The Roof System On The 2014 Porsche 911 Targa Is Pretty Cool: Feature Spotlight

The anodized aluminum Targa bar and wrap-around rear window of the 2014 Porsche 911 Targa and Targa S reminds us of those classic Targas from the sixties and seventies. But outside of those particular design elements, the new 991-gen Targa has little in common with those from four decades ago, especially in the way in which it works.

Engaging the button to stow the roof commences a sequence that is impressive, to say the least. It goes something like this:

1. The wrap-around rear window and upper portion of the rear bodywork are lifted up about three feet into the air and then moved backward
2. The fabric roof lifts
3. The two small sections located on the upper outside ends of the Targa bar separate to make way for the arms that hold the roof
4. The roof is stowed behind the rear seats

Then, the three first steps repeat in reverse. This video might give you a better idea of the functionality:

To note, when the rear window is extended (as in step 1 above), it is about seven inches aft of the rear bumper. In order to avoid damage to the Targa’s window and bodywork against walls, garage doors, or whatever else might be behind the car, Porsche extended the engagement point of the parking sensor by about nine inches (23 cm). Good forethought, right? We’d certainly say so.

Porsche will launch the 991-series 911 Targa this summer. The unique pseudo-convertible model will be available exclusively in all-wheel-drive 4 and 4S models, both of which being motivated by flat (horizontally-opposed) six-cylinder engines. The Targa 4 will feature the 3.4-liter good for 350 horses, while the Targa 4S will use the larger 3.8-liter good for 400. Starting prices are $101,600 for the Targa 4, and $116,200 for the Targa 4S.

Let us know in the comments if you want to go halfsies.