The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS blurs the distinction between a coupe and a convertible with its distinctive retractable hardtop, but its astounding performance is anything but vague.
This vehicle has two transmission options: a seven-speed manual is standard, but an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available at no additional charge.
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Seats.
In addition to being cozy, the 14-way fully motorized Sport Seats offer strong lateral support. Electrical adjustments are available for seat height, backrest adjustment, fore/aft position, lumbar support, and seat squab angle and depth. Additionally, a thorough memory function is provided. The “turbo” or “turbo S” insignia is imprinted on the headrests. Leather backrests and quilted seat centers are featured on the seat backrests.
The 911 Turbo S variants come standard with the 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus. With the firm, athletic padding of the side bolsters and additional shoulder support, they provide even stronger lateral support. On the driver’s side, all seat positions (except from the side bolsters) have memory functions. The “turbo” or “turbo S” insignia is imprinted on the headrests.
The fully customizable full bucket seats have a carbon-weave surface and are composed entirely of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). At low weight, they provide very strong lateral support. While the height adjustment is motorized, the fore/aft adjustment is manual. Black leather covers the seat, with perforated Race-Tex in the seat center. The headrests have the engraved Porsche Crest for the appropriate finishing touch.
The rear seats are surprisingly comfortable for a sports car. The center panels of the seat centers are quilted, just as the front seats. Behind these, there is a shelf that offers more storage. The 911 Turbo Coupe versions have plenty of space in the back for luggage because the backrests fold down. The 911 Turbo Cabriolet versions have 5.7 cu ft.
With a hardtop, the Porsche 911 Cabriolet appears sleek.
Do you recall when Porsche sold hardtop versions of the 911 Cabriolet? You could install the hardtop and alter the experience as well as the appearance of your Neunelfer whenever you felt that the cloth roof was insufficient. Fortunately, those days are over because Zuffenhause no longer permits us to mount helmets to our open-air 911s.
The final generation to gain a hardtop was the 997. In fact, if you look through a few message boards, you’ll even learn that the 996 hardtop fits the more recent model.
The solid roof cost around $4,000, and that doesn’t include installation charges (some owners reported spending up to $1,500 on hardtop preparation and labor costs). So, it wasn’t the cheapest option. Please take note that I took these prices from a forum topic from 2007 and that they have not been updated to reflect inflation.
Of course, there was also the eBay version, but that warrants a separate discussion.
The German automaker did not include a hardtop in the 991 Cabriolet, and it does not appear that they will do so for the freshly baked 992.
However, the Internet simply cannot allow such things to occur. To illustrate this, I’ve produced a rendering of a 2020 Porsche 911 Cabriolet with a hardtop.
This 992 has undergone further changes in addition to the roof. To be more explicit, the sportscar is now equipped with unique wheels, specifically Outlaw 001ms in RSR.
Oh, and don’t forget about the rear underbody diffuser, which seems like it was taken from a GT vehicle, and the stiff lower lip.
Speaking of providing a hardtop, let me remind you that the Targa gained a more robust roof mechanism with the switch from the 997 to the 911. Aside from that, Porsche engineers are now testing the 992 Targa, as those of you have followed our spy stories are well aware.
911 Targa 4 Porsche
Okay, so in this case we kind of cheated. Due to the reinforced fabric piece that folds behind the glass canopy of the rear hatch, the Porsche 911 Targa is both a hardtop and a softtop convertible. Porsche consistently tops rankings for luxury sports cars for a good reason.
Your impression of the 911 Targa 4 will undoubtedly be enhanced by its powerful engine performance, luxurious interior, and quick handling. There may not be much interior space in this roadster, but you only need to press a button to deploy the folding hardtop. You will have the maximum amount of headroom once the top is down.
The standard Targa 4 and the more potent Targa 4S both come with a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that delivers 379 and 443 horsepower, respectively.
Difference No. 1: Cost
Starting at $98,750, the 911 Carrera is not a cheap vehicle, and the cabriolet adds a significant premium to that price. Starting at $111,550, it costs $12,800 more than a comparable coupe. It’s fascinating to see how Porsche charges for the 911 coupe and convertible against the 718 Boxster and Cayman.
The open-air 718 Boxster is mechanically similar to the 718 Cayman, just as the hardtop and convertible 911s; it only has a retractable fabric cover. In the case of the 718, the difference in price between the base convertible and base coupe is just 3.6 percent, or $60,250 vs. $58,150. However, the 911 will cost you far more to drive in the open air. Cost-wise, a Carrera Cabriolet is 13% more expensive than a regular Carrera.
Exists a hardtop convertible model?
Because of this, hardtop convertibles are still made today, but they are an uncommon breed. Here are the top hardtop convertibles on the market in 2022, whether it be a supercar where room is at a premium or an off-road SUV where two tops are better than one.
Is there a hardtop convertible BMW available?
There are four different body types available for the 2017 BMW 6 Series, including the Coupe, Gran Coupe, Convertible, and ALPINA B6. There is no hardtop option for this model because the Convertible option is equipped with cutting-edge BMW soft top technology.
Does Mercedes produce convertibles with hard tops?
