2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S

What’s new for 2021?

The 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S introduces several notable updates to the iconic model. The most significant change is the adoption of the 992-generation platform, bringing improved performance and technology to the Targa variant. The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine now produces 443 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, 23 horses and 22 pound-feet more than the 991 generation. An eight-speed automatic joins the lineup and the seven-speed manual also receive enhancements for better power mediation and efficiency.

Its exterior design evolves with wider wheel arches, a more pronounced front splitter, and a seamless LED light bar at the rear. The new PDLS+ LED headlamps offer better visibility, and the signature four-point DRLs add more uniqueness to the design.

A new 10.9-inch touchscreen complements a redesigned center console. New driver assistance features include Porsche Wet Mode, which improves safety in wet conditions by adjusting various vehicle systems.

Faster performance with a brawnier twin-turbo boxer-six and an eight-speed PDK

Already drooling over its appealing bodywork? Wait till you get familiar with the powertrain this luxury convertible packs inside. The new Targa 4S is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine mounted at the car’s rear end. This engine generates 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. That’s 23 horses and 22 pound-feet more than the same engine powering the 991 generation.

Transmission options include an eight-speed PDK DCT automatic or a seven-speed manual gearbox. The PDK is praised for its lightning-fast shifts, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds with the Sport Plus mode. While slower at 4.2 seconds to 60 mph, the manual provides a more connected driving experience that purists and enthusiasts prefer. According to independent test results though, it’s faster with a 0-60 mph timing of flat three ticks.

Since it brings more power to the plate for the 992 generation, the increased outputs compromise the economy. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer-six presents 18 mpg (city) and 23 mpg (highway) with the PDK. If you install the manual gearbox, the city economy comes down to 17 mpg, but the highway economy increases to 24 mpg. A 17.6-gallon fuel tank provides up to 405 miles on the highway. However, real-world consumption often falls short of these figures, especially when driven enthusiastically. In contrast, the 2019 model achieved 21 mpg (city) and 27 mpg (highway) with the automatic, while the manual managed 19 and 28 mpg, respectively.

While its performance credentials remain impressive, not every buyer will like the combination Porsche offers in this car. The twin-turbo boxer-six, although potent, doesn’t have the resonant nature of naturally aspirated engines. Rivals like the Lexus LC and Chevy Corvette come with naturally aspirated V8 engines, which stay more relevant to buyers who prioritize an old-school setup. However, they don’t have a stick shift, which the 911 treasures.

Standout exterior styling with historical and contemporary design cues

The 992 Targa 4S continues to captivate with its iconic silhouette, featuring classic 911 design cues mixed with contemporary aesthetics. Its signature bar remains a standout feature for offering a unique compromise between coupe and convertible styles. This fully automatic roof system opens and closes in 19 seconds, adding practicality and visual drama. Not only this, but it also provides structural rigidity and a visual focal point that harks back to the original 1965 Targa.

Porsche subtly evolved the 992’s exterior, and this trim sports a wider stance with more pronounced wheel arches than its predecessors. Its fascia features sleek LED headlights with signature four-point daytime running lights, while the rear carries an LED light strip to enhance visibility and visual appeal. Buyers seeking brighter and more stylish headlights can opt for the PDLS+ Matrix LED headlamps, costing between $2,000 and $4,010. Clear LED taillamps are available for $990 for a more pronounced rear look.

This trim comes standard with 21-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels, but you can opt for Carrera S wheels for no additional cost. However, options like RS Spyder, Carrera Classic, and painted wheels require extra bills.

Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in its design, with a drag coefficient of 0.30. The retractable rear spoiler adjusts automatically based on speed and driving mode, enhancing stability without compromising the car’s clean lines. However, many enthusiasts miss the "whale tail" spoilers from earlier 911 generations for its impressive downforce abilities.

For customization, buyers get four colors of soft tops like black, blue, brown, red and hard top. Silver or black tailpipes, model badgings in various colors are available as well. Metallic colors costs $840, while special colors need $3,270. Buyers can also add a bespoke touch with $11,430 custom color schemes and various decals.

A driver-centric interior with modern creature comforts and infotainment tech

One thing that sets the Porsche 911 apart from other luxury convertibles is its strong focus on driver functionality and ergonomics. While it’s a good thing for purists and enthusiasts, the feature list often falls short of luxury car expectations. Its dashboard design remains functional with horizontal lines, premium materials and physical switches for essential functions.

Unlike rivals, you don’t see a digital instrument cluster here, leaving the cockpit with a leather-trimmed steering wheel. If you want a more decadent touch, there are GT Sport or Race-Tex steering wheel with carbon fiber inserts priced at $800 and $1,470 respectively. Heated steering wheel is optional, which we expected to be standard considering the premium pricing.

The interior seats four passengers with standard leatherette upholstery. If you want a richer touch, there are Velour leather/cloth seats for $3,830 and Club leather upholstery for $5,340. A pair of four-way heated sports seats and bench rear seats are standard, providing decent comfort for long journeys.

If you want a more rigid driving posture, 18-way Adaptive Sports Seats Plus are available for $3,830, and 14-way Power Sports Seats cost $2,330. Buyers on a budget can also opt for $440 four-way sports seats. If you’re staying in warmer climates, sadly, you’ll have to spend $840 for ventilated front seats, which is standard on the Lexus LC and BMW M840i.

Another point of contention is the seating space. While the front seats offer decent legroom, tall buyers often face tighter headroom with the top in place. The rear seats are spacious for children and teens, but adults may fall short of head and legroom. Practicality wise, its one of the least practical in the segment with just 4.6 cubic-feet of storage space at the front. The rear seats can be folded for extra space. Rivals like the M840i stay ahead with 12.4 cubic-feet of storage space.

For infotainment, the 992 Targa 4S brings a 10.9-inch touchscreen with the latest iteration of the PCM interface. The touchscreen is snappier than the previous seven-inch unit, and the interface feels smoother. You get Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi, and voice-assisted navigation, but there is no Android Auto yet. An eight-speaker setup is standard, but folks who don’t mind spending extra for a hi-fi audio system can select between a $1,600 Bose 12-speaker audio system or a $5,580 Burmester 13-speaker audio system.

Unmatched handling in the luxury convertible sector

Handling and driving impressions are one of the mettle of the 911, and the new Targa 4S trim treats drivers with a fine behind-the-wheel experience. This trim is only available with an all-wheel-drive system, equipped with the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) feature to provide sufficient grip and stability, especially in rainy or snowy conditions. There is a "Wet Mode" to adjust various systems for improved traction in wet conditions, adding an extra layer of grip.

Further enhancing the maneuverability is the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system. It pairs the performance-tuned front spring-strut and multi-link rear suspension with adaptive dampers to continuously adjust to the surface types and eliminate lateral roll while performing sharp maneuvers. The result is added high-speed stability and more cornering grip. That’s necessarily not good every time, as it translates to a firm ride quality, and passengers may end up complaining on uneven surfaces.

Its drivetrain is paired with an electromechanical power steering rack, which feels light, accurate, and offers decent feedback. The 36.8-foot turning radius makes it easy to handle in city conditions. Buyers needing a sharper setup can opt for the $280 Power Steering Plus electric steering rack for a lighter feel and more response, but it hardly offers any feedback.

An optional $2,090 Rear Axle Steering improves low-speed agility by turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the fronts, shortening the wheelbase. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front, increasing stability during lane changes and high-speed cornering.

For deceleration, its wheels are paired with 13.8-inch rotors with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. The brakes deliver good stopping power for daily drivers and are easy to modulate. If you are a high-spirited driver, there are Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes for $8,970, which comes standard with the range-topping Turbo S variant.

How safe is the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S?

Its easy to get attracted to the 992 Targa 4S for its style, sporty arrangements and speed, but the safety section is one of the dire things about this car. Porsche equips a very generic set of features in this car, which includes Collision Warning System, Warn and Brake Assist, Convertible Rollover Protection, Multi-Collision Braking, and front/rear park assist.

If you want premium features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Porsche InnoDrive (self-driving technologies), Lane Change Assist, and Night Vision Camera, they are unfortunately optional.

Options

• Adaptive Cruise Control - $2,000

• Porsche InnoDrive with Adaptive Cruise Control - $3,020

• Lane Change Assist - $1,060

• Lane Keep Assist - $1,220

• Night Vision Assist - $2,540

• Park Assist (Front and Rear) with Surround View -$1,430

Reliability and warranty

Reliability

Reliability ratings for the 992 Targa 4S aren’t available due to its six-figure MSRP. Since the 2021 Porsche 911 gains 84 out of 100 from J.D. Power in overall, this trim should have the same. Its Quality and Reliability front gets an 80/100 rating, and fronts like Driving Experience, Resale, and Dealership Experience maintain a score above 80 out of 100.

On the other hand, Repair Pal gives 911 a score of 2.0 out of 5.0 and states that the average annual repair cost is $1,072.

J.D. Power rating highlights

• 84/100 in overall

• 80/100 in Quality & Reliability

• 89/100 in Driving Experience

• 82/100 in Resale

• 87/100 in Dealership Experience

Warranty

Porsche packs this car with a four-year or 50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty. It includes a one-year or 10,000-mile complimentary maintenance. BMW offers the same with the M840i but Lexus offers a six-year or 70,000-mile on the LC 500’s powertrain. However, BMW includes a three-year or 36,000-mile complimentary maintenance with the M840i.

Warranty highlights

• 4 years or 50,000 miles basic warranty

• 4 years or 50,000 miles powertrain warranty

• 4 years or 50,000 miles of roadside assistance

• 12 years or unlimited miles perforation and corrosion warranty

• 1 year or 10,000 miles of complimentary maintenance

How does it compare to rivals?

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Priced at $101,000, the 2021 Lexus LC Convertible is a compelling alternative to the Porsche. It’s powered by a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet, more than the former’s 443 horsepower and 390 pound-feet. It takes 4.4 seconds for 0-60 mph and offers a top speed of 168 mph, so Porsche’s better power-to-weight ratio and advanced transmission translates to faster performance.

Exterior styling remains subjective, but the LC’s flowing lines and dramatic proportions offer a more extravagant aesthetic than 911’s classic, evolutionary design. Its luxurious and handcrafted interior comes with more standard features like heated/ventilated sports seats, a 12-speaker premium audio system, and Android Auto, which the Porsche doesn’t have or offer as options. This Japanese convertible offers a six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain warranty, best-in-class reliability and safety.

2021 BMW M840i Convertible

The BMW M840i Convertible presents a different kind of combination, blending grand touring comfort with sports car performance. Starting at around $121,400, it’s priced closer to the Targa 4S. It’s powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and provides the highest power in the competition with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of twist. Yet, its heavier body results in a 0-60 mph timing of 3.9 seconds and 155 mph top speed.

The exterior styling of the M840i Convertible is more in line with a luxury grand tourer, featuring a long hood and sweeping lines, unlike the timeless approach of the 911. BMW packs its convertible with a roomier interior, and material quality is as good as the Porsche. However, the roomier cargo space makes it better for daily use and tours. BMW also offers heated and ventilated sports seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard amenities, plus features like a digital instrument cluster and Android Auto.

The Bimmer also offers better safety with more standard driver assist tech, plus promises complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

Conclusion: The 911 Targa 4S brings important upgrades, but rivals are worth checking out

The 992 Targa 4S is a compelling option among luxury convertibles. Thanks to its more powerful twin-turbo boxer-six, iconic style, sporty cabin and cutting-edge retractable roof. These make it suitable for both spirited driving and daily use. However, its not with some big drawbacks. The ride quality is stiffer than expected and the passenger room is tight. Its smaller cargo trunk and less standard safety features are also important weaknesses.

While it excels in performance and handling, rivals offer more spacious interiors and potentially better value. The BMW M840i, for instance, provides more power and a more comfortable grand touring experience. The Lexus LC 500 Convertible, on the other hand, offers a more dramatic design and a naturally aspirated V8 engine that some may prefer. Lexus’ safety and reliability credentials are also better, but no other luxury convertible can beat the 911’s resale value.

FAQs

How much is the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S?

The 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S starts at $135,200, without freight charges, options and markups. This makes it $10,900 costlier than the 991 generation model.

How does the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S compare against the 2021 Lexus LC Convertible and 2021 BMW M840i Convertible?

The 911 Targa 4S’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer-six makes less power than the Lexus LC 500’s 5.0-liter V8 and BMW M840i’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, but its lighter weight makes it the fastest in the segment. However, rivals have more luxurious and roomier cabins, standard features, and better safety tech. Rivals also offer better powertrain warranties and complimentary maintenance.

What are the changes in the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S?

The 2021 model introduces the 992-generation platform, bringing improved performance and technology. Key changes include a more powerful engine that produces 443 horsepower, an eight-speed PDK transmission, and a revised all-wheel-drive system. The exterior features wider wheel arches and a new LED light bar. Inside, there’s a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen and redesigned center console. New features like Porsche Wet Mode enhance safety and performance.

What powers the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S?

The 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine. This powerplant produces 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with an 8-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, but a 7-speed manual is a no-cost option. With more power than the outgoing model, the new Targa 4S is faster, taking 3.4 seconds to clock 0-60 mph with the PDK and Sport Package.

What are the differences between the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S and the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition?

The Heritage Design Edition is a limited-run model based on the standard Targa 4S. It features unique styling elements inspired by 1950s and 1960s Porsches, including a special Cherry Metallic paint, gold badges, and a distinctive interior with corduroy seat centers. Mechanically, it’s identical to the standard Targa 4S. The Heritage Design Edition is limited to 992 units worldwide and costs $180,600, $45,400 more than the Targa 4S.