2002 Porsche 911 Targa

PORSCHE INTRODUCES NEW 911® TARGA

Legendary Sportscar Returns With Únique Sliding Glass Roof
The all-new 911 Targa shares the 3.6-liter, 320-horsepower engine, 911 Turbo-inspired front-end styling and interior enhancements with the redesigned 911 Carrera models that Porsche introduced for 2002. The larger engine makes these the most powerful normally aspirated 911 models ever offered in North America. In profile, the 911 Targa can be distinguished by its sharply tapered rear side glass. Drag coefficient is the same as the 911 Carrera Coupe – 0.30. The 2002 911 Targa expands on the concept of the previous model, which introduced a large power-operated sliding glass roof that slid under the rear window.

Únique Sliding Glass Roof
The 2002 911 Targa offers a clear view of the sky through more than 16 square feet (1.5 square meters) of glass, more than any 911 model ever. Pressing one button activates two electric motors that quietly open the roof by nearly 20 inches, (0.5-meter), providing a roof opening of nearly 700 square inches (0.45 square meters), nearly twice the size of the 911 Carrera Coupe sunroof opening. The roof is made of the same pre-tensioned laminated safety glass as the windshield. When the glass roof opens, a wind deflector deploys at the leading edge, reducing turbulence and allowing open-air driving, even in colder weather. Porsche designed
the deflector to keep wind noise to about the same level as that of the 911 Carrera Coupe with sunroof. A cloth sunblind automatically extends out beneath the glass roof when closed to protect occupants from the sun's heat and glare (glass has ÚV tinting, too). The blind also provides an additional layer of insulation from cold weather.

The seatbelt anchors differ from those in the 911 Carrera Coupe and are located beneath the wider roof pillars. The roller housings are larger, with enough room for built-in lights that illuminate when the rear glass hatch is opened. The roof also opens remotely with a dedicated button on the key fob. In addition, the driver can open the roof and side windows with the remote control by holding down the door-unlock button for more than three seconds. Holding the lock button for more than three seconds closes the roof and windows.



All 911 models for 2002 received structural enhancements. Porsche designed a unique upper body structure for the 911 Targa to ensure the strength and safety expected of any Porsche vehicle.

Úsing an idea borrowed from the 911 Cabriolet, Porsche engineers reinforced the A-pillars internally using 1.2-inch (30-millimeter) thick high-strength steel tubes. In the 911 Targa, this extra steel reinforcement extends all the way back to the C-pillars and is welded to the body structure through junction plates. The B-pillars extend upward into the roof rails to provide optimal side strength. This Targa-specific engineering ensures torsional and flexing strength on par with the 911 Coupes.

The 911 Targa, which weighs about 150 pounds more than the 911 Carrera Coupe, features its own spring and shock absorber tuning to give it the same handling capability as that model. The additional weight has minimal impact on the car's performance: the 911 Targa accelerates from zero-to-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds, compared to 5.0 seconds for the 911 Carrera Coupe.

For 2002, the 911 Carrera and Targa models keep their unmistakable 911 profile and adopt the headlight design of the 911 Turbo, plus a newly shaped front end and redesigned oval exhaust tailpipes. The new headlight design improves lighting performance. The optional Bi-Xenon headlights use high-intensity gas discharge bulbs for both the low and high beams.

The design changes are not just cosmetic. The new front air intakes increase airflow to the radiators by 15 percent. Reshaping the radii of the front wheel arches and adding small, flexible spoilers ahead of the front wheels has reduced lift at the front by 25 percent and 40 percent at the rear. In addition, new air intake ducts enhance front brake cooling, and a new underfloor duct enhances transmission cooling by 20 percent.

Like the 911 Carrera models, the 911 Targa shares its instrument panel with the 911 Turbo. The standard onboard computer conveys information on an LCD display within the tachometer. In addition to information about fuel consumption and driving range, the computer can display engine oil level, outside temperature and 35 different warning messages in plain text.

