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The 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa®
Glass roof system
Introduced last year, the Porsche Carrera Targa®, an exciting addition to the 911 model series, features a unique electric sliding glass roof system with sun visor and separate wind deflector. Virtually the entire roof area over the passenger compartment slides down and back to its stowed position under the rear window, providing an open-air feeling much greater than that of a Coupe with an open sunroof.
Electric roof, roller blind, wind deflector
The roof glass, tinted for privacy and specially treated to block out 100 percent of ultra-violet rays, slides quietly and smoothly at the touch of a button to its stowed position under the rear glass for open-air motoring. For additional privacy and sun protection, a roller blind can be electrically deployed from its compartment in the roof lining above the windshield. The wind deflector is electrically adjustable throughout its entire range of motion.
Key features
Open or closed, the Porsche Targa retains the familiar 911 silhouette, and incorporates all the recent aerodynamic and safety refinements made to the 911. Key features are its welded, unitized body of double-sided galvanized steel, a speed-dependent extendible rear spoiler, tinted glass, second-generation side-impact protection, heated windshield washer nozzles, fog lamps incorporated into the front spoiler, and modular polyellipsoid headlamps with a headlamp washer system. Optional for 1997 are powerful Litronic gas-discharge headlamps which are twice as bright as halogen headlamps while using 30 percent less electrical current.
Targa® heritage
The new Targa model is an evolution of the original Targa introduced by Porsche in 1965. Porsche engineers developed the open-air Porsche Targa roof as a viable alternative to a pure convertible. Porsche Targa models through 1994 sported a removable roof panel above the passenger compartment, supported in the front by the windshield header and in the rear by wide B-pillars and the rear roof section. Some previous Targa models had flexible, folding rear windows; others had solid rear glass with a built-in rear defroster. While renewed interest in convertibles during the 1980s provided a rejuvenation for the 911 Cabriolet, the unique design of the 911 Targa had established its own market, so Targa production was continued after the Cabriolet debuted.
To meet the demands of traditional Targa clientele, Porsche engineers have now designed a new version which combines fully automated top operation with sleek 911 looks. Below the window line, the 1997 Porsche Carrera Targa shares its body and platform with the 911 Carrera Cabriolet, including additional body and chassis reinforcements for increased structural rigidity. The roof module, which resembles the Coupe roof in profile, consists of two-layer laminated safety glass, a sun visor, a wind deflector, a rear window and an aluminum frame.
Targa® Roof System
Electric roof system
The new Targa was designed and engineered with key objectives: a minimum noise level, a maximum of operating convenience with the roof either open or closed, and no undesirable drafts of air or turbulence in the passenger area with the roof open.
The new Targa has a large-area, two-section glass roof. In spite of its impressive size, the glass panel disappears almost entirely beneath the rear window when opened. The Targa's new roof contours offer almost the same amount of headroom in the rear seats as the Coupe, even with the roof open, and slightly more front seat headroom than the Coupe when the roof is closed.
When the button in the center console is pressed, first the front section of the glass roof is raised as a wind deflector (vent position). The large glass panel can then be opened and stopped at any desired position. Even when traveling at high speeds with the roof open, no unpleasant drafts of air occur in the passenger compartment. Compared with a Carrera Cabriolet or a Coupe with a sliding sunroof, it is actually much quieter inside the open-top Targa.
Unlike the Cabriolet top, the Targa roof can be opened or closed while the car is moving, so that the fresh-air effect can be regulated conveniently, without having to bring the car to a standstill. The tinted glass roof likewise lends a new "feel" to driving when closed. The wide field of vision as a result of the transparent glass roof creates a new sense of space, conveying the impression of open-top driving. With the roof closed, the noise level is comparable to the level achieved by the Coupe.
Opening the glass roof after rain is no problem, thanks to the ingenious water deflection system integrated into the glass roof's seals; any water which flows off the panel is prevented from dripping inside the car. The heavily tinted Targa roof affords protection against sunlight and filters out 100 percent of ultraviolet rays. In very bright sunlight, a roller blind can be extended at the touch of a button for extra shade. Temperature measurements taken in bright sunlight indicate the Targa interior does not heat up more than the Coupe.
The Targa is based on the heavily reinforced Cabriolet body. During assembly, the Targa roof is brought into position as a complete module, then joined permanently to the body. The main components of the roof module are the strong side posts, which are joined together by crossmembers. The rear window of single-plate laminated glass is bonded together with this sheet-metal structure. The wind deflector and glass-panel sunroof are made of seven mm thick laminated glass consisting of two panes of glass three mm thick and several layers of plastic film.
