2009 Porsche 911 Targa 4

911 Targa 4 / Targa 4S

Porsche introduced American drivers to the Targa roof style in 1967 as a hedge against the feared ban on folding soft-top bodies. The ban never happened, but the Targa roof gained so much popularity that since then approximately ten percent of all 911 buyers have opted for it.

The latest Targa models, the 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S, were introduced in 2007, boasting a unique roof that offers occupants a panoramic view skyward even when the top is closed. The new Targa roof is made from two glass panels covering the full width and length of the passenger compartment.

Based on the most current iteration 911, known internally as 997, the Targa 4 and Targa 4S are the first all-wheel drive Porsche 911 Targas. The latest Targa line is the first to offer buyers a choice of two engines, sharing their drivetrains and chassis with the 997 version Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S.

Source - Porsche

Performance
The latest 911 has a new generation of engines with direct fuel injection (DFI), and significantly more power. 345 hp is generated by the 3.6-liter boxer (horizontally-opposed cylinder) engine and 385 hp by the 3.8-liter power unit.The results are outstanding performance and increased fuel efficiency and emission values. All made possible thanks to DFI, VarioCam Plus, an improved lightweight construction, reduced friction and a number of detailed technical solutions.





Únder acceleration on wet or low-grip road surfaces, PSM improves traction using the ABD (automatic brake differential) and ASR (anti-slip regulation) functions. The control interventions are smooth and precise, giving an agile response. When ‘Sport' mode is selected on the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus, the PSM intervention threshold is raised to enable greater driver involvement – particularly at speeds of up to approximately 45 mph.

The integrated ABS shortens the braking distance even further and the braking inputs are smooth and precise, thereby enhancing comfort.



If the driver suddenly releases the accelerator pedal, the PSM automatically readies the braking system. With the braking system having been precharged, the brake pads are already in light contact with the brake discs. Maximum braking power is therefore achieved much sooner.

When sudden braking is detected – i.e. if the pressure on the brake pedal exceeds a predefined level – the brake assist function uses the PSM hydraulics to apply maximum brake pressure to all four wheels.

If you want a purely active driving experience, you always have the option to deactivate PSM. It is automatically reactivated, for your safety, only if either of the front wheels (in sport mode, both of the front wheels) requires ABS assistance. The ABD function, however, remains active at all times.

In conclusion, PSM offers a high level of driving stability and safety – and typical Porsche agility at the same time.

Sport Chrono Package Plus
All 911 models can also be fitted with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus. It offers even sportier tuning of the engine and chassis, and delivers even greater driving pleasure as a result.

Included in the package are a digital and analogue timer, a ‘Sport' select button, a performance display and a personal memory function in the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Also – when fitted in combination with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) – the ‘Sport Plus' button.

When the ‘Sport' button on the center console is selected, the EMS SDI 3.1 engine management system enhances the engine response. A modified throttle map relates the pedal angle in the footwell to a much wider angle of opening on the throttle valve. Throttle response is significantly more immediate, and in the higher gears, a hard rev-limiter helps protect the engine under acceleration.

The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) also switches to ‘Sport' mode for harder damping and more direct steering, and, therefore, better road holding.

A hard rev-limiter is also applied in the automatic mode of the optional PDK, while gearshift points are delayed until the upper rev range. The shift times are shorter, the gear changes sportier. At low rates of deceleration – even with high engine speeds – the system initiates a swifter brake-induced downshift. In manual mode, gear changes are faster and more dynamic.

In ‘Sport' mode, the trigger threshold for PSM is raised for increased longitudinal and lateral dynamics. Agility is enhanced under braking for corners with PSM enabling greater manoeuvrability under braking and exit acceleration, especially at low speeds.

For maximum dexterity, PSM can be set to standby while the car is still in ‘Sport' mode. For safety, it is set to intervene automatically only when ABS assistance is required on both the front wheels.

In combination with PDK, the Sport Chrono Package Plus has two additional functions that are activated by pressing the Sport Plus button, to take driving to an even sportier level.

‘Launch Control' is used, for example, on the track to achieve the best standing start possible – a racing start.

Launch Control is operated via the Sport Plus button with the ‘D' or ‘M' drive position selected. Whilst the driver depresses the brake pedal with the left foot, the right foot depresses the accelerator pedal to the floor. With the accelerator in the kickdown position, the system detects the driver's request for Launch Mode and revs the engine to an optimum speed of approximately 6,500 rpm. Engine torque increases and the clutch closes slightly. The message ‘Launch Control active' appears on the instrument cluster display. The driver now quickly releases the brake – and prepares for maximum acceleration.

