I have owned a Porsche for the last 10 years and took delivery of a fully loaded 2022 Targa 4S , 7 speed standard with 135 miles on it when delivered 3 weeks ago......the car is a dream to own and drive.
I’m fortunate to have both a 992 Targa GTS and a 992 GT3. My personal take on the Targa is almost the reverse of this review. The power train is not a patch on the GT3, it’s laggy in both engine and gearbox response compared to the GT3. However, the Targa buffeting is no real issue because it only appears at certain speeds, which you aren’t at for very long. I have not found it a problem and much prefer the Targa to the convertible. Pace is good and the 992 interior I prefer to the 991 (I had 3 of those). It’s nicer to look at, feels more modern and although I agree with the old cup holder being great, I don’t have drinks in the car! The 992 cup holder works as a convenient store for coins and nik-naks. The Targa GTS is a great daily but not enough of a sports car compared to say a 997 GTS which I had a few years ago. The Carrera line lost a lot when it went turbo IMO.
Yup, massively impressed with Jayemm's honesty regarding that shambles of an interior - when do you ever hear journalists having a go at Porsche like that? And fair play for Porsche for still sending him the car (as he'd already shredded the 992 in his original review).
Love your reviews. You remind me of the early days of Top Gear, before they got silly and only drove supercars. You contextualize what it's really like to drive fun cars in a normal situation. Maybe you should get on Top Gear and bring some normalcy back!?
I own a 991.2 Targa 4 GTS and think it's a dream. Your review of the 992 is a bit harsh, but I actually think the 991.2 is a little better. I agree with the criticism of the design of the shifter, and the 991.2 gauges are actually better - more analog in style with better visibility. Another commenter remarked that the exhaust on the 991.2 is better, which i agree with - it seems to crackle a bit more. Furthermore, I think I can appreciate the Targa more since I drive it in Florida weather after moving it from the Northeast where the weather is more like England. But if the weather is a little chilly, I would recommend driving top down with the heated seats on! I wouldn't even consider a Jaguar or Mercedes SL since they are both cabriolets, and not Targas. The Targa is the best of both worlds which is what makes it unique - with the top down, it offers more wind protection than a convertible, and the glass rear window looks nicer with better visibility. They style of the Targa is stunning. The Ferrari you compared it to is a different animal - more expensive, and not exactly a daily driver, which the Targa definitely is (at least in Florida). Keep up the good work with the reviews.
I've had a 991.2 Targa 4S since 2020 which I'm very pleased with. I chose this model rather than the 992 because in my eyes it's a much more cohesive design and has buttons for the important functions rather than a touch screen, also no PPF which wrecks the exhaust sound. Having watched many videos where the reviewer complains about the wind buffeting it seems they all have one thing in common- driver height! If you are very tall or have a long torso this will put your ears in a position where the deflector won't work properly. You can mitigate this by choosing the 4-way seats which at their lowest setting are a full 5cm lower than the 18-way versions. As for the redundant rear badging, that was the first thing to go.
Having lived with the new 992 daily for 2 years .... - I can say that the gear stick is a work of haptic genius - can flick it into reverse without even looking & back into drive again.
I really believe this has to be one of the most under-appreciated channels on RUclips. Jay’s knowledgeable takes, incredible camera work and in depth commentary on all things cars is hugely refreshing. Essentially high budget tv production level quality content.
Correction: The Targa variants of the GTS trims do not have HELPER SPRINGS. The suspension system in the Targas are exacty the same as the S variants (with SPASM).
I always said (since I knew what a targa was) that if I was to have a Porsche, it would have to have a Targa top, love the way they look, roof up or down, don’t like full convertibles, also why I love the MX-5 RF too, and I like something that’s different to an always-roofed vehicle
I really liked that you found all sorts of real flaws in the 992: the buffeting, too heavy steering (which is not adjustable), all the different rattles, the terrible ergonomics of the window switches, how uncomfortably large the car is now, etc). The vast majority of other channels only point out the positive aspects.
I love the modern targa (the one I’d buy if funds would allow)however I despise the current trend of putting black wheels on cars, looks utterly shite.
I agree that the 992 Targa 4 GTS is on paper one of the nicest and best Porsches to get today. I have always thought the Targa is one of the best looking and most desirable Porsches. However having a 991.1 4S Convertible myself and having just spent a week with a 992 4S Targa, I have changed my mind. The Targa is nice to look at, but the Convertible experience is better, both from a useability and diversity perspective, but most importantly from an open driving experience. I thought the Targa added a lot of wind noise compared to the Convertible. In addition, the 992 4S (and I am sure the GTS) is a very fast car with great acceleration, but I prefer the naturally aspirated sound and driving experience of my 991.1 (4S).