Mercedes-Benz luxury roadsters and convertibles put the thrill of driving in the spotlight. Your ideal car is waiting for you, with hardtop and softtop options, 2-seater and 4-seater layouts. Discover everything, from our high-end sports cars to cruising convertibles, all built by skilled engineers to give open-air driving a luxurious experience you won’t soon forget.
Why don’t convertible hardtops exist?
One is that, if something breaks, hardtops are often more expensive to buy and fix. Some drivers may not like hardtops because they feel the vehicle loses its “convertible look.” That is just another justification for BMW’s switch.
Which hardtop convertible automobile is the best?
Although the ordinary SL is excellent, these AMG-tuned and modified SL vehicles from Mercedes-Benz are outstanding enough to be distinguished from the SL-Class as a whole. However, on the autobahn, where performance takes precedence over aesthetics, the 621-hp SL 65 and the 577-hp SL 63 both have a top speed of 186 mph (and that speed is electronically controlled). The 63 has a 5.5-liter turbocharged V8, while the 65 has a fantastic 6.0-liter turbocharged V12. These days, this engine arrangement is uncommon, therefore the 65 is an especially rare treat. Its cost of $222,995 reflects its uniqueness. The ultra-rich obtain their ultra violet in this way.
Does BMW produce convertibles with retractable hardtops?
BMW Eliminates the Hardtop The M4 Convertible’s retractable hardtop was first introduced in 2021, but this model returns to its soft-top origins.
Do Lexus hardtop convertibles exist?
Although Lexus has a history of producing retractable hardtop convertibles, the LC’s straightforward soft top gives it a classic charm. However, the soft top was more than just a design choice; in addition to keeping the car’s center of gravity low, it also leaves plenty of room in the trunk.
In 2022, will BMW produce a hardtop convertible?
The BMW M4 open-top adds more power but loses its retractable hard top. This all-wheel drive convertible will be a part of the 2022 BMW M4 lineup and go on sale in the United States this fall. With 503 horsepower, it boasts 59 more than previous Competition versions and will only be offered in Competition trim.
Which hardtop convertible is the safest?
- #10 – 2019 BMW 440.
- 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is number 9.
- 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is number eight.
- 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster is number 7.
- 2019 Volkswagen Beetle is number six.
- Chevy Camaro, model year 2019.
- 2019 Ford Mustang, fourth
Are convertible hardtops secure?
The existing roof-crush resistance standards set forth by NHTSA do not apply to either stretched-fabric convertibles or retractable-hardtop convertibles. To add more protection in rollover collisions, several manufacturers have voluntarily fitted roll bars and strengthened the A-pillars on either side of the windshield.
Who manufactures hard-top convertibles in 2022?
With this completely revamped American two-seater sports automobile, you cannot go wrong. A conventional soft top and a hardtop coupe with a removable roof panel are the two convertible Corvette models available for 2021. Both Corvettes feature impressive supercar appearance, responsive handling, and an updated engine position that is sure to turn heads.
The roomy interior is what distinguishes this sports car. The Chevrolet Corvette has more leg and headroom than the other convertibles on this list. There is also enough of storage. Your luggage might be stored in the trunk of your Corvette while you embark on a long road trip.
Chevy has accomplished the impossible by giving you a car that is both relaxed and nerve-wracking when you need it to be. This two-seater has an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 490 horsepower mid-engined V8. With these characteristics, it’s ideal for navigating the city during the workweek and the open road on the weekends.
Which businesses produce hardtop convertibles?
- All of the Hardtop Convertibles for 2021–2022. Ford Bronco in 2021. Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited, year 2021. Mazda MX-5 Miata RF in 2021.
- 4-seaters with a hardtop convertible. Ford Bronco in 2021. Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited, year 2021. Jeep Gladiator 2021.
- 2-Seater Hardtop Convertibles. 2021 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
BMW produces convertibles, right?
For those seeking a luxury compact coupe, convertible, or 4-door that is similar to the 3 Series but has more funk, there is the 2022 BMW 4 Series.
Is a convertible hard or soft top better?
- Hard tops appear safer and provide additional security. Because thieves can’t cut through, it serves as a deterrent. Soft shirts are acceptable if you’re too cool to worry about minor crimes. A hard top can be preferable if you have a tendency to worry quietly.
- Hard tops often provide higher insulation and are better weather-sealed. Although ragtops make excellent summertime vehicles, a hard top is a more sensible year-round option in unreliable weather.
- A hard top is built of materials that are more likely to last than a soft top. Vinyl and Perspex do not weather as well as steel and glass. Why would you care if you buy new and sell in a few years? However, if you purchase an older classic, you must pay close attention to the age and quality of the soft top.
- Better soundproofing and general refinement could be obtained. Although it’s simply a general rule and different models will differ, a hard top should have a construction that supports better soundproofing, less flex, and a tighter seal against the bodywork.
- A rigid roof is less prone to rip and shred in a rollover, but a hard top is no better for structural integrity and crash safety than the roll bar.
- Then there are the mannerisms. Hard tops can look excellent with or without the lid, while soft top convertibles look best with the top folded away.