Classic Clarkson review of 911 Targe 4 GTS in Sunday Times

[Phil B]

Now I would say this, as I own one, but the alternative view of course is that, being the last run out of the NA engines, and being a relatively limited run of cars (they only target 15% of 991 sales), then the 911 Targa may end up having a really high residual as folk want to get into one of the prettiest cars they've made in the last years (again - subjective opinion). To be honest, with the weather like it is right now, the buffeting isn't that noticeable when the air is warmer (I was on the phone via Bluetooth today at 60 and the person on the other end could hear me perfectly). By all reasonable standards, the car goes like bloody stink and, outside of a track, I challenge anyone to really honestly criticise the blunting of the performance by the excess weight of the top. I grant you, the top is over engineered, but so is the Cab (you could argue that you don't need folding magnesium panels in a convertible top) and there is real enjoyment in the display it puts on when it opens and closes. At this price point, isn't it about the total experience? The naysayers who want to open their top on the move always surprise me - I really don't' see how 20 seconds is ever going to make a difference in anyone's life. The only time it might be an issue is if you get caught in a sudden rainstorm and need to close the top while in moving traffic - in that circumstance i'll accept the ire of other drivers when I pull over.

Personally, if they didn't make the Targa again, I probably wouldn't buy another 911. I want the sun on my face when it's nice outside, I want the (half decent) performance but I don't like the full open top of the Cab - the Targa just feels a little bit less obvious.

Of course, there are many who will disagree with me, but isn't diversity of opinion what makes the world such a rich place?!