Picture Gallery: 2007 Porsche 911 Targa 4S
Day 1:
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The weather turned for the worst today, which is a double edged sword for testing a vehicle of this nature. On one hand it is disappointing to not have the traction to test out the sheer braking and acceleration forces this vehicle can apply to your body. On the other hand, it allows me to test out the enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system without having to break the speed limit.
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The Targa top, for those not in the know, is a full glass roof that opens like a giant sunroof. There is a sunshade for those warm sunny days when you can’t bear to sit basking in the sun, scorching your dome. With the snow today I have obviously not had the chance to try out this Targa top. Hopefully I’ll get a chance before I return this vehicle.
Porsche customers do not tend to purchase the standard model of any vehicle and Porsche ensures the options lists are plentiful. With only the standard features, this vehicle starts at a hefty $133,200, while my test model goes well over $150,000 with options such as full leather interior, navigation, upgraded stereo and heated seats.
It should be a fun few days driving a vehicle that could be classified as an exotic. The wide fender flares on the Targa model certainly provide that exotic look and driving a Porsche in Ottawa in the winter certainly classifies it as a rare breed on the road.
2007 Porsche 911 Targa4S
MSRP as tested: $156,090
For more information on Porsche and the Targa4S visit Porsche Canada
Day 2 & 3:
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Leaving sport mode off, Porsche’s active suspension in its normal setting and equipped with the automatic transmission, the Targa feels more luxury than sport. A little probing of the throttle gives off a glorious grumble from behind your seat that hints at the power ready to be unleashed.
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Acceleration from first to second gear now can be described as intoxicating. Your passengers will grab for the finely crafted leather door handle and may scream in sheer fear — or in excitement. It then becomes obvious why Porsche puts the ignition on the left of the steering wheel instead of the right: just in case your passenger decides they want no more.
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I have not had the fortune to test out Ferrari’s stability control system, but I can say that Porsche’s system is excellent and allows for a little tail out action before pulling on the reigns and bringing the rear of the vehicle back on the same path as the front. The AWD system on the Targa4S, on the other hand, will not tread through any type of obstacle like some other AWD systems.
The 295/35/R19 tires on the rear certainly float on deep snow and have a hard time to digging in: I almost got stuck in some deep snow as the power is not transferred to the front wheels sufficiently for low speed maneuvers. I’m sure its benefit is more obvious at higher speeds on a track.
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Unfortunately, over the past few days, the roads have not been clear enough to make me feel comfortable really trying out the braking system on the 911 Targa. The brake pedal starts high on the Targa and bite is nearly instantaneous after applying any pressure to the pedal. I did have one chance before a turn to hit the brakes with some force and even with winter tires, the Targa was able to pull my stomach up a few inches.
When you are done trying to pull the most G-forces as possible in four directions and head out onto the open highway, the Targa performs equally brilliantly. Supportive comfortable seats, with the heated option in my tester, provide a lovely place to be on a long drive. The full glass roof turns even the coldest days into a delight as you bask in the glorious sun above. The Targa is the perfect Porsche for the winter as the miles melt away. With 355hp under your foot and the sun over your head, you forget that outside of your little heaven lies old man winter.
Day 4:
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The first downside is the fact that people stare at you like you’re from Mars, even those whom I suspect have no idea that this vehicle is in a similar price range to their homes. The second downside is the power windows. When opening or closing the doors, the windows open slightly to reduce pressure and then close again once the door is closed. At -30 C the windows tend to freeze solid and the motor sounds harsh while you rush to get the door closed before it burns out.
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Downside number three is the unfortunate fact that the interior (especially beige) will get dirty, but some rubber mats should help alleviate this. And last but not least is downside number four: the fact that with all that power under your foot, you have to restrain yourself from being a complete idiot and sliding into a pole or curb.
Some complain of the small buttons on the dash of the Porsche and to be honest I was not so keen on them either at first. But after using the dash for only a few days I have to admit that the navigation, radio and HVAC system was one of the easiest to use I have ever tried. The knob on the right allows you to scroll through all the functions and the many buttons are logically laid out for quick touch features, an absolute joy to use.
Gas mileage: does anyone really care? I can report a heavy foot and a resulting 13.4L/100km! So it seems with the 911 you can have your cake and eat it too. On the highway I was averaging approximately 9L/100km even with this cold weather spell we have been having. So not only did I get a chance to drive around in this fine automobile — I was also able to save some pennies at the pumps.
I can honestly say I would love to drive this vehicle as a daily driver, year round. And if I was in a position to have this as my “winter beater” as some inquired, my summer transportation better be something out of this world.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Porsche 911 Targa4S
MSRP as tested: $156,090
For more information on Porsche and the Targa4S visit Porsche Canada
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February 04, 2007, 12:13:41 pm I’ll take a C6 for summer and an STI for a winter beater please.
February 04, 2007, 03:09:57 pm Audi R8 for me
The 911 would be second choice. I'm not so smitten by the
VuittonsAstons for whatever reason.February 04, 2007, 03:15:55 pm Dreamers like to dream....
I'll take a 911. Aston's look good...but that's about it from my eyes.
February 04, 2007, 03:16:51 pm The exterior of this car is classic. But the interior - the center console is just terrible. You think they would spend some time and design a bit better. Low end Kias have better interiors than this car.
