTM is able to vary the torque split between front and rear wheels infinitely and instantaneously for optimum road holding, regardless of conditions.Commensurate with the increased performance potential, Porsche engineers have increased the braking ability of both the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S. Night visibility is also enhanced as both cars come standard with BI-XENON headlights and L.E.D. driving lights, and brake- and taillights.Interior refinements for 2009 center around the redesign of the Porsche Communication Module (PCM) which boasts a larger screen, simplified operation, optional Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to play music from a variety of external sources.Driver and passenger comfort and convenience have also been enhanced with the availability of ventilated front seats.More Power from Less FuelBoth the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S receive new engines which boast direct fuel injection, new two-piece crankcases and revised intake and exhaust systems along with Porsche VarioCam Plus intake-valve timing and lift system. By injecting the fuel directly into each cylinder's combustion chamber rather than the intake as is more common, combustion is cleaner and more complete. This technology reduces exhaust emissions and fuel consumption while simultaneously increasing engine potency.The results are felt and appreciated immediately by the Porsche 911 Targa 4's driver. Thanks to a 6.2 percent increase in horsepower and a 5.3 percent gain torque over last year's model, the 3.6- liter engine goes from 325 to 345 hp and receives a gain in torque from 273 to 288 lb.-ft. A manual gearbox equipped 2009 911 Targa 4 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.0 seconds.More impressively, when the car is equipped with the new double-clutch gearbox in place of last year's Tiptronic S, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Yet the car also delivers an astounding 12.9 percent fuel economy gain over the previous model. When equipped with Porsche's optional Sport Chrono Plus package and innovative Launch Control to help maximize acceleration, the 0-to-60 mph time is reduced to 4.6 seconds. The 2009 Porsche 911 Targa 4 has a track-proven top speed of 177 mph (283 km/h).The 3.8-liter engine in the still-more potent Porsche 911 Targa 4S exhibits equally awesome results, delighting its driver by sprinting to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds when equipped with a manual gearbox and making that run in a mere 4.5 seconds with the PDK. The optional Launch Control lowers that to only 4.3 seconds. This hedonistic acceleration is compliments of the new 3.8- liter engine's gain of 30 hp, from 355 to 385 hp, or 8.4 percent, and a 5 percent improvement in torque, from 295 lb.-ft. to 310.2 Clutches, No Clutch PedalTo take full advantage of the newly designed engines, Porsche is offering drivers a transmission that delivers quicker acceleration than is possible with the standard manual gearbox while maximizing fuel efficiency. The new PDK (from the German Porsche- Doppelkupplungsgetriebe), or Porsche double-clutch, replaces the Tiptronic S as the optional gearbox in both the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S.Porsche was the first automaker to successfully use this transmission technology back in the 1980s when the transmission was developed for the mighty Porsche 962 Group C race car. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 or Targa 4S driver can allow the seven-speed PDK to shift up and down automatically, or he may opt to manually shift via steering-wheel mounted paddles or the console-mounted lever, the same as with the Tiptronic S.Essentially, the PDK is a conventional, seven-speed manual gearbox with two electrohydraulically controlled, oil-bathed multiplate clutch packs. One clutch pack controls the oddnumbered gears and reverse, the other controls the even-numbered gears. As one clutch pack engages the appropriate gear based on engine speed, load, and vehicle speed, the other clutch simultaneously disengages the previous gear. The results are seamless, instantaneous up- and downshifts, performed more quickly than could be done by even a skilled test driver.For even greater performance, both the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are available with Porsche's Sports Chrono Package Plus. When ordered in conjunction with the PDK, this package incorporates the company's Launch Control and a special gearshift function for extremely dynamic driving. Launch Control delivers optimum acceleration, regardless of conditions at the touch of a console mounted button.Gains Through LossThe newly revamped engines, both 3.6-liter and 3.8-liter, each weigh about 6 kg, or 13.2 pounds, less than their predecessors. The new engines offer increased structural rigidity for a quieter, more comfortable driving experience as well as improved durability. The innovative PDK, despite offering more gear ratios than the Tiptronic S, is about 10 kg (22 lbs.) lighter than last year's Tiptronic.All-Weather Maximum PerformanceIn addition to their unique two-section glass roofs, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S offer their drivers the added benefits of all-wheel drive. For 2009, these cars benefit from the same electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM) found under the awesome Porsche Turbo, as well as the new mchanical locking differential standard.PTM replaces the previous models' viscous-coupling, mechanical all-wheel drive system and operates more quickly and seamlessly than its predecessor. PTM varies the torque split infinitesmely and absolutely between front and rear wheels as needed for optimum traction. However, since most purists