You turn on the heated seats, turn on the heated steering wheel, and also set the heater to both top and bottom vents. And you are as cosy and warm. The top vents heat my hands and the down vents heat my feet - and my back is heated also. And my palms. Also the car rear window won’t open if there is a car or wall behind you. I have owned a 2021 Targa 4 and no rattles or squeaks anywhere - solid as a rock.
Judging by your review, the 992 isn’t the car for you. It’s a sports car first. The Jag and Merc are comfy ass warmers which, I believe, suits you best. I certainly intend no offense. I’m a 992 Targa owner and I wouldn’t trade for any other. There are some minor inconveniences but if you love driving cars, you’ll easily look past them
@ 28:00 you say the roof could hit a car parked behind you when using the folding process. It wouldn't in actual fact as it uses the parking sensors to monitor the space available and will stop if in danger. Just thought you should know. Great review otherwise.
Appreciate the honesty in your review. Only about 1 of 4 car reviewers on RUclips mention the buffeting issue. I can't trust most reviewers because they only praise cars rather than giving the viewers both the positives and negatives.
Android auto was not in the car because Google was snooping too much. Google finally changed. Also...love your objective reviews. I think the 992 interior is so much better than older models . My 992Targa4S arrives at the end of July!
nah, the PDK dual clutch is so much better... I only drove manuals my whole life until i got a 991.2 Targa with PDK... it shifts faster and smoother than any manual, and will hit 60 about 1/2 second faster...
Jayemm, Porsche made a targa turbo in the aircooled days of the late 80's. In fact, the last 5 turbos to roll off the line in 1989 were targas. Production then switched to the 964.
Great content, keep up the good work! I owned a 996 targa back in the days and I must admit besides it flaws I loved it. Later on i upgraded to a 997.2 S and it’s with me ever since. I believe the Targa is more of a Engineering showpiece and don’t have any significance in overall sales. I tried the 991 and 992 but I wasn’t sold on it. However marvelous car !!!
What Review can we expect from someone who never wanted to give a car any chance to prove itself? A man who cares so much about his work that he didn't find the wind deflector himself, gives us false information about the lowering, and whines because of the stiff steering in a sports car. Another example is when you talk about opening the roof. The park distance control is standard on every 992 Targa, it checks the space behind the car before you try to open or close the roof. If there are less than 50 centimeter as space, it will not open. And let me tell you something, you may find it a little bit disturbing, but there is a button with a "P" on it in the center control, and "P" stands for parking, so, if you press it, your will turn on your handbrake. The handbrake button is only there to release the brake, but it releases automatically as soon as you shift into reverse or drive. I own a 911 Targa 4 GTS and I use it as a daily driver beside my Audi RS Q8 and I really don't understand what you are talking about for 33 minutes. I think you don't understand what the Targa is all about. You can drive it perfectly open on a day with less sun and only 10 degrees plus, just turn the heated seats on. Driving a Targa is like driving an 80's/90's convertible, it is more noisy, it is more windy...it is more pure, so what?
Agree with your post and an accurate rebuttal. I find the sycophancy from his fans, especially ones who will never get a chance to try one of these cars out, quite a sad thing.
I wonder what you would say to a 991 Targa? It offers pretty much the same roof design and wow factor as you said, but a lot of negatives you mentioned about the 992 design, size, interior layout would not effect it. Would be an interesting comparison.
I test drove a 992 as I felt deserved a big birthday present, to replace my 997. I hated it for the same reasons as James. So I bought a late 991.2 convertible, which can be driven really fast with the roof down & no buffeting. The sport response button is addictive, but can seldom be enjoyed in UK, good fun on an autobahn though
Realistically if you want a thrilling daily driver that works properly over a long period. Porsche is where its at and i think this is my favourite Porsche ever, it may have its flaws and may not be the most involved drive or set the quickest lap time but as an overall package i think this is just stunning.
I wonder if the engineers at Porsche give a sigh of disappointment when they see the final car after all the other departments have added their bits...the touchscreen dept, the button dept, the cupholder dept etc etc....
I totally agree about your comments on the 992. The interior is a mess and totally form over function. I had a 992 cabrio when they first came out - kept it for just under 12 months and traded it in for a 991.2 Targa GTS. It’s the Goldilocks 911 !
The 991 and 991.2 is the last 911 if not the best one they made. I absolutely loath the 992. First 911 in my entire life of 51 I didn’t like from day one. It’s now 3 years later and I still don’t like anything about it. Even when I try to convince myself. Just isn’t going to ever happen.
I feel like the best spec for a targa would be the base maybe with sport exhaust. The GTS is a bit like GT3 lite and the Targa undoes a lot of the GTS’ sportiness.
I believe porsche should make the roof operation manual, that way it would shave a ton of weight and become more driver focused. Besides there is always the 911 cabriolet for the people more concerned with style or comfort of an auto roof
I love and have loved every 911 since 1970, the 992 just falls short and just seems like we’ll never get a good 911 again. Even the 996 is more appealing. You also nailed everything I don’t like about the 992. Not seeing that beautiful bonnet silhouette was the final straw as well. Can’t see the wings anymore. Sad, sad, sad. And let’s not even get into that horrendous rear end and epic interior failure. Going to keep my 991.2 until I die or until Gavin Newsome takes it away.