The 911 Targa benefits from the same interior enhancements to the 2002 911 Carrera models, including a three-spoke sports steering wheel and redesigned center vents. The remote entry system controls seat memory function when the optional power seats are ordered. The remote determines which of the four car keys is in use and transmits the information for driver's seat position and exterior mirrors to the memory control unit. Apart from the function provided by the four programmable keys, the driver can select two other seat positions via buttons to the left of the seat.

The lockable glovebox and a cupholder integrated into the center dash add convenience, while matte surfaces for the switches enhance tactile quality. The optional Parking Assist with sensors integrated into the bumper covers can help prevent parking maneuver 'fender-benders' by sounding an audible alert as the car gets closer to an obstacle. The front trunk is equipped with an anti-entrapment release with internal handle, and the car keys feature a color Porsche crest.

All 2002 Porsche models feature light-emitting diode (LED) interior orientation lights. One LED provides gentle illumination of the cockpit and center console. An LED on the driver's side door handle illuminates the ignition lock and light switch, and an LED illuminates each door latch.

New for 2002, an optional Bose digital sound system combines balanced stereo, a panoramic sound stage, deep bass and smooth frequency response to produce lifelike music reproduction even in the challenging environment of a car interior. Digital amplifiers provide clean, uncolored sound at any listening level. In the 911 Targa, the 11 advanced loudspeakers, including a subwoofer, blend seamlessly into cabin trim, raising and widening the sound stage and ensuring balanced stereo.

The optional Porsche Communication Management system (not available in Canada) integrates controls and displays for Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation,
onboard computer, and climate control. A five-inch (diagonal) LCD color screen displays all functions.

Porsche increased displacement of the six-cylinder boxer engine in the normally aspirated 911 models from 3.4 liters to 3.6 liters. The larger displacement, along with other powerplant changes, has boosted horsepower to 320 (235 kW) from 300, increased torque and provided more powerful and smoother engine response. Although based on the 911 Carrera engine introduced in MY 1999, the engine in the 2002 models uses an entirely new spinning assembly (crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods). The stroke has been increased from 3.07 in. (78.0 mm) to 3.26 in. (82.8 mm), while bore remains the same at 3.78 inches (96.0 mm), increasing displacement from 206.7 cu. in. (3,387 cc) to 219.4 cu. in. (3,596 cc). Engine architecture remains the same. An aluminum cylinder block and heads make the engine light. Patented LOKASIL high-silicon cylinder liners help reduce friction and wear to such a level that Porsche can recommend a 15,000-mile (24,000 km) oil change interval and a 30,000-mile (48,000 km) oil filter change interval.

Aside from the displacement increase, the biggest change to the 911 engine is the adaptation of the VarioCam® Plus valve timing and lift system from the 911 Turbo. VarioCam Plus not only adjusts camshaft position to provide continuously adjustable valve timing, but incorporates two camshaft profiles and two sets of tappets to vary both valve lift and duration, as well. The new system helps broaden
and smooth out the torque curve while helping to reduce emissions. The dual-stage resonance air intake system – optimized for the larger displacement engine – also helps boost power and torque at midrange engine speeds. The 2002 911 engine produces 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of peak torque at 4,250 rpm, with at least 236 lb.-ft. (320 Nm) available from 2,500-7,000 rpm and a midrange torque 'plateau' of at least 265 lb.-ft. (359 Nm) from 3,800-6,000 rpm.

Sequential multi-port fuel injection features separate fuel mixture control for each cylinder bank, and a coil-on-plug ignition system provides quick response and reliable operation. The ME 7.8 engine control module incorporates the E-Gas electronic throttle. In place of a traditional throttle cable setup, E-Gas electronically transmits pedal position to the engine control unit. Mufflers with less backpressure than those on 2001 911 models emit a more powerful sound through newly designed oval tailpipes.

The four-wheel independent suspension features a Porsche-optimized MacPherson-strut design in front and a multilink setup in the rear, both with aluminum suspension components to reduce unsprung weight. Front and rear stabilizer bars and gas-charged shock absorbers provide flatter cornering. Standard power rack-and pinion steering yields a quick 2.98 turns lock-to-lock and a tight 34.8-ft. (10.6-meter) turning circle.

