(1996 – 1998) Porsche 911 Targa (993) – Ultimate Guide
In 1996 Porsche expanded their 911 range by offering a new take on the classic Targa. This time, production of the sliding roof was entrusted to Webasto, who developed the unit from Porsche’s own concept. The unit was completely manufactured by Webasto for later installation at the Porsche factory. The system used two large pieces of glass with the rear unit being sealed to the body. The forward piece was was fastened to three motors which automatically retracted it below the rear piece. Inside an electric sunshade could be deployed. From the side, the Targa has a distinct roofline and quarter-window treatment. Many were fitted with special 17-inch, five-spoke, split-rim wheels.
The 993 Targa featured a sliding glass roof over the front seats, versus a fabric one found in the previous generation. The rest of the bodywork looked similar to the Carrera. It featured two round headlights, in the tradition of the Porsche brand. The flat and low trunk-lid in the front was lower than the fenders. The windshield was not very raked and the sloped back toward the end of the car made a curved line along with the engine lid. A rear spoiler was installed and it was automatically extended over 80 kph (50 mph), or via a button installed in front of the gear-stick.
The interior featured sport-bucket seats in the front and two small seats in the back. The instrument cluster featured five dials, with the tachometer in the middle and a clock on the right side. The climate controls and the stereo were mounted in line with the steering column.
The engine was a completely reworked flat-six, with a 3.6-liter displacement with the VarioCam system, which offered 285 hp. It was mated either with a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
