Porsche 911 Targa GTS unveiled

Porsche has marked the 50th anniversary of the 911 Targa with the unveiling of a new four-wheel-drive 4 GTS variant of the traditional open-roof sports car at the Detroit motor show.

Planned for UK introduction during the second quarter of 2015, the 911 Targa 4 GTS receives the same naturally aspirated 3.8-litre six-cylinder petrol engine as the recently unveiled 911 GTS coupe and cabriolet as well as their four-wheel-drive siblings.

With 430bhp at 7500rpm, the horizontally opposed engine delivers 29bhp more than the engine used by the standard 911 Targa 4S, upon which the GTS is heavily based. Torque remains the same at 324lb ft but is developed 150rpm farther up the rev range at 5750rpm.

The increased reserves are channelled through either a standard seven-speed manual gearbox with a mechanical rear differential lock or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with an electronically controlled rear locking diff.

They are allied to an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch four-wheel drive system featuring a torque vectoring function to continuously vary the amount of power being delivered to each of the rear wheels.

With a kerb weight of 1560kg, Porsche claims the new 911 Targa 4 GTS can sprint from 0-62mph in 4.3sec and attain a top speed of 188mph in manual guise, making it the sharpest performing of all new 911 Targa models.

Despite the added reserves and heightened performance potential, combined fuel economy remains the same as the 911 Targa 4S at 30.7mpg, according to official Porsche figures.

As with the 911 Targa 4S, the 911 Targa 4 GTS receives widened rear bodywork with rear wheel arches increased by 22mm in width over those of the rear-wheel-drive 911 Targa – a feature that allows the fitment of standard 305/30 rear tyres.

Further unique GTS design touches include darkened headlamp graphics, reshaped exterior mirror housings, black centre-locking 20in alloy wheels from the 911 Turbo S, black GTS badges on the doors, an altered insert for the air duct within the engine lid, a black 'targa' badge on the sides of the rollover hoop and darkened chrome tailpipes.

Inside, the 911 Targa 4 GTS receives sports seats with more substantial lateral support and the letters 'GTS' embossed within the headrests, a standard Sport Chrono package and Alcantara trim.

The 911 Targa 4 GTS is priced from £104,385. It is due to go on sale in March.