Author Topic: Test Drive: 2014 Porsche 911 Targa 4 (Read 10270 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** October 30, 2014, 06:28:57 am »

While at first it seems contrary to a purist's tastes, the Porsche 911 Targa still delivers everyday engagement thanks to a magical shifter and sports car bones.
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JohnnyMac · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2014, 08:06:05 am »

IMO this is the best looking 911 Porsche makes right now. Love that it only comes in AWD. Would I personally pay that much for one, no but if I was choosing my Porsche based only on looks, this is the one I would have.

OliverD · « **Reply #2 on:** October 30, 2014, 08:18:01 am »

That colour combo is stellar.

bluelines · « **Reply #3 on:** October 30, 2014, 08:30:24 am »

I just love the new targa. My wife has also kindly informed me that she expects a 4S if my business does well over the next few years...

Noto · « **Reply #4 on:** October 30, 2014, 08:32:46 am »

Let me preface:
I love Porsches.

Now for my criticisms:

Quote

Like many a purist, the notion that the Targa packed all those struts and motors just to remove a slim roof panel seems utterly absurd,

It does seem utterly absurd to me. It takes longer to stow the roof in this than in a convertible. It doesn't open the cockpit up as much as the convertible. It weighs more than the convertible. What's the point? Right, JY stated it perfectly:

Quote

the Targa is a design and “because I can” statement.

I'm not sure that's reason enough, but it is more unique (since it's less sought after than the full-blown convertible.

and seriously:

^^^ Holy D!ck! The 70s called and wants its interior back...

I know it's an option, and yeah, some will like it, but that certainly won't age well.

Conclusion:
Let me put it this way: Compare the Targa to anything OTHER than its Carrera brethren and it's an incredible car. Seriously incredible...but why this over the convertible? Why this over the hardtop?

...when you can get everything that is better in another, almost identical car, why have both? Right. Ze German Choice. Heritage. People with money. Ahh. Gotchya

tpl · « **Reply #5 on:** October 30, 2014, 08:50:14 am »

That pic is earlier than '70s with no seatbelts. More like late '50s with the wrap around windscreen...I have no idea what it is.

Noto · « **Reply #6 on:** October 30, 2014, 09:08:14 am »

Who cares...an all-red interior...

I mean, keep the dashboard black at least. Maybe the A-pillars? Good lord there's just so much red.

aquadorhj · « **Reply #7 on:** October 30, 2014, 09:18:34 am »

holy sh1t it's gorgeous. convertible looks rear heavy with chopped top and bulbous rear end, but this... wow. looks almost mid engined in side profile.

Noto · « **Reply #8 on:** October 30, 2014, 09:47:42 am »

Quote from: aquadorhj on October 30, 2014, 09:18:34 am

holy sh1t it's gorgeous. convertible looks rear heavy with chopped top and bulbous rear end, but this... wow. looks almost mid engined in side profile.

I revoke all comments previously made regarding the Targa making no sense compared to the Convertible. People like aquadorhj exist

OliverD · « **Reply #9 on:** October 30, 2014, 09:48:21 am »

Quote from: NoTo on October 30, 2014, 09:08:14 am

Who cares...an all-red interior...

I mean, keep the dashboard black at least. Maybe the A-pillars? Good lord there's just so much red.

Porsche does offer a red/black interior where the upper dash, upper door trim, A pillars, and steering wheel are black.

As for looking dated, I dunno about that. Porsche has offered red interior forever and they look great IMO.

Noto · « **Reply #10 on:** October 30, 2014, 09:55:01 am »

I know they offer the other colours, but it's the availability of the all-red that makes me see...well...red!

I think it's tacky. It's my opinion. Who cares. It's moo.

Serniter · « **Reply #11 on:** October 30, 2014, 10:00:24 am »

Quote from: tpl on October 30, 2014, 08:50:14 am

That pic is earlier than '70s with no seatbelts. More like late '50s with the wrap around windscreen...I have no idea what it is.

It seems like a 1960 Cadillac Eldorado.

Northernridge · « **Reply #12 on:** October 30, 2014, 10:07:54 am »

I like everything about it including the red interior on the tester.

WRX_Pilot · « **Reply #13 on:** October 30, 2014, 10:08:21 am »

I too think it looks gorgeous. Though in my opinion the top should just be a removable T-Top, ala muscle cars of old. But I suppose someone who spends $100K+ on this doesn't want to get their hands dirty. I could care less about the little bit of extra weight, it's just simpler with less to go wrong.

I wish there was a picture of the gauge pod you mention in the article. Usually I like Porsche's unique stacked circles.

Noto · « **Reply #14 on:** October 30, 2014, 10:23:46 am »

Quote from: ClarkL on October 30, 2014, 10:12:47 am

Noto and Sir O., always available for the marxist opinion.

It's why you love us.

Fobroader · « **Reply #15 on:** October 30, 2014, 10:31:15 am »

Quote from: NoTo on October 30, 2014, 09:55:01 am

I know they offer the other colours, but it's the availability of the all-red that makes me see...well...red!

I think it's tacky. It's my opinion. Who cares. It's moo.

For me, I would never get the Targa, seems like a lot of complexity for no reason. Gimme a nice, C2S with a manual and the sport exhaust and seats and Im happy.

Noto · « **Reply #16 on:** October 30, 2014, 10:36:22 am »

I knew you'd pick up on my 'moo'

Northernridge · « **Reply #17 on:** October 30, 2014, 10:37:06 am »

It's ok to have an allergy to red.

OliverD · « **Reply #18 on:** October 30, 2014, 10:53:20 am »

Quote from: Northernridge on October 30, 2014, 10:37:06 am

It's ok to have an allergy to fun.

FTFY.

lebowski · « **Reply #19 on:** October 30, 2014, 12:14:46 pm »

Quote from: WRX_Pilot on October 30, 2014, 10:08:21 am

I too think it looks gorgeous. Though in my opinion the top should just be a removable T-Top, ala muscle cars of old. But I suppose someone who spends $100K+ on this doesn't want to get their hands dirty. I could care less about the little bit of extra weight, it's just simpler with less to go wrong.

^ This. OTOH there's Lamborghini, who make their own customers fuss with the Aventador roadster's manual plastic top. I wonder how those potentially DIY-averse folks are managing/enjoying it.

Also Love the colour combo. Personally I would only buy a new Porsche with a colourful inferior: sea blue or this red, every time. Heck It's a Porsche that you own and get to drive - IMO it should feel like a party every time you get in.