VROOM WITH A VIEW

ATLANTA – Neither coupe nor cabriolet, but in many ways the best of both, the

2003 Porsche 911 Targa provides the latest update of a sliding glass roof

design first used on the previous-generation 911 Targa, offered in the U.S. in

1996 and 1997.

“The Targa has been one of Porsche’s most popular niche vehicles,” says Frederick

J. Schwab, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America. “It provides our

customers with a unique vehicle that provides them both open-air motoring and

the ease of use of a sunroof, albeit a very large glass sunroof.”

The latest 911 Targa expands on the concept of the previous model, which

introduced a large power-operated glass roof that slides under the rear window.

The biggest difference from the previous 911 Targa is that the rear window in the

new model is hinged, opening to provide convenient access to the rear luggage

compartment.

The 911 Targa is the first 911 to feature a rear hatch opening. The glass hatch

opens either by the electric release located near the doorsill or remotely from

the key fob. In either case, it requires only a slight lift, and then gas-pressure

struts hidden behind the window trim open it the rest of the way. When the hatch

is lowered, an automatic closer pulls it fully closed.

In the 2003 911 Targa, folding down the rear seatbacks provides 8.1 cubic feet

(230 liters) of cargo space, compared to 7.1 cubic feet (201 liters) in the 911

the glass roof.

The 2003 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 UV tinting, too). The blind also provides an additional layer of

insulation from cold weather.

While previous Targas were based on the body architecture of a convertible, this

newest generation is built on the 911 Carrera Coupe platform, which brings

additional strength and structure for superior rigidity.

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 are built with structural enhancements. Porsche designed a unique

upper body structure for the 911 Targa to ensure the strength and safety expected

of any Porsche vehicle. Using 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 (70 kg.) 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.

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 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 2003 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 a record 11 times

overall 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.

The 911 Targa shares its 3.6-liter, 315-horsepower (SAE) engine, 911 Turbo-inspired

front-end styling and interior enhancements with other 911 models, including the

Carrera Coupe and Cabriolet and the Carrera 4S. In profile, the 911 Targa can

be distinguished by its sharply tapered rear side glass, but its coefficient of drag

is the same as the 911 Carrera Coupe – 0.30.

These 911 models underwent styling changes a year ago, but the design

changes were not just cosmetic. The front air intakes increased airflow to the

radiators by 15 percent. Reshaping the radii of the front wheel arches and the

addition of 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 under floor 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 as other 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 glove box 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 2003 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.

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.

Porsche’s new Communication Management system (PCM) comprises tuners, CD

player, navigation system, and trip computer, all linked through Media-Oriented

Systems Transport (MOST) digital databus. The MOST system incorporates light-wave

conductors that exchange data between the individual components without loss

of quality and at ultra-high speeds.

PCM includes a 5.8-inch color screen with its 16:9 aspect ratio and 12-position

keyboard for easily and efficiently entering radio frequencies. The system assures

excellent audio quality.

The navigation module provides such features as road junction zoom-in, dynamic

navigation to avoid congestion, map scrolling so you can see beyond your current

position, tour planning with the ability to memorize as many as eight destinations in a

row and a CD-ROM system that can be used for the navigation system or for music.

Power is provided by Porsche’s 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine. The engine

produces 315 horsepower (SAE) and 273 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. 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.

continuously adjustable valve timing and incorporates two camshaft profiles and

two sets of tappets to vary both valve lift and duration. The 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 911 engine

produces at least 236 lb.-ft. from 2,500-7,000 rpm and a midrange torque

“plateau” of at least 265 lb.-ft. 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 previous 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. Using 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 2003 911 Targa: a precisely

Porsche increased the torque capacity of the manual transmission last year by

using 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.

The 911 Targa adopts the Tiptronic S transmission from the 911 Turbo, which

can handle greater torque output. The lock-up torque converter and shifting

programs have been specially tailored to the naturally aspirated engine.

In automatic mode, Tiptronic S uses infinitely variable shift points to respond to the

driving circumstances and the driving style. During leisurely driving, Tiptronic S will

upshift early to provide a quiet ride and the best fuel efficiency. With quicker gas

pedal action, the transmission responds by raising shift points to hold each gear

longer for crisp response and power. The Tiptronic S transmission draws from

among 250 different shift maps to provide optimal performance at all times.

Even while in automatic mode, 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 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 2003. 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 U.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.

Porsche Cars North America offers customers in the United 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.

only from authorized Porsche dealers. Tequipment options include such items as

special wheels, an 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 2003 Porsche car sold in the United 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, Ga., and its subsidiary,

Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche vehicles for

the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h. c.