I have a 1973 Targa (first RHD Targa). The roof folds up and goes into the front of the trunk (frunk), an area that is not too much use for any luggage.
A 997 Targa 4 GTS could have been a WONDERFUL trim. It’s a shame we never got that and finding a Powerkit 997 Targa 4S is essentially an impossible feat.
A Very clear and no punch pulled review of what for me is some way out of my financial league. However, the increased size of the 911 gives me another excuse for not owning one and a little smile when I can relish open top driving in my little 997.2 cabriolet without steering setting quandaries.
There is a very good reason why Android Auto wasn’t in previous Porsches and that’s because it wasn’t secure enough and posed security risks. Like it or not, at the time Android Auto was not as rock solid as CarPlay and that is why it wasn’t on older versions.
I don't understand how car interior designers keep forgetting that a lot of controls need to be intuitive and easy to distinguish without looking at them. I mean, I know they're trying to make it all look as sleek and modern as possible and knobs and buttons don't really fit that design brief but knobs and buttons are the best peripherals for a lot of jobs.
I agree, I can only think the interior designers are 'tech' and 'office' based, without being 'drivers/function based' if that makes sense. Another point may be the Accountants tell them these systems have to be used as they're cheaper?
I do love the look of the new Targas, I had an original 1972 Targa that I loved, but similar issues with rattling and buffeting but you forgave all this because it was an old car, no excuses for Porsche here in 2022.
Okay tire pressure. Read the manual. The reason for the air pressure is that in the settings you can set the sensors to “comfort tire pressure” much less in fact than the pressure numbers on the door frame. If you want to run the max pressure on the door frame you set the sensor to monitor those pressure settings. If you prefer more comfort on the road change the setting for the pressure to monitor to the comfort setting. Then the dashboard monitoring system will use these lower pressure numbers. Your car is likely set to the comfort tire settings rather than the maximum door frame numbers.
What's confusing about it? There are lots of videos showing exactly how the mechanism works, and thus the 2 configurations of the car. It's I think the heaviest 911 body style. Roof down, the rear glass is an air bucket vulnerable to buffet, so you do need to use the wind deflector and potentially tweak side windows as Jay did. It's only available in 4WD. The Target GTS is slightly softer than other GTS. Rear visibility is better than a cabriolet with roof up due to the amount of rear glass. That's really what you need to know.
Targa is style achievement YET cab is way to go really. Kids in back seat of Targa suffer vs cab, and gals I know don’t find it open enough. 991 began first time cab up/closed had good attractive lines vs coupe. 997 n 996 cabs are good but top up they are not in same league for beauty as coupe. No one I’ve known has expressed negatives on Targa, black targa hoop is a major downgrade for its style though.
Very good review to listen to as a Porsche enthusiast who can't afford one... Yet. I have always found the targa to be the odd one of the 911's and this review proves to me that it would not be the right 911 nor Porsche to buy if I could.
Terrific review. Like your points made. 911's. Of the many sporrtscar makers out there Porsche oddly is the only one with a model that has I believe about 23 versions of . All with just minor changes...mostly....just to get more 911's sold. Really only need 2 models of 911. The Carrera S or the Turbo S. THe Carrera S with a convertible model.. I belive there is one. Forget. The idea of the Targa seems like a good one. Having that "Targa pillar" I think adds to the look. But in use....as you mention ...the roof when closed or open sounds like a pain. Not soemthing you'd want in car you spent so much money on. YOu dont want any rattling noises or wind turbulence inside the car. Which you dont get with the convertible. Not sure if you "hear the roof" on a convertible. But at least there's no turbulence. Plus, with a convertible when the top is down you'd only do so under the right driving conditions e.g. around town...not on the highways. So if you want the open top expereince its still the convertible. Which onestly how often do you really drive top down.? Maybe if you can afford it get a coupe and a covertible? Turbo S for the GT like drive and the amazing 0-60 in under 3s fun Though I'm guessing that fun will get boring fast. So I guess at the end of the day if you're looking for your first 911....the Carrera S coupe is IT. Gives you engouh of a taste of what a 911 can do and is the more "affordable" of the 23 models. YOu DO want to feel the tail pitching....that's a Porsche 911. :) If you get the Carrera 4s I think you're changing the "Porsche experience".. taking away from... All these options to make a 911 drive less like a "911". GT3? Cash-grab. Unneeded for street driving. If you're a competitive amateur road racer (on track) you'll buy a used 911 and out fit it for racing. Not a new 911.
Very honest review. Good to see, unlike most who give a car manufacturer getting nothing but praise even if there are flaws. Constructive criticism, how else do things get changed/made better if they think it's perfect when maybe it's not.
