Evolution of THE Targa 996 and 997

The glass-topped 911 Targa evolved through two further generations before the roll-hoop made a retro-inspired comeback with the 991.

The 996 Targa debuted with the Gen2 facelift of 2002, and was solely available in 320hp Carrera 2 spec. Like its 993 predecessor, it was based on the convertible and had sharply tapering side windows, plus a roof that retracted behind the rear screen. With the roof closed, the 996’s rear window opens upwards like a hatchback – a huge boost to practicality. On the minus side, the glass roof no longer extends to the top of the windscreen.

The 997 Targa followed in 2006, again with a glass roof and tailgate, but this time exclusively with four-wheel drive. Buyers could choose from 325hp Targa 4 or 355hp Targa

4S – the latter with an optional 376hp power kit. The 997.2 facelift of 2008 stepped things up still further, with 345hp for the Targa 4 and 385hp for the 4S. The era of the ‘disguised’ Targa was over, too. Bold chrome trim around the side windows clearly sets the 997 apart from its coupe sibling. By the turn of the 991 though, Porsche reverted to a classic design.