F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs some 200 people who provide Porsche vehicles,

parts, marketing and training for its 203 dealers in the United States and

Canada. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

2003 Porsche® 911® Targa®

Type

      • Six-cylinders, horizontally opposed, liquid cooled

      • Aluminum crankcase and cylinder heads

      • Forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods

      • Cast aluminum pistons

                  Bore: 3.78 in. / 96.0 mm

               Stroke: 3.26 in. / 82.8.0 mm

      Displacement: 219.4 cu. in. / 3,596 cc

Compression ratio: 11.3:1

Valvetrain

     • Dual overhead camshafts

     • Four valves per cylinder

     Induction: Porsche two-stage resonance

Fuel injection: Sequential, with separate fuel mixture for each cylinder

                    bank

       Ignition: Direct (“distributorless”) coil-on-plug, individual coil for

                   each cylinder

Engine control: ME 7.8 with hot film mass airflow sensors and E-Gas

                     electronic throttle and “returnless” fuel system

Lubrication system

     • Integrated dry sump

     • Centrifugal oil de-foamers

     • Engine oil cooler

 Cooling system/medium: Cross-flow type, water cooling

                           Fuel: Premium unleaded, 91-octane min.

                 Horsepower: 315 SAE (235 kW) @ 6,800 rpm

Maximum torque (lb.-ft.): 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) @ 4,250 rpm

  Maximum engine speed: 7,300 rpm

                   Idle speed: 670 rpm +/- 40 rpm

            Exhaust system: Separate catalytic converters and mufflers

     • Optional five-speed Tiptronic® S automatic transmission

Gear ratios:          Six-speed manual      Tiptronic S automatic

             1:                  3.82                           3.60

             2:                  2.20                           2.19

             3:                  1.52                           1.41

             4:                  1.22                           1.00

             5:                  1.02                           0.83

             6:                  0.84                             --

             R:                  3.55                            3.17

 Final drive:                  3.44:1                          3.37:1

         Flywheel: Dual-mass

Clutch diameter: (6-speed) 9.5 in. / 240 mm, dual-mass flywheel

Body

     • Stamped steel unit body with power sliding glass roof

     • Rear glass hinged for access to luggage area

     • Rear-engine

     • 2+2 seating

Coefficient of drag (Cd) 0.30

Front: Independent MacPherson strut type with aluminum lower control

         arms, coil springs, 23-mm diameter stabilizer bar, gas-charged

         twin-tube shock absorbers, negative steering roll radius.

Rear: Independent 5-link with coil springs, single-tube shock absorbers,

        18.5 mm diameter stabilizer bar, self-stabilizing toe control.

    • One-piece (“monoblock”), four-piston fixed aluminum calipers

    • Anti-lock brake system (ABS 5.7)

Front: Vented discs, 12.53 in. diameter x 1.10-inch thick (318 mm x 28 

         mm)

Rear: Vented discs, 11.78 in. diameter x 0.95-inch thick (299 mm x 24

        mm)

Effective pad area

Front: 19.7 sq. in. / 127 sq. cm (per wheel)

Rear: 15.2 sq. in. / 98 sq. cm

Standard

Front: 17 x 7      Rear: 17 x 9

Optional

Front: 18 x 8      Rear: 18 x 10

Standard

Front: 205/50 ZR17     Rear: 255/40 ZR17

Optional

Front: 225/40 ZR18     Rear: 285/30 ZR18

                      Steering: Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist

                          Ratio: 1:16.9

        Turns lock-to-lock: 2.98

Steering wheel diameter: 14.8 in. / 375 mm

              Turning circle: 34.8 ft. / 10.6 m

Wheelbase: 92.6 in. / 2,350 mm

     Length: 174.5 in. / 4,430 mm

      Width: 69.7 in. / 1,770 mm

Track

• Standard 17-inch wheels

  Front: 57.7 in. / 1,465 mm     Rear: 59.1 in. / 1,500 mm

• Optional 18-inch wheels

  Front: 57.7 in. / 1,465 mm     Rear: 58.3 in. / 1,480 mm

                          Height: 51.4 in. / 1,305 mm

Minimum ground clearance: 3.9 in. / 100 mm

Curb weight:           6-speed                 Tiptronic S

                   3,119 lb. / 1,415 kg.     3,240 lb. / 1,470 kg.

Weight distribution: 36% front / 64% rear

       Leg room: 41.6 in. / 1,057 mm

Shoulder room: 51.5 in. / 1,308 mm

    Elbow room: 53.3 in. / 1,353 mm

     Head room: 39.1 in. / 993 mm

    Cargo room: 4.6 cu. ft (130 liters) in front trunk + 8.1 cu. ft. (230

                     liters) behind front seats w/ rear seat folded; access by

                     hinged rear glass window

Engine oil: 10.83 qt. / 10.25 l

  Coolant: 5.94 gal./ 22.5 l

      Fuel: 16.9 gal. / 64 liters / 14.1 Imp. gallons

Performance:                     6-speed              Tiptronic S

0-62 mph (0-100 km/h):         5.2 sec.                5.5 sec.

Top track speed:           177 mph (285 km/h)    174 mph (280 km/h)

Fuel Efficiency:                       6-speed          Tiptronic S

EPA-rated miles-per-gallon

                              City:            18                    18

                        Highway:            26                     26  

     Canada (liters/100 km)

                              City:            13.3                  13.0

                        Highway:              8.3                   8.4