I can’t understand the comment about the old style fabric roof needing to be left at home. Nonsense. The air cooled Targas had lightweight removable roof panels of fabric over a folding metal frame. The panels were easy to remove or reinstall, and could be folded neatly into a bundle which easily fit behind the front seats. A simple, great design although not suitable for automatic car washes!
The targa does wonders for your hair-do mate - you should keep it! 😁👍 -and thank you for *actually critiquing* the car despite the Porsche badge that seems to blind most other automotive journalists.
Love your work. Please excuse the ignorance. But this particular one did leave me wondering one thing: I know there's the history and novelty factor, but why have a Targa over a Cabriolet? Why have something that can neatly loose half the roof, when you can have what appears to be the exact same car that can loose all the roof?
@@wolfiestreet6899 I wondered that. The roll over hoop probably would help. But I can't imagine it makes that much difference, as there's still nothing linking it front to back. Would be interested to hear if anyone's back to backed the Targa and Cabriolet?
I'd go purely for the looks. Targa just looks that little bit more special compared with normal 911 Cabriolet. Maybe with the exception of Speedster, but that's a whole different kettle of fish.
Pay no attention to people moaning about the targa being “heavier”. It’s marginally heavier & you’d never even see/feel the difference unless you had it on a track or were drag racing. 99% of people will never experience the difference.
The mx5 roof works the same way but it’s better. But you still get wind noise in any targa. The best open roof was the electric sunroof on seventies 911 cars, small but in front of your head. It made the ventilation work too. The interior, well its a vw so it’s bound to be a total mess.
I have never met anyone who despises a Targa.
I have owned a Porsche for the last 10 years and took delivery of a fully loaded 2022 Targa 4S , 7 speed standard with 135 miles on it when delivered 3 weeks ago......the car is a dream to own and drive.
I’m fortunate to have both a 992 Targa GTS and a 992 GT3. My personal take on the Targa is almost the reverse of this review. The power train is not a patch on the GT3, it’s laggy in both engine and gearbox response compared to the GT3. However, the Targa buffeting is no real issue because it only appears at certain speeds, which you aren’t at for very long. I have not found it a problem and much prefer the Targa to the convertible. Pace is good and the 992 interior I prefer to the 991 (I had 3 of those). It’s nicer to look at, feels more modern and although I agree with the old cup holder being great, I don’t have drinks in the car! The 992 cup holder works as a convenient store for coins and nik-naks. The Targa GTS is a great daily but not enough of a sports car compared to say a 997 GTS which I had a few years ago. The Carrera line lost a lot when it went turbo IMO.
The cup holder can be replaced with a much better looking key holder. In my 992, this replacement part was in the glove box.
What is the speed range you’re talking about? Been reading about 911.2 having it bad anytime above 50
Wow dude sounds like you have a lot of 911’s
@@Smllc22318 He must be super old or really fat ig. Maybe a complicated health condition.
here in mexico only corrupted politicians or narco lords have porsche 911s,, always are followed by bodyguards on other cars with shotguns
Very cool car, and big props to Porsche for keeping on sending you cars with your very honest reviews!!
Yup, massively impressed with Jayemm's honesty regarding that shambles of an interior - when do you ever hear journalists having a go at Porsche like that? And fair play for Porsche for still sending him the car (as he'd already shredded the 992 in his original review).
Sounds to me like the final verdict here is "get a RWD GTS convertible".
It’s not honesty, it’s prejudice and he’s wrong.
Love your reviews. You remind me of the early days of Top Gear, before they got silly and only drove supercars. You contextualize what it's really like to drive fun cars in a normal situation. Maybe you should get on Top Gear and bring some normalcy back!?
HEAR HEAR!
A very different type of people watch Top Gear. More interested in entertainment than what cars do.
I prefer these videos to top gear nowadays, top gear ain’t about cars anymore.
I own a 991.2 Targa 4 GTS and think it's a dream. Your review of the 992 is a bit harsh, but I actually think the 991.2 is a little better. I agree with the criticism of the design of the shifter, and the 991.2 gauges are actually better - more analog in style with better visibility. Another commenter remarked that the exhaust on the 991.2 is better, which i agree with - it seems to crackle a bit more. Furthermore, I think I can appreciate the Targa more since I drive it in Florida weather after moving it from the Northeast where the weather is more like England. But if the weather is a little chilly, I would recommend driving top down with the heated seats on! I wouldn't even consider a Jaguar or Mercedes SL since they are both cabriolets, and not Targas. The Targa is the best of both worlds which is what makes it unique - with the top down, it offers more wind protection than a convertible, and the glass rear window looks nicer with better visibility. They style of the Targa is stunning. The Ferrari you compared it to is a different animal - more expensive, and not exactly a daily driver, which the Targa definitely is (at least in Florida). Keep up the good work with the reviews.
Totally agree and especially that part of Ferrari vs Targa is just incomparable, Ferrari is a monster and into another league.