The second new function is the ‘motorsport-derived gearshift strategy'. Úsing this, Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) is geared up for the shortest possible shift times and optimum shift points for maximum acceleration – ideal for the racetrack.

A key component of the Sport Chrono Package Plus is the timer mounted on the dashboard. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) has a special performance display to view, store and evaluate lap times or other driving times. It shows the total driving time, lap distance, lap number and the lap times recorded so far. You can view the current fastest lap and the remaining range until empty. Travelled distances can be recorded and benchmark times defined.

The personal memory function of the Sport Chrono Package Plus can also be used to store personalized settings for a range of systems, including the orientation lighting or air conditioning.

Porsche Active Suspension Management
The electronic adjustment of the suspension system actively and continuously regulates the damping force for each wheel according to the road conditions and driving style. In addition, the suspension is 10 mm lower. PASM is fitted as standard in the S models and is optional for models with the 3.6-liter engine.

The driver can select between two different modes: ‘Normal' which is a blend of performance and comfort, and ‘Sport' where the setup is much firmer. The two setup modes overlap slightly and so the balance between comfortable and uncompromisingly sporty is struck more effectively than with a conventional chassis. Depending on the mode selected, therefore, PASM is sportier or more comfortable than the standard chassis of models with the 3.6-liter engine. The PASM control unit evaluates the driving conditions and modifies the damping force on each of the wheels in accordance with the selected mode.

Sensors monitor the movement of the vehicle body, for example, under heavy acceleration and braking or on uneven roads. The control unit tunes the dampers to the optimum hardness for the selected mode to reduce roll and pitch, and increase contact between each individual wheel and the road.

In ‘Sport' mode, the suspension is set to a harder damper rating. On uneven roads, PASM immediately switches to a softer rating within the ‘Sport' setup range, thereby improving contact between the wheels and the road. When the road surface improves, PASM automatically reverts to the original, harder rating.

If ‘Normal' mode is selected and the driver's style becomes more assertive, PASM automatically switches to a harder rating within the ‘Normal' setup range. Damping becomes harder, and driving stability and road safety are increased.

The new PASM sports chassis is available as an option for Coupé models and only in conjunction with 19-inch wheels.

The suspension is 20 mm lower in comparison to the standard suspension of the 911 Carrera, and 10 mm lower compared with the PASM suspension of the S models. The springs are harder and shorter, and the lateral stabilizers on the front and rear axle are stiffer. In combination with PASM, it offers greater comfort than that of the conventional sports suspension.

The mechanically locking rear differential further enhances the traction of the driven rear wheels on uneven roads and, for example, when accelerating out of tight bends. Road holding at the limits of performance is even more predictable. The car holds its course better and so PSM intervenes less often.

Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes
The PCCB ceramic brake discs for the new 911 have a diameter of 350 mm front and rear – for formidable braking performance. The brake discs are formed from a specially treated carbon-fiber compound that is silicated in a high-vacuum process at approximately 1,700 °C. Not only are the resulting braking discs much harder than standard discs, they are more resistant to heat.

PCCB is characterized by its low thermal expansion, which prevents deformation under heavy braking. Furthermore, the ceramic brake discs are totally resistant to corrosion and offer more favorable noise-damping properties.

The use of six-piston aluminum monobloc brake calipers on the front axle and four-piston units at the rear ensures extremely high brake forces which, crucially, are exceptionally consistent. The pedal response is fast and precise with only moderate input required.

All the necessary ingredients are there for a short braking distance, even in the toughest conditions. Moreover, safety under braking at high speeds is increased thanks to the excellent fade resistance of the PCCB.

The key advantage of PCCB is the extremely low weight of the brake disc, which is approximately 50% lighter than standard discs of similar design and size. As well as enhancing performance and fuel economy, this represents a major reduction in unsprung and rotating masses. The consequence of this is better road holding and increased comfort, particularly on uneven roads, as well as greater agility and improved handling.

Please note that circuit racing, trackday use and other forms of performance driving can significantly reduce the service life of even the most durable brake pads and discs. As with conventional high-
performance braking systems, we recommend that all brake components be professionally inspected and replaced where necessary after every track event.

Source - Porsche