February 04, 2007, 03:17:34 pm
so POO POO to YOO..........once it's FIXED....!!!! aaargh I'll have NO MONEY left ta run it even in MidSUMMER NIGHTMARES DREAM SCENARIO........."POP" oopps I woz dreamin' there of rippin' around in IT again...U EVIL MAN U......
You talk about the past like it was yesterday....what's it doin' tomorrow?
Once you get it fixed, I'd have a 911 C4 to drive around...year round. And we know how likely that's going to happen.
February 04, 2007, 03:30:13 pm I agree....... AUDI R8! That car is drop dead gorgeous and goes like hell!
February 04, 2007, 03:30:35 pm
The centre console is busy with small buttons, but the materials are great in my opinion. But then again, I haven't been inside a low rent Kia.
February 04, 2007, 08:46:25 pm Winter tires should have been installed for the test.
February 04, 2007, 08:48:56 pm The vehicle is equipped with winter tires, it would be undriveable in Ottawa without them.
February 04, 2007, 09:33:18 pm If some Fairy Godmother ( quiet Saf! ) forced a Porker into my unwilling hands I'd want a Boxster S with a hard top ( no Cayman) and I'll keep the change please for a winter beater.
But.... that must be fun on a icy road with that (mostly) fixed torque awd and super Blizzaks.
February 04, 2007, 10:45:04 pm What winter tires do you have on the car?
February 04, 2007, 10:45:30 pm So would you say wing, that the 911 is a glorious car that can do it all? Are you going to give it them steering wheel ratings?
I haven't had the pleasure of being in the 997 (yet)....but the previous 911's are great. If only I had the money to match my tastes.
February 05, 2007, 08:14:31 am
Pirelli winter snowsports.
February 05, 2007, 08:23:28 am I guess this is proper reward for spending a week in a Compass !
I'd take a silver C4 with stick, no doodads, to go, please.
February 05, 2007, 09:32:30 am Ha Ha love that E L O N G A T E D..PIC of the front seats thru the Glass Targa TOP...
looks like even SHNAK would fit in there...BuTT_Man!!! those rear torture chamber seats look worse than Abu Grahb...with that missing middle back hollowed out KIDDIE SEATS
February 05, 2007, 12:18:47 pm When I walked by a burgundy Targa 4S this morning in the parking lot I though to myself, "Wow, some guy got a new car" and then when walked up, looked inside and spotted the automatic transmission I though "Wow, some girl got a new car"
James, I should have know it was you! LOL.
Regardless of the transmission, I'm very jealous. I have loved porches since I was a kid, I still remember the picture of the 959 I used to have in my locker and the poster of the 911 Ruf turbo I used to have in my room.
Your tester looks really good, I love the beige leather interior. As always the best POV on the porche is the rear and this one is no exception. I did also notice that those tires are really wide to be driving on in the snow.
I hope the weather warms up a bit so you can open her up a little and not worry about black ice.
Have fun!
February 05, 2007, 12:30:17 pm Ah yes.
When I was a kid, I had the Ruf Yellow Bird, the 959, the Slantnose, the 928S4...cutout from car rags....
February 05, 2007, 12:31:13 pm WOT -40C in Ottawa and ZOMBIES COME OUTTA THA WOODWERK.....always tho't they were HOT POT 8 Ooohs......DOWN MDx I have SCOTTISH BLOOD..thicker than two short breads......
February 05, 2007, 12:34:00 pm
...cutout from car rags....
You are such a playboy ...
P ... Porsche was not my thing, was more into the F's - Ferrari.
February 05, 2007, 09:02:18 pm I suspect the tires are to be blamed for the poor snow traction.
I have wider rear tires, 305 on my 997 turbo and have no problem on ice and fairly deep snow. I have the Porsche approved Continental TS810S. Nokians also make Porsche approved N0 rated winter tires (Nokian WR) for the 997 and I heard they're also pretty good.
February 05, 2007, 09:07:50 pm By no means were they bad, I was in some pretty deep snow, like 1 foot deep, I was surprised the front wheels didn't spin that is all.
I was doing 0-60 runs on snow covered roads no problem, they were good tires, although a little understeery
February 05, 2007, 10:18:38 pm Excellent use of the word "understeery".
Must be nice to roll in a porsche. While the Targa 4s isn't my favorite model, it is a legendary car.
Have you noticed people staring at the car?
February 05, 2007, 10:38:32 pm Oh yeah!! My wife has been driving a C4S for year since 2002 and now has a new 997.. Order the smallest wheels and tires that you can from the TireRack.com and the handling imroves vastly.This thing goes anywhere with snow tires. The only problem is the roof. My Boxster S is a much better Skidoo simulator when driven topless in the winter (As it is daily). Porsche tests these cars in all kinds of weather and it shows. My Cayenne S is the least fun of all Porsches in the winter. And as far as naysayers and Aston Martins (AKA F-O-R-D) go, drive both on a track and after the AMs brakes have been extinguished by the fire crew I would like to hear your opinion. As for the fancy interiors... the only options to buy on a Porsche are the performance options (PASM & SPORT EXHAUST!!), Bose stereo and heated seats.
February 06, 2007, 07:07:11 am
Welcome to the forum. Did you run out of money for the Cayman and GT?
But seriously....which do our prefer driving more...the 911 or Boxster S?
February 06, 2007, 11:40:59 am jrudolph, you're certainly into Porsche!
Did you test or consider any other SUVs behond the Cayenne, or were you set on it?
Do you go to any corporate or enthusiast events?