Porsche has started development on a facelifted version of the new 911 Targa. Although only launched at the Detroit motor show earlier this year, the current Targa is set to receive subtle styling tweaks as well as a hotter new GTS version, spied here for the first time.
The Targa's classic-inspired roof remains on the newer version of the car, with major changes focusing around the rear bumper and spoiler. In particular, the standard car's twin exhausts have moved to the centre on this version, not unlike the treatment given to the recently launched Boxster and Cayman GTS models. Those exhausts are also identical to those worn by the first facelifted 911 test mule, which was spotted testing at the Nürburgring earlier this month.
Due to launch next year, the upgraded 911 features cleaner engines designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, as well as minor style updates including a reworked front bumper and new, slimmer LED daytime running lights. Those updates appear to be echoed on this Targa test mule.
The new Targa GTS is likely to be significantly more powerful than the current 911 Targa 4S, which can reach 62mph in 4.4sec when fitted with the firm's PDK transmission and the optional Sport Chrono package. That model has a top speed of 184mph, and is powered by a 3.8-litre flat six engine with 395bhp.
The last GTS-badged 911 model was the 997 Carrera GTS, which made its debut in 2011 and had 402bhp available from its 3.8-litre engine.
The facelifted 911 Targa is likely to launch next year alongside the facelifted 911. A Porsche spokesman told Autocar the company wouldn't comment on future model plans.
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