Porsche Blows the Top Off Retro-Sexy 911 Targa, Priced from $101,600* [w/Video]

Porsche is returning back to the 911’s roots with the new Targa edition that is making its world premiere at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show today.

In a nicely done nostalgic approach that mimics the original 911 Targa of 1965, Porsche fitted the new 991-generation model with a roof bar, a movable front roof section, and a wraparound rear window.

However, unlike the classic model, on the new 911 Targa, the roof segment can be opened and closed at the push of a button, with the top automatically stowed away behind the rear seats.

Positioned between the traditional coupe and convertible editions of the 911 for those who want a bit of both, but are willing to make a few compromises, the Targa will be offered in two engine variants, both exclusively with AWD featuring the wider rear track and body, and the same Porsche Traction Management (PTM), found in all other 911 all-wheel-drive models.

The range starts with the 911 Targa 4 that sports a 3.4-liter flat-six with 345hp (350PS), which when equipped with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission and Sport Chrono package, accelerates to 60 mph (96km/h) in 4.6 seconds topping out at 174 mph or 280km/h (175 mph or 282 km/h with the manual transmission).

At the top of the line is the 911 Targa 4S, which just like its coupe and convertible siblings, has a 3.8-liter boxer engine producing 395hp (400PS). It sprints from zero to 60 mph (96km/h) in 4.2 seconds when equipped with optional PDK and Sport Chrono package reaching a top speed of 183 mph (295km/h) when equipped with a manual transmission and 182 mph (293 km/h) with PDK.

As far as U.S. pricing is concerned, the base 911 Targa 4 will have an MSRP of $101,600 while the 911 Targa 4S model starts at $116,200, with both prices excluding a destination charge of $995.

Porsche plans to commence deliveries of the 911 Targa in the U.S. this summer.

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