With the extra-thick glass, three electric motors, a longer rear window wiper, the roller blind and deflector system, the Targa weighs only about 66 pounds (30 kg) more than a standard 911 Carrera. This very robust structure provides safety and torsional rigidity. The built-on roof module lends the 911 Targa a distinctive look, which is enhanced still further by specially designed 17-inch Targa wheels.
VarioramTM Induction System
Boxer engine
The Porsche 911 Carrera Targa is powered by Porsche's traditional 3.6 liter, air-cooled, horizontally opposed, six-cylinder, 282 horsepower (210 kW) engine. The engine redesign in 1995 resulted in a nine percent increase in power without any fuel economy penalty while meeting stringent emission standards. For 1996, the additional modest increase in horsepower numbers masked the substantial boost in the engine's midrange torque curve. The primary means of achieving this improvement was the incorporation of Porsche's patented Varioram induction system.
VarioramTM induction system
The Varioram system optimizes volumetric efficiency for high torque output, resulting in quick throttle response and strong acceleration. Using variable-length intake pipes and separate, differently tuned air intake systems for medium and high engine speeds, torque and power output characteristics are optimized across the entire usable engine rpm range. Inlet valves are larger, 50 mm compared to 49 mm, and exhaust valves are 43.5 mm instead of 42.5 mm. The camshafts have modified valve timing, and an optimized ignition system has been adopted.
At moderate engine speeds, the Varioram intake manifold operates with long intake pipes. Resonance in the individual intake pipes is utilized to improve cylinder filling. A significant increase in torque at moderate engine speeds across a relatively wide engine speed range is the result.
At 5000 rpm, sliding sleeves which form part of the long intake pipes uncover apertures located approximately at their centers. Opening these apertures reduces the effective length of the intake pipes and establishes a connection with the resonance compartments.
As a result of the alternating intake cycles in the left-hand and right-hand cylinder banks, the air column in the intake manifold begins to oscillate. This resonance is utilized as a means of achieving optimum torque at the top end of the engine speed range. The resonance charging achieves its optimum effect over a relatively narrow band of engine speeds.
For this reason, the Varioram resonance system is designed for quick changeover between two engine speed ranges. From 5800 rpm up, a resonance flap opens, exposing a further resonance cross-section between the resonance compartments of the two cylinder banks. The intake manifold's resonance frequency is then optimized for very high engine speeds.
By using the combination of ram effect charging and resonance charging, which is unique to the Porsche Varioram intake manifold, high torque can be obtained across the entire engine speed range. Torque is as much as 18 percent higher at mid-range engine speeds between 2500 and 4500 rpm. A peak output of 229 ft.lbs. (310 Nm) of torque is achieved at an engine speed of only 3500 rpm, compared with 193 ft.lbs. (262 Nm) on the 1995 model. The gain in pulling power is reflected in the time the car takes to accelerate from 50 mph (80 kph) to 75 mph (120 kph) in fifth gear, which has been cut by almost 18 percent. It is possible to drive in a higher gear and with lower engine speeds without any loss of flexibility.
Horsepower and torque increased
With Varioram, peak power output has gone up, too, from 270 hp (200 kW) to 282 hp (210 kW), and maximum torque from 243 ft.lbs. (330 Nm) to 250 ft.lbs. (340 Nm). With its combination of high specific output and exceptional pulling power at mid-range engine speeds, the Varioram engine makes the best of everyday traffic situations, with more comfortable and enjoyable driving combined with lower fuel consumption.
Emissions System
OBD II
All 1997 Porsche 911 models feature a system for monitoring all components with exhaust emission control relevance. While the car is being driven, the OBD II (on-board diagnostics, second generation) system measures the efficiency of the catalytic converter, identifies misfiring, and monitors the functions of the fuel system, fuel-tank venting, secondary-air injection, oxygen sensors and other components and systems which affect exhaust emissions.
Transmission
Six-speed manual
The 1997 Porsche Carrera Targa can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or four-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. The manual gearbox features dual-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, along with ball-bearing sleeves which reduce friction and enhance shift precision while making shift movements more pleasant.
Tiptronic S automatic system
Introduced in the 1995 model year, the Tiptronic S four-speed automatic transmission provides the driver with a choice of manual control or automatic operation. Putting the console-mounted selector lever into the manual-shift mode allows the sporting-minded driver to use either the lever or the rocker switches on the steering wheel to shift gears. To avoid damaging the engine, the gear shifts automatically when the engine nears its rpm limit.
In the fully automatic mode, the Tiptronic S transmission responds to the driver's style by selecting one of five programmed shift patterns. These programs range from extreme economy and relaxed motoring (easy up-shifts, moderate engine speeds) to maximum mobility (rapid down-shifts when the accelerator is pressed, full use of the engine's ability to rev freely). The decisive factor is the driver's action with his or her right foot.
