2007 Porsche 911 Targa

Porsche has side-stepped tradition with the 2007 911 Targa, providing the new model with standard all-wheel drive for the first time since its 1966 debut.

Planned for a world debut at September's Paris motor show, the 997-based Targa goes on sale in the U.S. in November. Targa 4 will carry a starting sticker of $86,495, while the higher-powered Targa 4S will start at $96,695 (both prices include a $795 destination charge).

Based on the same underpinnings and basic body structure as the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, Targa once again features a fixed aluminum roof that incorporates a full-length sliding glass sunroof to provide open air compatibility in a car boasting a typical coupe-like silhouette. The latest Targa roof features a laminated twin layered glass panel that weighs 4.2 pounds less than the previous model. An electrically operated blind provides sun protection.
Forgoing the traditional rear-wheel drive layout of earlier 911 Targas, the sixth-generation model runs all-wheel-drive on all models. Targa 4 is powered by a 3.6-liter 325-hp, 273-lb-ft flat six-cylinder engine; Targa 4S gets the 3.8-liter, 355-hp, 295-lb-ft flat six. Porsche says Targa 4 hits 0-60 mph in 5.1-seconds, Targa 4S in 4.7 seconds. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a five-speed Tiptronic automatic optional. A double-clutch manual-automatic gearbox will be a likely addition to the options list in the not-too-distant-future.