The GTS nameplates in Porsche are like a bridge course between the standard 911s and the mad track-focused GT Series that includes the GT4, GT3, and GT2 offerings. Porsche has always been confusing with its nomenclature but we will leave that explanation for another day. The only aspect to keep in mind is that the GTS-badged 911s are powerful, lighter, and more fun-to-drive than standard 911s. It sort of clicks on the middle ground and does pretty well at it also.
But things become more interesting when 'Targa' is added to this mix. The 911 Targa 4 is the most character-driven one among the lot. This iconic form factor is a mix between a coupe and a cabriolet and is distinguished with the blacked-out Targa-bar that stays fixed in place. The 2022 Porsche Targa 4 GTS adds more grunt, packs less weight, has sharper handling, and packs a lot more 'wind-in-the-hair' experience.
The Targa 4 GTS is also the first in batch along with other body styles to come with GTS models after the launch of the 992-generation 911s! The character-driven 6-cylinder boxer motor with less boring sound-deadening materials adds a glorious acoustic drama. All that coupled with the cooler version of a convertible makes the 2022 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS a very special car. The 2022 Targa 4 GTS locks horns with the likes of the much-anticipated 2023 Chevy Corvette, Audi TT RS, BMW M4, and the Jaguar F-Type R.
The 2022 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is all about practical drama and some more.
3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo Flat-6, AWD, And Optional Manual Calls For FUN
The GTS badge brings a lot more fun and power to the table. And it's not like the standard 911s are boring. But who doesn't love more power, right?! The lovable rear-mounted 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo Flat-6 motor churns out 473 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. That's 23 horses and a mug of torque more than the previous-gen 991 GTS models. This bump in performance helps the Targa 4 GTS also to do 0-60 MPH in under 3.5 seconds, thanks to a slick 8-Speed Porsche Dual Clutch Transmission.
An optional 7-Speed manual helps bump up the driving appeal and comes with a shortened gear lever for a more sporty driving experience. All of this is common across the 911 GTS models, but the Targa 4 GTS is different in a few bits. It is the only GTS that shares the chassis with the 911 Targa 4S and the part-coupe part-convertible layout adds a whole different layer of driving please to the package. GTS badged 911s pack all the good and optional goodies as standard.
2022 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS Has A Raw Driving Appeal
It gets the high-performance braking system from the 911 Turbo as well as a mid-exit sport exhaust system that sounds glorious all day long. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) helps adapt actively to changing terrains and movements for a more dynamic driving experience. It comes standard with a Sport suspension that lowers the ride height by 10 mm (0.3 inches).
The rear springs have been tuned for a widespread appeal which translates to a consistent driving experience in all driving conditions. For an even wilder driving finesse, Porsche offers a Lightweight package that saves up to 55 pounds. Other performance features include rear-axle steering and added aerodynamic underbody paneling.
Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS Looks Rad And Has Blacked-Out Finesse
The 911 GTS models are distinctive for the layered use of blacked-out exterior trimmings. But is even more distinctive on the 911 Targa 4 GTS, thanks to the iconic Targa bar and imprint. It is painted black and an optional package also paints other bits like the lip spoiler, the cool 20- (front) and 21-inch (rear) center-lock wheels, engine cover grille, and the GTS badging on the doors and rear in black as well.
It comes standard with the SportDesign package that adds unique trimming for the front, rear, and side sills. Even the headlamp housing is blacked-out and comes with standard LED lights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus). All of these blacked-out bits look way cooler with a contrasting shade like the one shown in the media pictures.
Wind-In-The-Air And Pure Acoustics Adds Value To The Tight Interior
The interior is the same as all other 992-generation cars but it adds more 'black' and the whole cabin is trimmed in Race-Tex. This is a much more durable material that doesn't compromise comfort. This also helps protect the cabin from forces of nature when you are out enjoying the breeze. The cockpit is as sporty as it can get with a GT Sport steering wheel.
Standard Sport Seats Plus with electric four-way adjustments provide ample support but having the Targa-top also comes with a few downsides. The footwells are narrower than both the coupe and convertible and there is limited storage space. The Lightweight package also adds in lighter carbon fiber full bucket seats along with lightweight glass for the side and rear.
The most dramatic bit is reduced sound insulation for better weight savings and a heightened driving experience with more acoustics. Technology is also well-catered for in the 2022 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. It comes with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running the more responsive PCM 6.0 interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay is now standard and Android Auto finally makes it to this Porsche.
It's All About That Targa Top: A Practical Coupe-Convertible Hybrid
While inherently all the GTS models share the same features and upgrades as compared to the standard line-up, it is in aesthetics and drama that the Targa 4 GTS stands out. The sheer presence of the Targa bar shoots up the celebrity level of this Porsche ten-fold. And nothing can beat the wind-in-the-air experience here!
Sources: Newsroom.porsche.com, Caranddriver.com, Cnet.com