The Porsche 911 range is set to expand further with the introduction of the new 911 Targa 4 and 4S models later this year.

The announcement of the Targa models comes on the eve of the local introduction of the flagship 911 Turbo, to be followed very late in the year by the competition inspired 911 GT3 and in early 2007 the even more focused 911 GT3 RS.

Both new Targa models feature permanent all-wheel drive and the Carrera 4’s distinctive 44 mm wider body at the rear.

As with their predecessor (the Type 996), the most striking feature of both of these sports coupes is the large glass roof and opening rear window. A side-mounted, polished, anodised aluminium trim strip running the length of the roof line emphasises the elegant silhouette.

The glass roof panel can be retracted by up to half a metre in just seven seconds, regardless of road speed. When fully retracted, the roof opening area measures 0.45 square metres.

The roof panel is of two-ply specially tinted glass, 1.9 kilogrammes lighter than its predecessor. Wind noises are kept low even at high speed by a newly developed sealing system. A wind deflector minimises turbulence inside the car, encouraging open-air motoring even at low outside temperatures.

A semi translucent black cloth roller sunblind provides protection from the sun’s rays. The glass roof and roller blind are operated by a rocker switch on the central console next to the handbrake lever.

The gas strut-operated, upward-lifting rear window makes it easy to load the 230-litre capacity rear boot (with rear seats folded). The rear window can be unlocked by a switch on the driver side doorsill or by the remote control button on the key fob. Closing is assisted by an electric closing aid.

The Targa 4 is powered by the familiar flat-six engine, delivering 239 kW of power and 370 Nm from 3.6 litres. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 280 km/h. The more powerful S variant features the 3.8-litre engine producing 261 kW and 400 Nm, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds en route to a 288 km/h top speed.

Standard transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox with Porsche’s five-speed Tiptronic S automatic available as an option.

As with the Carrera 4 and 4S, power to all four wheels is via a viscous multi-plate clutch, which depending on driving conditions applies between five and 40 percent of the driving power to the front axles at all times.

Both Targa models are available for immediate order – the Targa 4 at $233,600 and Targa 4S at $259,900 – with deliveries commencing very late in 2006.

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