The standard 'Carrera II' aluminum alloy wheels measure 17 x 7 inches in front and mount 205/50 ZR17 tires; the 17 x 9-inch rear wheels mount 255/40 ZR17 tires. The optional 18-inch wheel/tire package further enhances the already sharp handling. The wheels measure 18 x 8 inches in front and 18 x 10 inches in the rear; tires are 225/40 ZR18 in front and 285/30 ZR18 in the rear.

The 911 Carrera Targa not only owes its name to Porsche racing heritage, but its brake technology, as well. The four-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS 5.3 anti-lock control are derived from the Porsche GT1 racecar. The 'monoblock' (one-piece) brake calipers reduce heat and unsprung weight.

The front discs measure 12.5 inches in diameter and 1.1-inch thick (318 mm x 28 mm). The rear discs measure nearly as large at 11.8 inches in diameter and 0.95-inch thick (299 mm x 24 mm). The cross-drilled discs dissipate heat to maintain braking performance and brake feel even under hard usage. (Porsche requires brakes to provide 25 consecutive full-force stops without fade.) The optional Porsche Stability Management system (PSM) can enhance handling under a variety of driving conditions. Úsing data from several sensor inputs, PSM can detect a loss of grip at the front or rear and reduce instability by applying braking to individual wheels and, if necessary, altering engine power.

On slippery roads, PSM can help keep the 911 Targa going in the direction the driver steers. The PSM system operates so quickly that most drivers likely will not feel the corrections. The driver can disengage PSM with a dashboard switch. However, for safety, PSM will engage under braking and then disengage whenever the driver lifts off the brake. While the system provides dynamic handling aid, Porsche cautions drivers that PSM cannot counteract the laws of physics.

Porsche offers a choice of two transmissions on the 2002 911 Targa: a precisely-shifting standard six-speed manual and the optional Tiptronic® S five-speed automatic. Porsche increased the torque capacity of the manual transmission for the more powerful 2002 911 models by using a stronger alloy steel on key components. In addition, the output shaft runs in three bearings instead of two, and the differential uses stronger bevel gears. As before, a dual-mass flywheel ensures low vibration, and a hydraulic clutch provides consistent performance.

For 2002, the 911 Carrera and Targa models adopt the Tiptronic S transmission from the 911 Turbo, which can handle greater torque output than the transmission used in the 2001 models. The lock-up torque converter and shifting programs have been specially tailored to the naturally aspirated engine.

With the advanced Tiptronic S, the driver can place the shift lever into 'D' and let the transmission do the shifting, or shift into 'M' and control gearshifts with
steering wheel-mounted thumb switches.

Tiptronic S uses one of five programmed shift maps to respond to the driving style. For example, during leisurely driving, Tiptronic S will upshift early to provide a quiet ride and the best fuel efficiency. Quicker gas pedal action will call up a sporty shift program, which holds each gear longer for crisp response and power. The computer-controlled Tiptronic S responds like a driver working a manual transmission, downshifting or holding lower gears when cornering and driving on hills. Tiptronic S also allows the driver to select manual mode by pressing an up- or downshift button, even with the shift lever in the 'D' position.
With the high performance potential and open-air driving pleasure of the 911 Targa comes a high level of occupant protection. A patented crumple zone body structure protects the reinforced passenger compartment. New seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters supplement the three-point inertia-reel seatbelts in all 911 models for 2002. All new Porsche models include dual front airbags plus the Porsche Side Impact Protection System that includes boron-steel door reinforcement beams, energy-absorbing door panels, and door-mounted side airbags. The 30-liter capacity sidebags provide additional protection for the chest, head, and pelvis, as standard equipment.

