We’ve seen spy shots of most regular models from Porsche‘s upcoming 992.2 lineup, from the basic Carrera coupe and convertible to the hot Turbo, which is expected to get a non-plug-in hybrid boxer six. But one car missing from our file until now was the Targa.
The Targa, you might remember, combines the best bits of the coupe and convertible 911s, and is also one of the most spectacular thanks to its ability to automatically lift up the entire rear deck and wraparound window so the roof panel can be stored below, before dropping the window back in place. Visually, it captures the cool visual appeal of 1970s Targas but makes enjoying the sun easier and doesn’t leak or drive you mad with wind whistle.
The new 911s Porsche will unveil later this year are mid-cycle updates of the cars introduced in 2018, which went by the 992 codename. As is customary for 911 facelifts, this year’s new models will get a ‘.2’ suffix on that 992 designation, though you won’t see that written anywhere on the cars, whose styling features typically minimal changes that include the arrival of Porsche’s clever new matrix LED lights that can see up to 600 m (1,968 ft) down the road.
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The Targa’s unique B pilar roll hoop and a rear window that looks like it was once used as a windshield on a 1950s Detroit-built car mean it easily stands out from 911 coupes, but these pictures make us wonder if Porsche is planning to build in even more visual differentiation to the next Targa. The spy shots of this car show a front bumper that has two horizontal bars, not three, across the air intake under each headlight, and which lacks the active vertical slats behind them.
And moving to the rear, this car has a different exhaust layout with two oval tailpipes set quite far apart whereas previous prototypes have featured two circular pipes mounted closer to the center of the car. The most logical explanation is that this Targa is fitted with the optional sports exhaust system, and it’s also possible that the new bumper treatment is part of the optional SportDesign visual upgrade package.
As for the interior, well judging from earlier spy shots that’s also in line for some equally subtle upgrades including the first-ever full digital gauge cluster on a road-going 911, but we’ll have to wait until the second half of the year to get an official look at it, and to unravel the mystery of the Targa’s new exhaust and bumper.