I have been offered double for what I paid for my 2022 Targa 4
Can u buy a 2023 991.2 or is it an older model
My 992 Targa GTS arrived a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't be happier! Keep the great videos coming!
Nice! I got the keys for my Boxster GTS last month.
I've had a 991.2 Targa 4S since 2020 which I'm very pleased with. I chose this model rather than the 992 because in my eyes it's a much more cohesive design and has buttons for the important functions rather than a touch screen, also no PPF which wrecks the exhaust sound.
Having watched many videos where the reviewer complains about the wind buffeting it seems they all have one thing in common- driver height! If you are very tall or have a long torso this will put your ears in a position where the deflector won't work properly. You can mitigate this by choosing the 4-way seats which at their lowest setting are a full 5cm lower than the 18-way versions. As for the redundant rear badging, that was the first thing to go.
Badge delete is one of the two free Porsche options :)
Having lived with the new 992 daily for 2 years .... - I can say that the gear stick is a work of haptic genius - can flick it into reverse without even looking & back into drive again.
I really believe this has to be one of the most under-appreciated channels on RUclips. Jay’s knowledgeable takes, incredible camera work and in depth commentary on all things cars is hugely refreshing. Essentially high budget tv production level quality content.
Correction: The Targa variants of the GTS trims do not have HELPER SPRINGS. The suspension system in the Targas are exacty the same as the S variants (with SPASM).
Thanks!
I always said (since I knew what a targa was) that if I was to have a Porsche, it would have to have a Targa top, love the way they look, roof up or down, don’t like full convertibles, also why I love the MX-5 RF too, and I like something that’s different to an always-roofed vehicle
I really liked that you found all sorts of real flaws in the 992: the buffeting, too heavy steering (which is not adjustable), all the different rattles, the terrible ergonomics of the window switches, how uncomfortably large the car is now, etc). The vast majority of other channels only point out the positive aspects.
Great review, it’s all about preference that’s why I’ve got a 992 targa 4s and I absolutely love it
I love the modern targa (the one I’d buy if funds would allow)however I despise the current trend of putting black wheels on cars, looks utterly shite.
Black wheels look decent on a Mustang or a Supra and that's about it...
At least you don’t have to clean them!
Black wheels are a 2012 thing to do to a car, looks crap now.
Targa came into its own in 991. My favourite in the sub GT category. They are the looker.
We’re a similar age and I’ve always had a soft spot for the targa don’t know why just more drama i guess! Great review as always 👍
I agree that the 992 Targa 4 GTS is on paper one of the nicest and best Porsches to get today. I have always thought the Targa is one of the best looking and most desirable Porsches. However having a 991.1 4S Convertible myself and having just spent a week with a 992 4S Targa, I have changed my mind. The Targa is nice to look at, but the Convertible experience is better, both from a useability and diversity perspective, but most importantly from an open driving experience. I thought the Targa added a lot of wind noise compared to the Convertible. In addition, the 992 4S (and I am sure the GTS) is a very fast car with great acceleration, but I prefer the naturally aspirated sound and driving experience of my 991.1 (4S).
You turn on the heated seats, turn on the heated steering wheel, and also set the heater to both top and bottom vents. And you are as cosy and warm. The top vents heat my hands and the down vents heat my feet - and my back is heated also. And my palms. Also the car rear window won’t open if there is a car or wall behind you. I have owned a 2021 Targa 4 and no rattles or squeaks anywhere - solid as a rock.
With early 911s the Targa top comes off, folds & stores in the front boot (under the bonnet). You said there was nowhere to put it, that’s wrong.
Judging by your review, the 992 isn’t the car for you. It’s a sports car first. The Jag and Merc are comfy ass warmers which, I believe, suits you best. I certainly intend no offense. I’m a 992 Targa owner and I wouldn’t trade for any other. There are some minor inconveniences but if you love driving cars, you’ll easily look past them
I'll second that. My 992 Targa GTS is the best 911 I've had and I've had them since my 1st Targa in 1973.
what are the minor inconveniences?
he's just negative for his style. He stands out to the other more fun and positive youtubers.
What about those rattles he describes, especially the one with the roof up?
@ 28:00 you say the roof could hit a car parked behind you when using the folding process. It wouldn't in actual fact as it uses the parking sensors to monitor the space available and will stop if in danger. Just thought you should know. Great review otherwise.
“The public approval is through the roof”
An unintended pun, or just glided over with utmost slickness?
9:50 they actually did make a targa turbo for the 930 3.3L generation from 88-89
Love the commentary on form over function. I had/ have (still for sale…) a 991.1 C2S exceptional to drive and beautifully functional
My father had a 2008 997 Targa 4S for 10 years. That car had no problems and was good for many smiles :)
Appreciate the honesty in your review. Only about 1 of 4 car reviewers on RUclips mention the buffeting issue. I can't trust most reviewers because they only praise cars rather than giving the viewers both the positives and negatives.
