Porsche launches all-new 2009 911 Targa

In case you were wondering, the Porsche-themed Transsyberia Rallye 2008 concluded on Friday with Team France in first place, followed by Team Spain and Team Germany 1. Coincidentally, Porsche also released details about new variants for their latest 911. The 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S, so named due to their glass tops and standard all-wheel-drive, will hit showroom closer to winter this year.

Derived from the revamped 911 Carrera range, the 911 Targa 4 is powered by a new 3.6-litre flat-six engine, developing a maximum output of 345 hp for a top speed of 282 kph. The 3.8-litre 911 Targa 4S engine delivers a maximum output of 385 hp that offers a top speed of 294 kph.

Technological highlights of the 2009 Targa include two new engines themselves, with direct fuel injection to improve both performance and fuel economy. Also new is the optional 7-speed PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (German for double-clutch gearbox) available alongside the 6-speed manual, and the electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which takes the place of the former all-wheel drive system. Its large glass sliding roof, specially treated to filter out UV rays, that can be opened in just seven seconds.