Revival Generation

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[ The CAR ]

R E V I V A L

GENERATION Third millennium looks, mechanics and technology enhanced by stylistic features from the 1960s.

Porsche’s 911 Targa honours its own history, creating an unusual dimension of lifestyle

by Diego Tamone

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[ The CAR ]

“E

xclusive enjoyment of a right”. That’s the dictionary definition of the word “Exclusivity” – rather dry, perhaps, and definitely unemotional, but totally accurate nonetheless. Perfect, in fact, so long as it’s not used improperly – but unfortunately, the word is increasingly associated with a

large tranche of products offered in the luxury end of the market whose claim to exclusivity is based far too often solely on their price. The real meaning of the word lies in that exclusive right, a condition that cannot

be transferred to others, an automatic expression of a product’s exceptional nature. In the end, uniqueness is the only justification for this exclusivity, and that is the philosophy behind Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, a department of the Stuttgart factory created to transform Porsche enthusiast’s dreams into reality by building special cars based on standard models. The result is one of the most fascinating sports cars ever to leave the German plant – the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition. Its technical specs alone are enough to attract the attention of more than one connoisseur - six-cylinder, three-litre engine pumping out 450 hp, top speed of 304 km/h, all-wheel drive traction management, seven-speed manual gearbox and electrically-operated roof with Targa layout. This time, though, the car’s mechanics are not the main reason this model is so unique – what makes it exclusive is creative concept specially developed by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in close collaboration with Style Porsche, the company’s design department. The aim was to highlight the extensive heritage built up by the brand between the 1950s and 1980s, bringing history to life through unprecedented and very striking reinterpretations on the theme, like the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition. This special will produced in a run of 992 examples, all modern interpretations of classic designs, with stylistic features like graphics on the sides and fenders (known as “Spears”) harking back to the glorious racing model, gold writing, rims recalling the unforgettable Fuchs wheels and the historic 1963 crest on the bonnet, hubcaps, steering wheel and headrests. This language of years past is also expressed in an interior dominated by motifs with a vintage feel like green-lit instruments or the material used for the central section of the seats, a re-engineered fabric imitating the feel and look of velvet, a constant feature in Porsche cars since 1952.

This retro package can be driven away as is or personalised to achieve even greater exclusivity, offering individual choice for the body colour, too – that is, if buyers find it possible to avoid falling under the spell of the sophisticated Cherrymetallic.

www.porsche.com

Left, the unusual instrumentation combines an analogue rev counter with digital displays. Above, the cabin and right, preliminary sketches

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Above, an explanatory image of Porsche’s Targa concept, where coupe meets cabriolet. Right, a sketch of the car shows the personalisable graphics designed to give movement to the sides, recalling the 1950s and 60s. The theme is taken up by the “Spear” motifs on the front fenders

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