Android auto was not in the car because Google was snooping too much. Google finally changed. Also...love your objective reviews. I think the 992 interior is so much better than older models . My 992Targa4S arrives at the end of July!
992 Targa 4 GTS manual would be the dream
nah, the PDK dual clutch is so much better... I only drove manuals my whole life until i got a 991.2 Targa with PDK... it shifts faster and smoother than any manual, and will hit 60 about 1/2 second faster...
@@frankb7449 not about faster, it's about the feeling of engagement
The two guys I know owning Targas say "Never again." That, and your review, says it all for me.
I absolutely love that! I’ve become increasingly drawn to Porsche and love them from all eras. I think a targa is lovely whichever age of model it is.
I'm drawn as well mate. Bank account is very long drawn I'm afraid
Jayemm, Porsche made a targa turbo in the aircooled days of the late 80's. In fact, the last 5 turbos to roll off the line in 1989 were targas. Production then switched to the 964.
Interesting
Lint moat - genius. Love your work. Keep mixing up new cars and old school.
The targa does not have the helper springs and runs the standard PASM instead of the -10 mm sport PASM
Great content, keep up the good work! I owned a 996 targa back in the days and I must admit besides it flaws I loved it. Later on i upgraded to a 997.2 S and it’s with me ever since. I believe the Targa is more of a Engineering showpiece and don’t have any significance in overall sales. I tried the 991 and 992 but I wasn’t sold on it. However marvelous car !!!
Tiff Needell summed it up well in his review of the 992 Targa when he advised you’re betting off buying the cabriolet
What Review can we expect from someone who never wanted to give a car any chance to prove itself? A man who cares so much about his work that he didn't find the wind deflector himself, gives us false information about the lowering, and whines because of the stiff steering in a sports car. Another example is when you talk about opening the roof. The park distance control is standard on every 992 Targa, it checks the space behind the car before you try to open or close the roof. If there are less than 50 centimeter as space, it will not open. And let me tell you something, you may find it a little bit disturbing, but there is a button with a "P" on it in the center control, and "P" stands for parking, so, if you press it, your will turn on your handbrake. The handbrake button is only there to release the brake, but it releases automatically as soon as you shift into reverse or drive.
I own a 911 Targa 4 GTS and I use it as a daily driver beside my Audi RS Q8 and I really don't understand what you are talking about for 33 minutes. I think you don't understand what the Targa is all about. You can drive it perfectly open on a day with less sun and only 10 degrees plus, just turn the heated seats on. Driving a Targa is like driving an 80's/90's convertible, it is more noisy, it is more windy...it is more pure, so what?
Not a word about the handling. Will beat the balls off a Jag or Benz.
Agree with your post and an accurate rebuttal.
I find the sycophancy from his fans, especially ones who will never get a chance to try one of these cars out, quite a sad thing.
I wonder what you would say to a 991 Targa? It offers pretty much the same roof design and wow factor as you said, but a lot of negatives you mentioned about the 992 design, size, interior layout would not effect it. Would be an interesting comparison.
The new Targa GTS looks fantastic if I could afford one this is probably the model I would get most reviews for this car are good
I test drove a 992 as I felt deserved a big birthday present, to replace my 997.
I hated it for the same reasons as James. So I bought a late 991.2 convertible, which can be driven really fast with the roof down & no buffeting.
The sport response button is addictive, but can seldom be enjoyed in UK, good fun on an autobahn though
I love the Targa, it's such an Oddity - but a Functional oddity.
Realistically if you want a thrilling daily driver that works properly over a long period. Porsche is where its at and i think this is my favourite Porsche ever, it may have its flaws and may not be the most involved drive or set the quickest lap time but as an overall package i think this is just stunning.
Everyone knows the targa is the coolest
I wonder if the engineers at Porsche give a sigh of disappointment when they see the final car after all the other departments have added their bits...the touchscreen dept, the button dept, the cupholder dept etc etc....
EXCELLENT REVIEW, THANK YOU JAY!
I totally agree about your comments on the 992. The interior is a mess and totally form over function. I had a 992 cabrio when they first came out - kept it for just under 12 months and traded it in for a 991.2 Targa GTS. It’s the Goldilocks 911 !
The 991 and 991.2 is the last 911 if not the best one they made. I absolutely loath the 992. First 911 in my entire life of 51 I didn’t like from day one. It’s now 3 years later and I still don’t like anything about it. Even when I try to convince myself. Just isn’t going to ever happen.
I feel like the best spec for a targa would be the base maybe with sport exhaust. The GTS is a bit like GT3 lite and the Targa undoes a lot of the GTS’ sportiness.
A targa in a custom colour :) I would love one in Brit racing green, I think it would nicely contrast with the brushed aluminium roll bar.
