New Porsche 911 Targa 2020 pricing and specs detailed: Australia to miss out on manual version

Porsche has unveiled the latest version of its hallowed Targa body style for the 992-generation 911.

Available in Targa 4 trim as either a seven-speed manual or eight-speed ‘PDK’ dual-clutch, or as the more powerful Targa 4S in dual-clutch only, the Targa variants continue the semi-hardtop tradition which began with the original car in 1965.

Maintaining their 3.0-litre boxer six-cylinder engines from the rest of the 911 Carrera range, the Targa 4 makes use of 283kW/450Nm, while the Targa 4S has its outputs bumped to 331kW/530Nm. Its 0-100km/h sprint times are 4.2 seconds and 3.6s respectively.

Both Targa variants are all-wheel drive, augmented with Porsche Active Suspension Management and Porsche Traction Management systems.

While specification is yet to be locked in for the Targa’s Australian launch, optional packages overseas include the Sports Chrono package and Porsche Ceramic Composite brake package.

Sadly for enthusiasts, the seven-speed manual no-cost option will not be available on Australian-delivered Targa variants.

Another option available overseas will be a ‘Leather package 930’, a two-tone interior trim packaged designed to emulate the first 911 Turbo (930). Other interior options will include branded premium sound systems.

The Targa’s unique roof has it sharing its body with the Carrera 4 Cabriolet up to the window line but sports a new roof which has been “further developed” from the previous 991-series Targa 4.

Porsche says the soft-top portion of the roof can be opened or closed in 19 seconds, and the mechanism now integrates with the park assist system to prevent opening when there is insufficient clearance for the rear glass roof portion.

The driver has the option to manually erect a wind deflector to decrease air draughts in the car’s interior.

The 911 Targa variants will ship with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection as standard, as well as the brand’s ‘InnoDrive’ adaptive cruise control, which is capable of “predictably optimising the driving speed for up to three kilometres in advance” using navigation data.

The system adjusts the automatic transmission and braking system to take into account corners, gradients, and speed limits automatically.

Porsche says all-wheel-drive variants make up 20 per cent of local sales, and it expects the Targa bodystyle will make up 50 per cent of that.

Pricing (MSRP) will be set at $275,800 for the Targa 4 and $314,100 for the Targa 4S.