feel-and Porsche's engineers staunchly believe-that rear-drive is critical for optimum sporty driving, PTM directs two thirds of the engine's torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions.When the system determines it's needed, PTM diverts engine power and torque to the front axle in millisecond cycles. Particularly at very high speeds, all the driver feels is the car's significant stability.Bigger, Grippier BrakesPorsche engineers firmly believe that a car's deceleration ability must always out-perform its ability to accelerate. Commensurate with the gains in engine performance, the 2009 Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S receive added braking capability. All four brake rotors on both cars are cross-drilled, inner vented and now 12.99 inches (330 mm) in diameter.In addition, the monobloc, four-piston calipers are now the same as those used on the 911 Turbo. Critical refinements have been made to the airflow around the wheels to increase brake cooling all around as well.Instantly Recognizable and AerodynamicWith their full-glass canopy - from beltline to beltline, front cowl to rear engine cover - the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S look like nothing else on the road, Porsche or otherwise. But from the beltline down, the cars share a strong resemblance to the current Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models.Clearly, the most striking element of the 911 Targa is its 16.58 sq.-ft. glass roof. The roof is comprised of two separate segments: a sliding panel over the front seats and a hinged tailgate at the rear. The electrically operated front panel fully opens or closes in seven seconds. When open, the glass panel slides snugly beneath the tailgate, providing almost five square feet of open space above the passenger cabin.The sliding roof comes standard with a new sun shade offering greater privacy and more effective thermal protection than before. When closed, the sun shade covers the entire area of the sliding roof panel, opening and closing electrically and independently of the roof itself.The glass roof and tailgate are made of special tinted glass, which protects the occupants from ultraviolet radiation and excessive heat even in bright sunlight.The rear section of the Targa top opens for access to the interior, particularly handy for getting to the storage area behind the rear seatbacks. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are the only models in the Porsche 911 range with a separately opening tailgate.More Sophisticated and ComfortableBeneath the glass top, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S boast luxuriously appointed passenger cabins. Like all Porsches, the cars offer their occupants the protection of six airbags: dual frontal-impact airbags as well as two seat-mounted thorax-protecting side-impact airbags and two head-protecting side-impact curtain door-mounted airbags.Interior refinements include a revamped center console highlighted by a new Porsche Communication Management system-PCM 3.0-and the availability of ventilated front seats.In this latest iteration, PCM 3.0 boasts a 12 percent larger screen than before, 6.5 inches vs. 5.8. In addition, the PCM is now controlled via a touchscreen which incorporates a simpler keyboard accessing fewer menus than previous versions.The optional navigation module now has a 40 GB hard drive. Other available features with the newest PCM include XM satellite radio with XM NavTraffic capability, Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod port, a USB port and an auxiliary jack.Interior comfort may be further enhanced thanks to optional seat ventilating fans, available in conjunction with heated seats. These circulate air through the seatback and cushion upholstery to expedite cooling, heating and/or drying the driver and passenger.Distinct Yet Readily FamiliarAs the cars receive dramatic new drivetrains for 2009, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S also benefit from subtle yet elegant exterior refinements. Knowing full well that Porsche owners prize the classic shape of the 911, and that wanton and radical redesigns simply for the sake of change undermine a marque's value, Porsche's designers and engineers allowed only minor refinements to the appearance of the model range for 2009.When viewed head on, the most notable differences are the new, horizontal covers for the L.E.D. daytime running lights, which extend over the air inlets. Also noteworthy are those air vents which boast larger cooling openings. The keen-eyed observer will also note the absence of a center radiator on cars equipped with the PDK.The side view reveals new, larger exterior mirrors with aerodynamic twin-arm mounts as well as new lightweight alloy wheels. The standard wheels on the Porsche 911 Targa 4 are 18 inches in diameter, the Targa 4S comes with 19 inch wheels.In the rear, all the lighting elements, save the Reversing lamp, are now LED, for improved luminosity, longer life, and instantaneous response. Finally, in the back, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 sports two single oval exhaust pipes while the Targa 4S shows dual round polished exhaust outlets.The brawny stance and muscular fenders demanded by the cars' all-wheel-drive powertrain mean that the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are wider than any two-wheel-drive 911 Carreras. Despite the extra width, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are stunningly aerodynamic. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 has a coefficient of drag of only 0.30 and the Targa 4S is even sleeker with a Cd of only 0.29, despite its larger tires. Like it's Carrera 4 brethern, the new Targa features a reflective strip connecting the tailights.