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September 25, 2008

This Week:

• World debut of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid - Even More Superior, Dynamic and Efficient

• Mercedes-Benz Guard - The new S 600 Pullman Guard

• The New 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S - A Unique Sports Car Concept

• Hyundai to Build US$600 Million Plant in Sao Paulo, Brazil

• Toyota To Display CNG-Powered Camry Hybrid Concept At 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show

• New Renault Symbol: just 3.15 litres/100km (85g of CO2/km) on the Renault Symbol Eco-Challenge

• 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover Navigates Its Way Into Automotive History

• Nissan to Announce Mid-term Quality Improvement Program

• Bentley Milano proudly presents the photography exhibition

• Chrysler LLC Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Minivan

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The engines – fuel-efficient but even more powerful

The new 911 Targa is entering the market with new drivetrain technology: The engines featuring Direct Fuel Injection increase maximum output of the 911 Targa 4 to 345 bhp (254 kW) and give the 911 Targa 4S an even more impressive 385 bhp (283 kW). At the same time fuel consumption of the 3.6-litre model is down to 10.6 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.6 mpg imp) and the 3.8 litre is almost just as economical at 11.0 litres (25.7 mpg imp). Performance, on the other hand, is once again even better than before, with the Targa 4 reaching a top speed of 284 km/h (176 mph), the Targa 4S an even more spectacular 297 km/h (184 mph).

Shifting faster and saving fuel in the process: double-clutch gearbox

The new 911 Targa models are available as an option for the first time with the PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch gearbox with no less than seven forward gears.

This outstanding transmission combines the benefits of a manual gearbox with those of an automatic transmission, exceeding both conventional systems in terms of both speed and economy. With PDK, the 911 Targa 4 accelerates to 100 km/h in exactly 5.0 seconds, the Targa 4S in an even faster 4.7 seconds – in each case 0.2 seconds faster than the “regular” model with its manual gearbox. And fuel consumption is down in each case by 0.3 litres/100 km under the EU standard.

New: fully controlled all-wheel drive for even greater driving dynamics

Benefiting from electronically controlled all-wheel drive and the rear axle differential lock now featured as standard, the new Targa 4/4S are able to convert their extra power even better into supreme performance and traction on the road. PTM Porsche Traction Management offers all the qualities required for this purpose, with an electromagnetically controlled multiple-plate clutch ensuring optimum power distribution front-to-rear. And responding whenever necessary within fractions of a second, PTM is able to feed extra drive power to the front axle whenever required.

Extra-wide chassis: sporting but comfortable

The very wide chassis on the all-wheel-drive models makes both versions of the Porsche 911 Targa both comfortable and sporting all in one. Wheel arches flared on each side by 22 millimetres or 1.73” and accommodating rear wheels running on 295/35 ZR 18 tyres on the Targa 4 and 305/30 ZR 19 tyres on the Targa 4S give the car a definite sign of distinction.

Individual suspension qualities – either conventional or active

The Targa is available as before with the alternative choice of two suspensions. Based on the regular suspension of the 911, the new model comes with an active damping system optional on the Targa 4 and standard on the Targa 4S. PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management therefore offers the best of both worlds, combining a more comfort-oriented with an extremely sporting suspension set-up.

Tyre pressure control system improved to an even higher standard

Porsche’s improved tyre pressure control system (TPC) is also available as an option, permanently monitoring air pressure in each tyre. The big advantage of this new generation for the driver is that the information he needs is provided even more quickly and efficiently, current tyre pressure being shown in the instrument cluster within ten seconds after the driver switches on the ignition.

New lights technology for extra safety and individual style

The new models in the 911 Carrera range come as standard with bi-xenon headlights, with the further option of Dynamic Bending Lights available for the first time. Entering the market as new daytime driving lights, the front-end LED light bars stand out particularly through their individual, highly attractive graphics. The rear lights, finally, are now also energy-saving, long-lasting light-emitting diodes, with the exception of the back-up light at the rear.

Seat comfort enhanced to an even higher standard

New, optional seat ventilation offers extra comfort particularly on long distances and in hot weather. Operating in three stages, this new system features one fan in the seat itself and in the backrest.

Convenient and highly versatile audio and communication system

To improve the car’s ergonomics to an even higher standard, the new Targa comes with an even larger touchscreen replacing the former monitor featured by PCM Porsche Communication Management in the centre console. Halving the number of control knobs and buttons, PCM may be supplemented by further modules such as a navigation module with an integrated 40 GB hard disc, a telephone module complete with a Bluetooth® interface or the latest generation of voice control. And last but certainly not least, external audio sources may now also be masterminded straight from the PCM control unit via the optional USB and iPod® interface.

Photos: Porsche

(Sept 25, 2008)