I believe porsche should make the roof operation manual, that way it would shave a ton of weight and become more driver focused. Besides there is always the 911 cabriolet for the people more concerned with style or comfort of an auto roof
I love and have loved every 911 since 1970, the 992 just falls short and just seems like we’ll never get a good 911 again. Even the 996 is more appealing. You also nailed everything I don’t like about the 992. Not seeing that beautiful bonnet silhouette was the final straw as well. Can’t see the wings anymore. Sad, sad, sad. And let’s not even get into that horrendous rear end and epic interior failure. Going to keep my 991.2 until I die or until Gavin Newsome takes it away.
I didn't get all of what you were saying, but you're a true talent in speaking. Nice one, mate 💎👏🏼
That last 500rpm makes it sound like an NA 997.
I've got a 991.2 RWD GTS and I can't agree more at how scary fast these cars are - I have no business having that much car on public roads..
Especially with an APR tune. Ridiculously fast.
There must be some weight in that rear clam so how problematic will this mechanism become as it ages?
Yep. Thats what I was thinking.
It's had eight years & no recalls thus far.
The 911 Targa 4S is my dream car! Love the looks and the sound. Homerun for Porsche yet again!
The Targa GTS doesn't get the Turbo suspension like the Carrera GTS. It's got its own softer Targa suspension.
I have a 1973 Targa (first RHD Targa). The roof folds up and goes into the front of the trunk (frunk), an area that is not too much use for any luggage.
A 997 Targa 4 GTS could have been a WONDERFUL trim. It’s a shame we never got that and finding a Powerkit 997 Targa 4S is essentially an impossible feat.
A Very clear and no punch pulled review of what for me is some way out of my financial league. However, the increased size of the 911 gives me another excuse for not owning one and a little smile when I can relish open top driving in my little 997.2 cabriolet without steering setting quandaries.
There is a very good reason why Android Auto wasn’t in previous Porsches and that’s because it wasn’t secure enough and posed security risks. Like it or not, at the time Android Auto was not as rock solid as CarPlay and that is why it wasn’t on older versions.
A 993 targa owner here... It's an amazing car.
I don't understand how car interior designers keep forgetting that a lot of controls need to be intuitive and easy to distinguish without looking at them. I mean, I know they're trying to make it all look as sleek and modern as possible and knobs and buttons don't really fit that design brief but knobs and buttons are the best peripherals for a lot of jobs.
I agree, I can only think the interior designers are 'tech' and 'office' based, without being 'drivers/function based' if that makes sense. Another point may be the Accountants tell them these systems have to be used as they're cheaper?
I do love the look of the new Targas, I had an original 1972 Targa that I loved, but similar issues with rattling and buffeting but you forgave all this because it was an old car, no excuses for Porsche here in 2022.
I have essentially this same car except 991.2 and a manual. It’s amazing.
“Lint moat” great term. A refreshingly frank review on a 911 excellent stuff love the video 👍
Okay tire pressure. Read the manual. The reason for the air pressure is that in the settings you can set the sensors to “comfort tire pressure” much less in fact than the pressure numbers on the door frame. If you want to run the max pressure on the door frame you set the sensor to monitor those pressure settings. If you prefer more comfort on the road change the setting for the pressure to monitor to the comfort setting. Then the dashboard monitoring system will use these lower pressure numbers. Your car is likely set to the comfort tire settings rather than the maximum door frame numbers.
I’ve always been confused about what the Targa offers, thanks for finally explaining it in simple terms!
What's confusing about it? There are lots of videos showing exactly how the mechanism works, and thus the 2 configurations of the car.
It's I think the heaviest 911 body style.
Roof down, the rear glass is an air bucket vulnerable to buffet, so you do need to use the wind deflector and potentially tweak side windows as Jay did.
It's only available in 4WD.
The Target GTS is slightly softer than other GTS.
Rear visibility is better than a cabriolet with roof up due to the amount of rear glass.
That's really what you need to know.
Roof has safety mechanism. Will stop before hitting anything.
Came across your videos recently after your video with shmee. Really loving the content. Informative and interesting
Thanks Jay you’ve just helped make my mind up
Lint moat. Braun shaver. Pure brilliance. Thank you for the laugh.
It’s the one I’d have. More personality than the rest of the modern 911 range.
Targa is style achievement YET cab is way to go really. Kids in back seat of Targa suffer vs cab, and gals I know don’t find it open enough. 991 began first time cab up/closed had good attractive lines vs coupe. 997 n 996 cabs are good but top up they are not in same league for beauty as coupe. No one I’ve known has expressed negatives on Targa, black targa hoop is a major downgrade for its style though.
Very good review to listen to as a Porsche enthusiast who can't afford one... Yet. I have always found the targa to be the odd one of the 911's and this review proves to me that it would not be the right 911 nor Porsche to buy if I could.
I saw one these today in morning traffic and thought wow.....
that looks good !
Terrific review. Like your points made.
