Did you know that there are currently 20 different types of 911 models for sale in the U.S.? Different trim levels offer varying levels of horsepower and the ability to remove the top, when you so desire. The latest 911 model to roll into Kelley Blue Book’s short-term garage comes in the form of the 911 Targa 4S. With a final asking price a hair above $142,000, this 2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4S is one of the more pricey 911 offerings. It starts at $116,200 with a manual transmission, but if you want to go with the twin-clutch PDK transmission instead (and we highly recommend you do), that’ll be another $4,080.
The 911 has long been known as the driver’s car so pairing a manual transmission with it only seems natural. However, if you really want a seamless driving experience, the PDK will help deliver that with its lightning-quick gear changes. There are still those who prefer to row their own gears though and if you’re so include, we say you can’t go wrong there, either.
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Best of both worlds
Unlike the 911 Cabriolet which opens completely to the sky, the Targa variant gives you the option of removing the top roof panel with the simple flip of a switch located between the seats. There are so many moving parts to this operation, it’s quite a show and the complexity of the mechanism helps explain the car’s sticker price. The process doesn’t take too long though and before you know it, the roof has given way to open sky. Riding with the top panel off and the windows up gives occupants the best of both worlds as you can look up and see sky without freezing temperatures or buffeting wind. Putting the top panel back on is just as quick and easy.
A 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine is tasked with pushing the 911 Targa 4S around and is good for 400 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Another reason to get the PDK transmission shows itself in 0-60 mph times which Porsche says flies by in just 4.4 seconds. The manual gearbox is good for a 4.6 second 0-60 mph time. We found this drivetrain to be incredibly easy to regulate without having to rely on the brakes too often. Simply let your foot off the pedal and you’ll match the traffic’s speed ahead of you in moments.
The 2015 Porsche 911 lineup is, hands down, the best portfolio for those who enjoy the pure driving feel. A six-figure asking price also keeps the exclusivity factor of the 911 Targa S high, though it’s the kind of car that will only attract the attention of the Porsche cognoscenti.