At a customer's request, a Ú.S. Porsche dealer can install a system that deactivates the passenger front and side airbags when a Porsche-approved child seat is used. The system features a cross brace with belt lock in front of the passenger seat. Buckling the special child seat into this brace deactivates the
airbags. To install the system, the dealer also must reprogram the airbag control module.

The first Porsche 911 Targa model presented a truly innovative approach to open-air motoring when it was introduced to North American customers in 1967. (Porsche did not introduce a 911 Cabriolet model until 1984). Before introducing the first 911 coupe model in 1965, Porsche had traditionally sold a large proportion of open cars. Porsche designed the 911 Targa model so the company could offer an open-air car in the event that new safety regulations eliminated true convertibles.

The first 911 Targa featured a large, removable hard roof section over the doors. A stainless-steel-covered structural hoop over the mid-section of the car provided
both additional body reinforcement and a unique (and often imitated) design element. Behind the hoop, a soft roof section folded down under a tonneau cover. For 1968, buyers could choose a fixed, wraparound glass rear window on the 911 Targa, and this became the standard design for 1972. While over the years similar roof designs have been called 'targa roofs,' the name Targa as it applies to automobiles is a Porsche-owned trademark.

The 911 Carrera Targa model continued with this body configuration until 1993. By then, the popularity of the 911 Cabriolet had reduced demand for the original roof concept of the 911 Targa. Porsche engineers accepted the challenge of inventing a new body style to appeal to the sizeable portion of 911 buyers who still wanted something in between a sunroof and a true convertible. Their answer arrived as the sliding glass roof for the 1996 911 Targa, a concept enhanced for the all-new 2002 model.

Though the word 'Targa' translates into 'shield,' the name was not derived from the car's roof design. Rather, the name stems from Sicily's classic Targa Florio ('shield of Florio') road race, first run in 1906. Porsche cars had enjoyed much
success in the Targa Florio in the 1960s and 1970s, winning several times in dedicated racecars. A Porsche 911 Carrera RSR won the last 'original' Targa Florio race in 1973. Today, a historic Targa Florio race runs through Sicily. Interestingly, a racecar designed by Ferdinand Porsche called 'Sascha' won a class victory in the 1922 Targa Florio.

Porsche Cars North America offers customers in the Únited States and Canada the opportunity to personalize their cars through two option-selection channels. Together with the choice of limited-availability special paint colors, the special
options allow a customer to make a Porsche into a truly one-of-a-kind car. The Porsche Exclusive program offers a wide array of optional features installed at the factory. Options include custom interior trim packages and individual trim items. The Porsche four-year/50,000-mile (80,000-kilometer) bumper-to-bumper warranty covers all Exclusive options, and Porsche dealers can include the cost
of the options in the lease or finance contract.

The Tequipment® ('Tech-quipment') program offers a line of accessories available only from authorized Porsche dealers. Tequipment options include such items as special wheels, a new-for-2002 aerobody kit, instrument panel trim kits, CD changers and custom floormats. Customers can order Tequipment options at the time of purchase or return to the dealership for installation later. While installation of Tequipment may require some modifications to the car, such modifications do not affect the car's standard limited warranty. Tequipment items come with a two-year warranty when installed by a certified technician at an authorized Porsche dealership.

In addition to the limited-availability special paint colors, Porsche will even paint a 911 Targa to match a sample from the customer. The Porsche 26-step corrosion protection and paint process ensures that the custom paintwork meets the same quality standards as a regular production paint color. The Porsche three-year/unlimited mileage paint finish and 10-year/unlimited mileage corrosion perforation warranties apply to any custom color.

Every new model-year 2002 Porsche car sold in the Únited States and Canada is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile (80,000 kilometer), bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, which includes Porsche's roadside assistance program. The galvanized body and 26-step paint and anti-corrosion process enable Porsche to warrant each car against rust perforation for 10 years with unlimited mileage. In addition, Porsche guarantees the paint finish for three years – also without a mileage limitation.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc., (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is the exclusive importer of Porsche cars for the Únited States. A wholly owned subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs some 200 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, marketing and training for its 205 dealers in North America.

Source - Porsche