Porsche has offically uveiled the 997 Targa, although there's nothing
conceptually new about it, it's still cool. The big news to me is that
the first Targas will be "Targa 4" units based on the standard (non-S)
Carrera 4 model, a C4 Targa hasn't been available since the 964
generation is memory serves me. Carrera, Carrera S and C4S based models
will more than likely become available over time, but I'm personally
hoping to see a Targa Turbo as well. You can see the car here:
http://www.porsche.com/usa/

"Filmophile" <Filmophilia (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote

Think I prefer my C4C to a targa.

That's why they sell both bud.

As with any targa built in the past, expect yours to spend a lot of time in
the shop for rattlles and squeaks, wind noise and water leaks, possible
recalls? Ben there done that.
"Filmophile" <Filmophilia (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote

I've heard that older "G Series" and 964 platform Targas have problems
with seals wearing around the top, but that's to be expected - the
seals are rubber and will eventually erode. But have the "glass canopy"
993 and 996 Targas really been all that much trouble? I've never spoken
to a 996 Targa owner who'd mentioned any serious issues with the top.

"Filmophile" <Filmophilia (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote

I've spoken to a couple of 996 Targa owners at PCA events, and they love the
roofs. It apparently makes detailing in the rear seat area a lot easier than
with a coupe. They've no gripes with the fit/seal, but the cars are
relatively new.

One guy did mention not being enamored of the Targa weighing 150 pounds more
due to the roof, all of it located up high where it does nothing good for
the car's roll center......

For me, that's the main deterrant in regards to the Targa. I feel
similarly about the Boxster and 911 Cabrio - I'd rather do without the
added weight and flex that come with having an open top. These are
sports cars, and although I know that a "sporty roadster" is the idea
of perfection for some drivers, I'd rather not make the associated
compromises - same goes for the weight added by the Targa system. IMO,
911s should be fixed roof and RWD. I like the idea of the 911 Turbo as
a very higb performance "every day" sports car that isn't put off by
rain, but the purity of the 911 GT3 is what I want when it's really
time to thrash around a track or cut loose down the local canyon road.

"Filmophile" <Filmophilia (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote

When we ordered our 2002 Carrera there was never any doubt about it being a
2. We would have checked the "delete sunroof" option but the dealer warned
that would probably push the build date toward the end of the run, and he
was already predicting a March delivery (for an early September order).

We got lucky - the car ended up being built on October 17, passed inspection
and was delivered to the boat for shipping on the 18th, and we picked it up
at our local dealer on December 11.

The new Turbo with the Tip S is quicker than a manual, and with the
sport-chrono package gets 10 seconds of overboost and will get to 60 quicker
than a Carrera GT. Pretty serious straight line punch. And the new GT3
apparently gets PASM
which makes it more liveable on the street while retaining the track goods.