911's. Of the many sporrtscar makers out there Porsche oddly is the only one with a model that has I believe about 23 versions of . All with just minor changes...mostly....just to get more 911's sold. Really only need 2 models of 911. The Carrera S or the Turbo S. THe Carrera S with a convertible model.. I belive there is one. Forget.
The idea of the Targa seems like a good one. Having that "Targa pillar" I think adds to the look. But in use....as you mention ...the roof when closed or open sounds like a pain. Not soemthing you'd want in car you spent so much money on. YOu dont want any rattling noises or wind turbulence inside the car. Which you dont get with the convertible. Not sure if you "hear the roof" on a convertible. But at least there's no turbulence. Plus, with a convertible when the top is down you'd only do so under the right driving conditions e.g. around town...not on the highways. So if you want the open top expereince its still the convertible. Which onestly how often do you really drive top down.? Maybe if you can afford it get a coupe and a covertible?
Turbo S for the GT like drive and the amazing 0-60 in under 3s fun Though I'm guessing that fun will get boring fast. So I guess at the end of the day if you're looking for your first 911....the Carrera S coupe is IT. Gives you engouh of a taste of what a 911 can do and is the more "affordable" of the 23 models. YOu DO want to feel the tail pitching....that's a Porsche 911. :) If you get the Carrera 4s I think you're changing the "Porsche experience".. taking away from... All these options to make a 911 drive less like a "911".
GT3? Cash-grab. Unneeded for street driving. If you're a competitive amateur road racer (on track) you'll buy a used 911 and out fit it for racing. Not a new 911.
Very nice car. For me it would be that SL or just the regular convertible. Fantastic review. Keep up the good work.
Very honest review. Good to see, unlike most who give a car manufacturer getting nothing but praise even if there are flaws.
Constructive criticism, how else do things get changed/made better if they think it's perfect when maybe it's not.
Love my 991.1 targa gts (manual)
I can’t understand the comment about the old style fabric roof needing to be left at home. Nonsense. The air cooled Targas had lightweight removable roof panels of fabric over a folding metal frame. The panels were easy to remove or reinstall, and could be folded neatly into a bundle which easily fit behind the front seats. A simple, great design although not suitable for automatic car washes!
Thank you for this review. I was looking strongly at this Targa until watching your review. It's not the everyday driver I want it to be.
Would like to hear your review after testing the manual targa gts. Rear wheel drive.
To me the 992 Targa looks great, but… And this video captures that better than I can.
The targa does wonders for your hair-do mate - you should keep it! 😁👍 -and thank you for *actually critiquing* the car despite the Porsche badge that seems to blind most other automotive journalists.
Love your work. Please excuse the ignorance. But this particular one did leave me wondering one thing:
I know there's the history and novelty factor, but why have a Targa over a Cabriolet? Why have something that can neatly loose half the roof, when you can have what appears to be the exact same car that can loose all the roof?
Is it to do with chassis rigidity?
@@wolfiestreet6899 I wondered that. The roll over hoop probably would help. But I can't imagine it makes that much difference, as there's still nothing linking it front to back. Would be interested to hear if anyone's back to backed the Targa and Cabriolet?
For me it's purely for the looks. Target looks great roof up or down. Cabriolet looks awkward roof up and down with the 911 shape
I think cabs lose the iconic shape. Targa is what I like.
I'd go purely for the looks. Targa just looks that little bit more special compared with normal 911 Cabriolet.
Maybe with the exception of Speedster, but that's a whole different kettle of fish.
Pay no attention to people moaning about the targa being “heavier”. It’s marginally heavier & you’d never even see/feel the difference unless you had it on a track or were drag racing. 99% of people will never experience the difference.
The GTS targa has different suspension than the GT3 coupe. No helper springs, bit softer, different sway bars and a few other things.
I like the targa mechanism but the dash and rest of interior has got to go!
A Porsche 911 for the road should be a manual.
The End.
Great looking car, don’t like those black panels in front the back wheels. They would look much better in the body colour! Ruins the line of the car
The mx5 roof works the same way but it’s better. But you still get wind noise in any targa. The best open roof was the electric sunroof on seventies 911 cars, small but in front of your head. It made the ventilation work too. The interior, well its a vw so it’s bound to be a total mess.
26:52 you'd want it in its down position when you are parked top down, that's why..
Best looking 911 ever - if I come across some cash this would be my car
Agree with some of the points, I found steering really heavy too
I'll never own one however the targas are often my favourite 911 style.
Imho the best 911 for the road, bar a Touring maybe, but that's a different package.
Deal breaker is that sound… happens to all the new porsches. Numb. No wonder old 997 and 981s are selling like crazy…
When are you testing the convertible?
Hey Jay, do you have any vid commenting between the 992 and the Evora? I didn't like the 992, way too refined.
This is the first time I've seen the Targa roof in operation and ... and .... it's ... it's the same as in my Mazda MX5 RF!!!