2007 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Tiptronic Road Test
11-1-2007
by
Amyot Bachand
, Auto123.com
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A 911... with an autobox? That's right!
The Porsche 911 Targa 4S with Tiptronic automatic transmission did not excite me. It's a fact, though, that Porsche and other manufacturers are selling more and more performance cars equipped with an autobox. Enthusiasts seem to be getting lazy and unwilling to learn the intricacies of a manual transmission. Yet, if they could just invest a few hours of their time, they would undoubtedly enjoy greater control and find the overall experience much more exhilarating.
 | | The manual transmission is becoming less popular among performance car buyers. |
In dense traffic
True, you could always use a good automatic transmission from Chevrolet or Toyota during rush hour, but working with a manual stick is nothing too complicated or maddening either. I often use the second gear during rush hour because the torque delivered by today's engines allows such practice. I hold this gear almost the entire time, even in stop-and-go traffic. Actually, I make sure to keep my distance so that I can "cruise" at a very low speed.
What about this autobox from Porsche?
The Targa 4S Tiptronic has all the qualities of the 911, such as a well-designed cockpit with highly bolstered bucket seats. While useful storage compartments are virtually inexistent, fit and finish is outstanding. Same goes for the comfortable leather upholstery. I particularly liked the digital speedometer integrated to the tachometer. Considering the sleek, aerodynamic design of the car, you have to pay attention to the long A-pillar on the driver's side, because it reduces the field of vision.
Targa roof
I also liked the glass roof panel that lifts or slides fore and aft. Turbulence and noise are kept at a minimum. However, when the roof is fully retracted, it impedes visibility through the rear window.
Perfectible Tiptronic
With its all-wheel drive system and active suspension management, this 911 Targa 4S literally sticks to the road. Unfortunately, operating the transmission spoils the fun. In automatic mode, shifts are performed with difficulty and hesitation. You have to keep pushing the throttle to get a reaction. Power can't seem to reach the wheels without a short delay. In order to make shifts more responsive and instantaneous, you must engage the Sport mode.
 | | Handling meets every expectation. |
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