Porsche 911 Targa is back with a bang

Porsche has shown off the not-quite-convertible 911 Targa 4 at the Detroit Motor Show.

Porsche has busted out its new new 911 Targa at the Detroit Motor Show. Like Targas of old, the latest car is not quite convertible, but sports a removable roof, a wide bar in place of traditional B-pillars and a wraparound rear window.

Baby, as Sir Mix-A-Lot might say, got back.

Unlike Targas of old, this new car sports a roof segment that can be opened and closed at the touch of a button. Plant your grubby meat stylus on the appropriate button and the rear window rises, before the cloth section above the passenger compartment deftly slides beneath it and its stowage cubby at the rear.

Underneath the fancy roof, the 911 Targa is virtually identical to the 911 Carrera 4, in terms of both technology and body shape. Two versions are available, including the Targa 4, which gets a 3.4-litre, 350hp flat engine plus a twin-clutch PDK gearbox and Sport Chrono package facilitating a 0 to 62mph time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 175mph.

The Porsche 911 Targa 4S edition packs a 3.8-litre engine that chucks out 400hp for 0 to 60mph in 4.4 seconds and a terminal velocity of 183mph.

Fuel economy, if you’re at all bothered by such frivolities, ranges between 23.52mpg and 21.58, according to Porsche, equating to emissions of 237 and 214g/km.

The new 911 Targa will go on sale in May 2014. UK specific prices are still to be confirmed, but the Targa 4 should cost £86,281, with the Targa 4S retailing for £96,316. Both are available to order now.