Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 4S 2008 review

All companies like to talk about a record turnover, one that is usually reflected in sales and profits.

But Porsche has done it differently. Its new record is reflected in the latest full family of 911 models.

The arrival of the newest 911 Targa means Porsche has completely renewed its core models with a Series II update that brings everything from direct fuel injection to a PDK double-clutch gearbox in less than six months.

Explore the 2008 Porsche 911 range

• Porsche 911 2008 review
• Porsche 911 C4 and C4S 2008 review
• Porsche 911 Targa 4 and 4S 2008 review

That is about one-third of the time it usually takes to renew a 911.

It reflects strong global demand for the German sports car icon and the need to clear next year for the arrival of the important new luxury Panamera and a preview of the second-generation Cayenne SUV.

Porsche found some late-season sunshine on the shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy to roll out the glass-roof Targa, which picks up all the latest 911 update gear, including a more effective sliding fabric cover.

It is the only hatchback in the 911 range, and uses a Targa system that operates as a continuous glasshouse from the top of the windscreen to the engine cover. The roof panel drops and slides back inside the roof in a sweet piece of electric engineering.

The Targa comes as one of the most heavily loaded models in the 911 range. It is sold only with all-wheel drive and Porsche's wide-body rear end. That means an Australian starting price of $258,600, though that's likely to rise before the first of the Series II cars lands next year.

The Targa is expected to snare 10 per cent of 911 sales in Australia.

“This is one of the most attractive 911s. It is the perfect combination,” 911 development chief August Achleitner says.

The basic Targa 4 comes with 254kW from its 3.6-litre engine. The 4S jumps to 283kW with its 3.8, though fuel use is as low as 10.6 litres/100km in combined testing, despite a top speed of 297km/h.

DRIVING

Unless you look up, you'll never know you're in the Targa.

Only when you see the glass roof, which is easily disguised by the more-effective new sun blind, do you remember the latest 911 is not another super-tight Carrera coupe.

The Targa feels as taut as the coupe and just as responsive, with the sort of grip and balance Porsche has done well to install with the latest all-wheel-drive package for the 911.

Another run with the PDK robotic manual is great too, with slick quick shifts and the potential for race-style cornering if you go for the super-sports program.

The Targa 4 is more than quick enough, but a switch to the 4S uncorks the extra 3.8-litre urge that makes every 911 a memorable drive.

Still, the PDK shift buttons on the steering wheel are not easy to use. And the manual change for the gearshift is set wrong-way-round for sports driving.

The roof itself is easy to use and gives plenty of choices in sunshine and fresh air. It creates some buffeting if it is not open all the way, but if you adjust it for the speed and conditions it works smoothly and elegantly.

The hatchback rear end is particularly good, giving more headroom for the back seats, a convenient way to load shopping or children, and an extra 25 litres of storage space.

The Targa is good to drive, looks very good and comes fully loaded.

But that is the bad news. The combination of a wide 911 body and all-wheel drive makes it one of the dearest in the 911 catalogue.