The 911 Coupe and Convertible have already received the GTS treatment, so Porsche decided that it was time for the Targa to get its own sportier variant, too.

The 911 Targa 4 GTS, which made its world debut today at the North American International Auto Show, is aimed at customers who would like more performance and better handling from their 911 but are not willing to make the compromises that the hardcore GT3, that is available only as a Coupe anyway, demands of them.

Like the Coupe and Convertible, the Targa 4 GTS comes with a 30hp increase, the 3.8 flat-six pumping out 424hp (430PS). The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes just 4.3 seconds with the PDK dual-clutch gearbox and at the same time the fuel consumption, which ranges from 9.2 to 10.0 lt/km (depending on transmission) is the same as the Targa 4S.

The GTS version of the Targa comes with the Sport Chrono package, PASM chassis, sport exhaust system and 20-inch Turbo S black wheels with central lock as standard. Other features that make it stand out from lesser models include an opening for the auxiliary middle radiator, smoked bi-xenon headlights, new door mirrors, black accents on the model logo, chrome tailpipes and GTS logos on the doors.

In the interior, there are Sport Plus Seats with GTS logo on the headrests, black Alcantara trim and the stopwatch that comes standard with the Sport Chrono package.

Porsche says the Targa GTS is only available in all-wheel drive (hence the “4” designation) because the rear wheel arches are 22 mm wider than the rear-wheel drive version’s.

The 911 Targa 4 GTS will be launched in Germany in mid-March, with a starting price of €137,422 including taxes. There is no word yet for the North American launch and pricing.

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