2016 Porsche 911 Targa GTS

Porche has a very predictable model lineup. For decades, the German company has released a 911, then followed that with a set of variations that alternate between coupes, convertibles, rear-wheel-drive models, all-wheel-drive models models, Targa, Turbo and various horsepower iterations of standard, S and GTS. Despite a wide array of models, one 911 that has never existed is a Targa version of the powerful naturally aspirated 911 GTS with all-wheel drive. That all changed at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show with the 911 Targa 4 GTS.

The Targa 4 GTS 911 is exactly as it sounds. Porsche has taken the classic Targa with its removable roof panel, but has fitted it with the powerful 430-horsepower, flat-six engine and Porsche’s advanced AWD system. The GTS is a great model for buyers who want the roofline and strength of a coupe, but want the open-air experience afforded by a convertible.

Thanks to a host of included bonus options inside and out, the new Targa 4 GTS is the fastest, most powerful and most luxurious naturally aspirated Targa 911 you can buy today.

At first glance, this prototype looks identical to the one our paparazzi spotted in early September 2014. We can see the same new details all around. Even the wheels are a perfect match, with the front axle riding on twin five-spoke wheels, with the rear end rolling on plain five-spoke rollers. But take a closer look at this 911’s rear end and you’ll notice it features center-mounted exhaust pipes instead of the standard layout seen on the earlier test car.

So what does this mean? Well, last time we saw a 911 prototype with a similar exhaust everyone thought it will become a particular feature of the GTS. That didn’t happen, as the GTS broke cover with quad-exhaust pipes. Confused? So are we, but we have a theory. Word has it the entire 911 lineup will get turbocharged power with the facelift, meaning the GTS will make the switch as well. What we’re looking at could very well be the first turbo GTS to introduce the center-mounted exhaust configuration. Of course, there’s also the posibility this is an upcoming, naturally aspirated Targa GTS and the strange exhaust is only a head-scratcher Porsche sent our way just for kicks.

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