Any readers recall the flip-book from Mitsubishi when launching the 3000GT Spyder in 1995?

Such a simple idea: 100 pages of roof in sequence while retracting. But that little red flipbook made the 3000GT Spyder the star of the year’s auto shows.

If there were ever a car whose features would benefit from a CarRevsDaily animation, it must be the new 911 Targa.

The 911 Targa and Porsche’s 360-degree spinners are perfect inspirations for a modern-day “moving picture” of the Targa’s showpiece.

Far more than just the elaborate moonroof of the most recent previous-gen Targa models — this is a full convertible in terms of extra chassis bracing and special components through-out.

One extra special part of the Targa is the contrast-black roof panel.

It might have been tempting to paint this – but the black portion, the brushed-stainless roll hoop and that signature rear glass all need one another.

The overall effect really is timeless style – to borrow a phrase from Porsche.

 

The clamshell rear canopy shape of the 911 Speedster also comes to mind when viewing this new masterpiece.

Clarification: headline originally about Skiing in Springtime.

So what is the bit about skiing in the headline? Two things:

—- The 911 Targa comes exclusively in AWD, making it the ideal drop-top for mountain climates.

—- I want to go skiing this winter, but it is too chilly outside. Maybe when the sun comes out in March or April…

—- The 2014 Targa will make its first U.S. deliveries by late springtime.

The Targa builder is LIVE here.

Now, must cruise over to Porsche accessories to find a Targa-friendly ski rack…!

The Targa 4 comes in two flavors:

The official Targa 4 page.

 

Targa 4 Specs

Engine	Manual	PDK
Engine layout	Rear engine	Rear engine
Cylinder layout / number of cylinders	Horizontally Opposed / 6	Horizontally Opposed / 6
Displacement	3.4 l	3.4 l
Max. Power	350 hp	350 hp
@ rpm	7400 rpm	7400 rpm
Max. Torque	287 lb.-ft.	287 lb.-ft.
Compression ratio	12.5 : 1	12.5 : 1

Fuel Consumption	Manual	PDK
City (estimate)	TBA mpg	TBA mpg
Highway (estimate)	TBA mpg	TBA mpg

Performance	Manual	PDK
Top Track Speed	175 mph	173 mph
Acceleration 0 – 60 mph	TBA sec	TBA sec

Transmission	Manual	PDK
Manual transmission	7-speed	–
Tiptronic S	n/a	n/a
PDK	–	7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

Body	Manual	PDK
Length	176.81 in.	176.81 in.
Width	TBA in. (w/o mirrors)	TBA in. (w/o mirrors)
Height	TBA in.	TBA in.
Wheelbase	96.46 in.	96.46 in.
Drag coefficient (Cd)	0.30	0.30
Curb weight	TBA lbs	TBA lbs

Capacities	Manual	PDK
Luggage compartment volume (with rear seats folded)	TBA cu. ft.	TBA cu. ft.
Fuel Tank Capacity	TBA gal.	TBA gal.

Price	Manual	PDK
	TBA	TBA

 

The official Targa 4 S page.

Targa 4 S Specs

Engine	Manual	PDK
Engine layout	Rear engine	Rear engine
Cylinder layout / number of cylinders	Horizontally Opposed / 6	Horizontally Opposed / 6
Displacement	3,8 l	3,8 l
Max. Power	400 hp	400 hp
@ rpm	7400 rpm	7400 rpm
Max. Torque	325 lb.-ft.	325 lb.-ft.
Compression ratio	12.5 : 1	12.5 : 1

Fuel Consumption	Manual	PDK
City (estimate)	TBA mpg	TBA mpg
Highway (estimate)	TBA mpg	TBA mpg

Performance	Manual	PDK
Top Track Speed	183 mph	182 mph
Acceleration 0 – 60 mph	TBA sec	TBA sec

Transmission	Manual	PDK
Manual transmission	7-speed	–
Tiptronic S	n/a	n/a
PDK	–	7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

Body	Manual	PDK
Length	176.81 in.	176.81 in.
Width	TBA in. (w/o mirrors)	TBA in. (w/o mirrors)
Height	TBA in.	TBA in.
Wheelbase	96.46 in.	96.46 in.
Drag coefficient (Cd)	0.30	0.30
Curb weight	TBA lbs	TBA lbs

Capacities	Manual	PDK
Luggage compartment volume (with rear seats folded)	TBA cu. ft.	TBA cu. ft.
Fuel Tank Capacity	TBA gal.	TBA gal.

Price	Manual	PDK
	TBA	TBA

 

Official Release below from Porsche.

The 2014 Porsche 911 Targa

Atlanta. At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Porsche is introducing two new models to the 911 range: the 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S. These models are the first to combine the classic Targa concept with cutting edge, innovative roof technology.

Just like the legendary original 911 Targa of 1965, the new models feature the distinctive Targa roof bar, a movable front roof section, and a wraparound rear window. But unlike the classic 911 Targa, the roof segment can be opened and closed at the push of a button. The fully automatic roof system stows the Targa top behind the rear seats.

Both 911 Targa models exclusively come in AWD version, featuring the wider rear track and body, and the same Porsche Traction Management (PTM), found in all 911 all-wheel-drive models. It is an active all-wheel-drive system that helps to ensure the optimal distribution of drive power for optimum traction in most road scenarios, whether on long straights, through tight corners, or on surfaces with different friction coefficients. The combination of the wide body, the Targa bar, and the wraparound rear window results in an extremely sporty and low-slung profile.

The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a horizontally opposed 3.4-liter 6-cylinder engine with 350 hp. Equipped with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono package, the 911 Targa 4 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and is capable of a top track speed of 174 mph (175 mph with the manual transmission). The 911 Targa 4S delivers 400 hp from its 3.8-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine, and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds when equipped with optional PDK and Sport Chrono package.  The 911 Targa 4S is capable of reaching a top track speed of 183 mph when equipped with a manual transmission and 182 mph with PDK.

The 911 Targa 4 will have an MSRP of $101,600 while the 911 Targa 4S model will have an MSRP of $116,200. Both cars also have a destination charge of $995.  Deliveries of the 911 Targa in the U.S. are scheduled to begin this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, including the Macan and Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 189 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency.

At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

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The Targa builder is LIVE here.