2003 Porsche 911 Targa

(from Porsche Press Release) The Porsche 911 Targa expands on the concept of the previous model (1996-1997), which introduced a large power-operated sliding glass roof that slides under the rear window.

The Targa’s glass roof offers a sky view through more than 16 square feet (1.5 square meters) of glass.

Operated by two silent electric motors, the 911 Targa’s sliding roof panel opens the roof by nearly 20 inches (0.5 m), providing an opening of nearly 700 sq. inches (0.45 sq. m.), nearly twice the size of the sunroof opening in the 911 Carrera Coupe. A wind deflector reduces turbulence, and a cloth sunblind automatically extends out beneath the roof panel when closed.

A hinged rear glass panel provides convenient access to the rear luggage compartment, which offers 8.1 cubic feet of space (230 liters), compared to 7.1 cu. ft. (210 l.) in the 911 Carrera® Coupe.

The first 911 Targa, named for the Sicilian Targa Florio road race (1906-1973), came to North America in 1967. The original 911 Targa presented a truly innovative approach to open-air motoring with its often-imitated removable roof panel design. Popularity of the 911 Cabriolet through the 1980s and 1990s led Porsche to design the sliding-glass roof concept for the new 911 Targa.

While previous Targas were based on the body architecture of a convertible, this newest generation is built on the 911 Carrera Coupe platform, bringing additional strength and structure for superior rigidity.

All 911 models have a strengthened body structure, and the 911 Targa adds a unique upper body structure with specially reinforced A-pillars and roof rails. Additional safety technology includes a patented crumple-zone body structure, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, dual front airbags, door-mounted side airbags, and anti-lock brakes (ABS).

The optional Porsche Stability Management system (PSM) can detect a loss of grip at the front or rear and reduce instability by applying braking to individual wheels and, if necessary, altering engine power.

The 911 Targa shares its Turbo-inspired styling and 315-horsepower (SAE), 3.6-liter engine with the 911 Carrera Coupe and Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and 911 Carrera 4S models.

Porsche’s patented VarioCam® Plus valve timing and lift system boosts torque to 273 lb.-ft. at 4,250 with at least 236 lb.-ft available from 2,500-7,000 rpm. The 911 Targa can accelerate from zero-to-62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds.