Update

Porsche insider hints at possible return for roll-hooped 911 Turbo

The latest Porsche-specific news, plus Brian Redman continues his guest column

Porsche has fanned the flames on talk that it might possibly be considering a modern-day version of a Turbo Targa.

Zuffenhausen first made a Turbo Targa in the days of the Type 930 model designation. A 911-shaped hallmark of 1980s excess, the model was rare, but is favoured among collectors today as a result. It is the only time an open-topped, roll-hoop design has been applied to Porsche’s top-of-the-range 911: if you otherwise wanted fresh-air motoring from your Turbo experience in the 930, 996, 997 and 991 era, the Cabriolet was your only option.

For the latest 992 generation, Porsche has released both the Turbo S Coupe and Cabriolet, as well as the Targa 4 and 4S – and a recent chat with a representative from the Exclusive department did little to dispel rumours that the manufacturer could meld the two designs together.

During a conference call between the media and designers of the Heritage Design Edition Targa,

Total 911 asked Ivo van Hulten, responsible for interior design at Exclusive, if any design concepts were considered at any stage which didn’t make the final cut. “For sure, we considered lots of things, looking back through our entire history,” came van Hulten’s reply. When Total 911 asked if one of those ‘considerations’ was a Turbo Targa, van Hulten’s reply only gave rise to further intrigue. “Quite possibly,” he laughed. “I wish I could show the sketches sitting on my desk.” Van Hulten couldn’t elaborate any further on his comment, which sparked further debate as to the possibility of a Turbo Targa being revived in future.

As previously reported, Porsche’s Heritage Design programme will feature three limited-edition 911s over the life of the 992 generation in addition to the Heritage Design Targa. Total 911 understands that a Sport Classic is likely the next edition to arrive in the next 18 months, which leaves space for two other specials, the identity of which is still the subject of fierce speculation.