Porsche is a master of limited-run special editions, and the new 2021 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition is one of the more intriguing examples we can remember. If there ever was a car that fit the modern-day classic term to a T, this is it.
The “T” stands for Targa, and thanks to a stylish silver roof hoop that not only protects this retractable hardtop convertible’s occupants from rollover, but also pays visual tribute to the 1967 911 Targa original, this body style suits the Heritage Design Edition’s retrospective purposes even better than a 911 Coupe or Cabriolet could.
“We are evoking memories of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s in customers and fans with the Heritage Design models,” commented Porsche Executive Board Chairman Oliver Blume in a press release. “No brand can translate these elements into the modern day as well as Porsche. In this way, we are fulfilling the wishes of our customers. With the exclusive special editions, we are also establishing a new product line which stands for the ‘lifestyle’ dimension in our product strategy.”
While four exterior colours are available, the beautifully rich Cherry Metallic paint chosen exudes a sense of yesteryear, while the racing-inspired spear-shaped front fender stripes and round decal-like numbered livery, plus the historically accurate 1963 Porsche Crest badges, the rear deck lid-mounted Porsche Heritage insignia, gold-tone nameplates are the icing on the proverbial cake. Inside, two-tone Bordeaux Red or Black leather and Atacama Beige OLEA Club leather and corduroy add even more history to the mix, making this the perfect Porsche for those who’d love to be driving something 50 years old, but would rather enjoy the benefits of a modern 911’s performance, comforts, technical advancements, reliability and safety.
As the name implies, the new 2021 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition is based on the equally new 2021 911 Targa 4S we covered last month, and therefore receives all of the goodness infused into this new 992-generation model, including new chassis tech, driver assistance systems, infotainment upgrades, etcetera. A 443 horsepower version of Porsche’s twin-turbo, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine is housed below an auto-deployable rear wing, controlled by a paddle-prompted eight-speed dual-clutch PDK automated gearbox. With Launch Control engaged, the Targa 4S can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in under 3.6 seconds before maxing out at a 304-km/h track speed.
This new special edition, limited to 992 examples (the name chosen for the new 911’s 992 code-name) will be the first of the four Heritage Design models, the one featuring plenty of ‘50s- and ‘60s-era design cues like a green backlit tachometer and dash-mounted clock, as well as perforations in the roof liner, although soft suede-like microfibre now replaces the vinyl used in the past.
Those classic Porsche crests mentioned earlier can be found on the key fob, hood, steering wheel hub and wheel caps, the latter components centring special rims that resemble the “five-leaf” Fuchsfelge alloy wheels brought to market for the 1966 911S. Of course, the Carrera Exclusive Design wheels are considerably larger than those from the past and staggered at 20 inches in front and 21 inches at the rear, while the now frame big black-painted brake calipers.
So what’s the price for the 2021 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition’s sub-1,000-unit rarity? It’ll cost you $205,900, or $50,180 more than the entry price for a regular 2021 911 Targa 4S (a 2021 911 Targa 4 can be had for $136,000). For that you’ll get all of the extras mentioned, plus a stunning gold-coloured metal “911 Heritage Design Edition XXX/992” dash plaque authenticating your purchase.
At least as celebratory, the German brand’s majority-owned subsidiary Porsche Design has created a beautiful sport watch in commemoration, and just like the car it will only be limited to 992 examples and available exclusively to 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition owners. The lifestyle products and industrial design division took design cues from the car for the new wristwatch’s face, applying a white seconds hand as well as “Phosphorus Green” rings around the perimeter, in similitude to the primary gauges in the classic 356 and original 911. What’s more, the Arabic hour indices were designed to look like the block lettering used in Porsche’s nameplate, while its strap is made from the same leather as found inside Porsche models.
To learn more about the 2021 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition contact your local Porsche retailer, or alternatively if you’d rather save $50k and opt for something with more modernity the brand’s aforementioned 2021 911 Targa 4 and 4S are also available to order now. To learn more about the new 911 or outgoing model, which is still available in some trims, check out our Porsche 911 Canada Prices page for 2019, 2020 or 2021 models, where you can learn about available manufacturer rebates (Porsche is currently offering zero percent on all new 911 models), financing or leasing opportunities, dealer invoice pricing that could save you thousands, and more.
To make sure you’ve got all the facts before negotiating, make sure to become a CarCostCanada member, and definitely download the free CarCostCanada app from Google Play Store or the Apple iTunes store too. This said if you’re not familiar with how CarCostCanada can save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars when you purchase your next vehicle, this article explains it in detail.
Story credit: Trevor Hofmann
Photo credits: Porsche