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Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS caters to a very specific customer [w/video]

Porsche is happy to cater to some very specific buyer demographics, and the brand's newly unveiled 911 Targa 4 GTS at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show is the perfect example of that tendency. The sports coupe is aimed at the customer who wants open-air driving without a full convertible, all-wheel drive traction and a little extra performance, all wrapped in a sporty package. Launching in the US in late-April, 2015, for $132,800, plus a $995 destination charge, this high-performance Targa benefits from all of the goodies from Porsche's GTS line. That gives it a 3.8-liter flat-six boasting 424 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of twist, and the choice of either a seven-speed PDK or seven-speed manual. The model also gets the Sport Chrono package, PASM, 20-inch wheels and a sport exhaust. Picking the PDK means the Targa 4 GTS can hit a top speed of 188 miles per hour and sprint to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Opting for the manual makes the run to 60 take a few more ticks at 4.5 seconds and scarcely cuts the top speed to 187 mph. The Targa 4 GTS is more than just about boosted performance, and shows off some handsome styling tweaks, as well. It wears a modded front bumper with an extra opening to cool the middle radiator. Plus, the wheels are 20-inch units from the 911 Turbo S, and the Bi-Xenon headlights get smoked coverings. Inside, drivers are held firmly in place by Sport Plus seats covered partially in black Alcantara. Porsche apparently sees a hole in its lineup that a higher-performance Targa can fill, and here it is. Look below for a video of intricate top doing its fascinating dance and read the German brand's full press release about the its latest take on the venerable 911. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. The new 911 Targa 4 GTS More powerful, dynamic and exquisitely styled To mark the 50th anniversary of the 911 Targa, Porsche is offering this very popular model in the more powerful and dynamic GTS version for the first time. The targa concept of the 911 Targa 4 GTS delivers very safe driving enjoyment with all-wheel drive and a rollover protection bar; it also delivers open-air fun with a targa top that stows fully automatically. Contributing to a boost in dynamic performance are the 430 hp (316 kW) GTS engine together with the standard Sport Chrono package, PASM chassis, 20-inch wheels and a sport exhaust system.

Is Porsche planning a GT5?

A trademark application filed in Europe suggests Porsche could be planning a GT5 model to slot at the bottom of its track-focused sports car lineup. The German automaker's GT skunkworks division in Weissach earned its reputation with enthusiasts producing the GT3 and GT3 RS versions of the 911, and previously offered GT2 and even GT1 models as well (although the latter was a limited homologation special). It recently extended itself slightly downmarket with the launch of the Cayman GT4, but this trademark application – already reportedly accepted in Germany and currently being reviewed by the European office – suggests an even more accessible model could be on its way, Autocar reports. Just what form a GT5 would take, however, remains a mystery. The numerical progression would suggest that Porsche is planning a hardcore version of an even smaller sports car, if such a project ever got off the ground to slot in below the Boxster and Cayman. Given that the 911 has bred both GT2 and GT3 versions, Weissach could alternatively be planning an additional GT version of the Cayman, or planning a hardcore version of the Boxster. The prospect of a GT5 version of the Macan, Cayenne, or Panamera seems unlikely as the alphanumeric designation has never been applied to anything other than a two-door coupe, but then we never really know what the future will bring: Before 2002 Porsche had never done anything with more than two doors altogether. These designations are typically borrowed from their corresponding racing class, and of course there is no GT5 category. But then most of these racing classes have been amalgamated into GT3 anyway, unless Porsche is planning on using the name for its own entry-level spec racing series. But at this point we're just spitballing. It's just as likely that the company has simply filed the trademark application to keep its options open for the future. Related Video:

Car Club USA: Porsche Club of America Escape to Rushmore

The Porsche Club of America, whose motto is "it's not just the cars, it's the people," plans its annual Escape in a different city every year. This year's was particularly epic, as Porsche fans headed to the Black Hills of South Dakota for their gathering. The scenery and the history are part of the attraction, but the winding roads are the real headliner. "This road right here is the reason why we chose the Black Hills of South Dakota to do the 2015 Escape," said Ron Johnson of the Nord Stern Porsche Club as he navigated the mountain range. "These Porsches really love these twisty, curvy roads." That statement neatly sums up why the sports cars have resonated so deeply with their owners and enthusiasts for so long. In addition to the guided tours and drives around the winding terrain, the club hosts a car show. This year marks the club's 60th in the United States, and the Escape drew a wide range of Porsches of all vintages. Lloyd and Donna Nelson from Valley City, ND, arrived in their 1955 Porsche Speedster, which they purchased alongside a 1951 coupe in 1964 for a grand total of $750. Needless to say, it was a good investment – although they didn't know it at the time. "We had two children, one on the way, we were both working and I really didn't see the sense in two old cars," explained Donna. "I said, 'one of them has to go,'" to which Lloyd responded, "which one of the kids?" They sold the coupe long ago, but the speedster is still gorgeous and gets more than its fair share of stares and use. Will they win best of show? "This is what us as enthusiasts dream of," Johnson said. Watch the latest episode of Car Club USA to see how it turns out and for a snapshot of life at the Escape. Each Car Club USA episode features a different car club or event from across the US, where passionate owner communities gather to share automotive experiences and embark on incredible adventures. From Main Street cruises to off-road trails, catch all the latest car club activity on Autoblog.