2026 Porsche Targa 4S: Open-Top 911 Review
The 2026 Porsche Targa 4S is the stylish open-top 911 for drivers who want all-wheel drive and fresh air. It is not a quiet highway cruiser. However, it is fast, distinctive, and easier to live with than a hardcore GT model.
What’s new on the 2026 Porsche Targa 4S
The 2026 Porsche Targa 4S uses the upgraded Carrera S powertrain. Its 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six now makes 473 horsepower. That is 30 hp more than last year. An optimized intercooler, carried over from the 911 Turbo, helps the extra output.
The Targa is AWD only. Porsche says most Canadian S buyers already choose all-wheel drive for poor weather. The system stays rear-biased. When needed, more torque goes to the front axle for grip.
An eight-speed PDK dual-clutch is standard. With Sport Chrono, the related Carrera 4S coupe is quoted at 3.3 seconds to 100 km/h and 308 km/h top speed. The Targa is a little slower because of the roof mechanism and extra weight. Even so, it is still brutally quick on a highway on-ramp.
Roof, cabin, and daily use
The automatic Targa roof still steals the show. In about 19 seconds, the rear glass folds back and the roof panel tucks away. The hoop stays in place, so the car keeps its classic look.
Practicality is limited. The frunk is only 132 litres. The rear seats are better as extra bags space than passenger seats. As a result, a Toronto-to-Montreal weekend works only if you pack light.
The ride is firm. Low-profile 20-inch front and 21-inch rear tires give huge grip. They also send cracks, tar strips, and road noise into the cabin. This is a sports car first, not a luxury GT.
Tech and safety extras
Wet mode is a useful 911 feature. Sensors in the front wheel arches listen for spray and can suggest a safer setup. Throttle, transmission, stability control, torque vectoring, and rear-axle steering then shift toward stability.
Standard 4S kit for 2026 is richer than before. It includes staggered Carrera S wheels, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, a sports exhaust, and large GTS-sourced brakes. Stopping power is strong, though the last few kilometres per hour can feel grabby.
Canadian price
The 2026 Porsche Targa 4S starts at $189,600. The tested Aventurine Green car added $3,400 for paint and more than $30,000 in options. That is typical for a 911. Almost nobody leaves the factory in base form.
The 2026 Porsche Targa 4S is a 473-hp AWD open-top 911 with a roof that still looks special. It is noisy, firm, and short on luggage space. In return, you get all-weather traction, a theatre-like roof, and one of the most recognizable shapes on Canadian roads.
