- Free-revving six-cylinder engines (and last of the air-cooled engines)
- Newly introduced five-link rear suspension made for impressive dynamics
- Accurate, direct steering provides excellent feedback
- Responsive brakes
- Skewed driving position and offset pedals
- Controls and instruments obscured by steering wheel
- Engine noise at higher rpm
- Rear seats only for small children
Overview
Released in 1996, the Porsche 993 911 Targa was a two-door coupe with a large glass roof which could slide under the rear window. The 911 Targa was powered by a 3.6-litre horizontally-opposed (or flat) six-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The M64/21 engine was fitted with Porsche’s ‘VarioRam’ system which varied the effective length of the inlet ducting according to engine load and speed. Hence, a longer intake length at low rpm provided higher intake air velocity, assisting low-end torque.
Compared to the 964 911 Targa , the 993 911 Targa could be identified by its more rounded styling. Unlike previous Targa bodies, the roof for the 993 911 Targa was not removable and the body had the same profile as the coupe variants. The 993 911 also introduced a new engine management system, six-speed manual transmissions and a new rear suspension system with five-links and double wishbones, mounted on an aluminium subframe and attached to the body via rubber bushings; this new configuration was intended to reduce lift-off oversteer.
The 993 911 Targa was 4245 mm long, 1735 mm wide, 1300 mm tall and had a 2272 mm long wheelbase.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Drive | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrera | 1994-95 | 3.6-litre petrol F6 | RWD | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
200 kW at 6100 rpm | 330 Nm at 4800-5000 rpm |
| 1995-97 | 3.6-litre petrol F6 | RWD | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
210 kW at 6100 rpm | 340 Nm at 4800-5250 rpm | |
| Carrera 4 | 1995 | 3.6-litre petrol F6 | AWD | 6sp man. | 200 kW at 6100 rpm | 330 Nm at 4800-5000 rpm |
| 1995-97 | 3.6-litre petrol F6 | AWD | 6sp man. | 210 kW at 6100 rpm | 340 Nm at 4800-5250 rpm |
AWD system
The 911 Targa Carrera 4 was fitted with an automatic all-wheel drive system which utilised a viscous coupling. In normal conditions, 85 to 95 per cent of the engine’s torque was directed to the rear wheels. If, however, traction was lost, the viscous coupling would lock, engage the front axle and deliver torque to the front wheels.
The all-wheel drive system also incorporated an Automatic Brake Differential (ABD). In the event that a rear wheel lost traction, the ABS would brake the spinning wheel to send more torque to the opposing wheel.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the 911 Targa included dual front airbags and ABS.
Features
Standard features for the 993 911 Targa included two-piece 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat, leather seats, cruise control, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, central locking, power mirrors, power windows and an alarm.
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