Suspension
Front suspension
Stability, handling and ride comfort are enhanced by the redesigned chassis of the Porsche 911. The front suspension is an evolution of the MacPherson-type strut, coil spring and stabilizer bar unit from past 911 models. Changes to components result in a system weighing some 6.6 pounds (3 kg) less than its predecessor, thus improving driving characteristics through reduction of unsprung weight. The semi-trailing arms and struts of previous 911 models have been replaced by Porsche's Lightweight-Stable-Agile (LSA) multi-link, subframe-mounted rear suspension system.
Rear suspension
A subframe-mounted design was used for the first time in a rear engine production car on the 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera. Four links in two horizontal planes (appearing like upper and lower A-arms) provide precise wheel control while further development of the "Weissach" suspension pioneered on the Porsche 928 helps improve stability by using the outside rear wheel toe-in during cornering. Stability, regardless of side forces, and precise tracking are the system's virtues. The LSA package, in addition to the four links, includes dual-tube gas shock absorbers, coil springs and a stabilizer bar mounted to the aluminum subframe.
Brakes, Wheels and Tires
ABS 5 & 17-inch wheels
Superior braking, long a Porsche trademark, continues with the Targa. Internally vented cross-drilled rotors, four-piston calipers and asbestos-free brake pads are augmented by the Bosch ABS 5 anti-lock braking system. The 1997 Porsche 911 Targa comes equipped with unique pressure-cast aluminum alloy wheels designed exclusively for this model (7J by 17 inches in the front and 9J by 17 inches in the rear), shod with 205/50 ZR-17 tires up front and 255/40 ZR-17 rear tires.
Interior
Standard equipment
The 1997 Porsche 911 Targa interior features Porsche's 2+2 seating package with its familiar look and operation, including five round analog gauges and ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel. Interior equipment includes standard partial leather seats with electric height adjustment (optional full electrical adjustment), dual front airbags, three-point restraints for driver and all passengers, air conditioning, power windows, heated external rearview mirrors, individually folding rear seat backs, leather-covered steering wheel, interior lights with delayed shut off, cruise control, cassette/coin holder and door trim panels with covered armrest bins and open map pockets.
Audio system
A six-speaker AM/FM/cassette audio system manufactured by Becker is standard across the Carrera range. Features include head units with removable control panels (for security), electronic tuning and digital display. Available options include an in-dash compact disc player, remote CD changer, 10-speaker 150-watt audio system and digital signal processing.
Options
Significant options available for the Porsche 911 Targa are the Tiptronic S automatic transmission, leather sport seats with electric height adjustment (driver and passenger), infrared security system and six-function computerized driver information center. An electronically controlled remote keyless entry and alarm system is standard.
Warranty
New vehicle warranty
Every new Porsche sports car is covered by a two-year bumper-to-bumper limited warranty with unlimited mileage, including 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 and unlimited mileage. In addition, the paint has a three-year limited warranty.
Pre-owned vehicle, parts and accessory warranties
Porsche offers a one-year limited warranty on qualifying 1989 and newer pre-owned vehicles sold by authorized Porsche dealers. The pre-owned warranty includes Porsche's roadside assistance program. Porsche also warrants parts and accessories for two years and unlimited mileage. Labor costs are covered for parts and accessories installed by authorized Porsche dealers.
Leasing and Financing
Porsche Credit Corporation
Porsche Credit Corporation offers attractive leasing, financing and balloon payment plans for new and pre-owned Porsche sports cars. Conventional fixed rate financing is available for new and qualifying used Porsches with standard terms up to 84 and 72 months, respectively. The Porsche Preferred Lease program is available for new and qualifying used Porsches with lease terms as long as 60 months. Porsche Options, an innovative retail balloon loan, combines the economies of leasing with the benefits of ownership for new and qualifying used Porsches. Porsche Credit Corporation also offers conventional and Porsche Options financing to U.S. customers participating in Porsche Cars North America's tourist delivery program.
All Porsche Credit Corporation programs are subject to credit approval and available only through authorized Porsche dealers in the United States. Certain programs may not be available in all 50 states. Similar programs are available to authorized Porsche dealers in Canada through a Canadian financial organization.
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Last modified 5/17/97. Copyright ©1996, 1997 by AUTOPEDIA, all rights reserved. AUTOPEDIA™, AUTO411™, CAR-IQ™, DEALERPEDIA™, INTERLOT™, SIMULSEARCH™ and INTERQUOTE-RFP™ are trademarks of AUTOPEDIA. All other trademarks, tradenames and/or service marks are the property of their respective holders. Although all information and prices contained herein are obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, AUTOPEDIA assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information and no liability for any errors and/or omissions. All information is subject to change without notice.