Named after the Targa Florio Italian race.
Auto industry is full of strange, unusual words with unclear origins. While some are obvious, others can be difficult to see. However, it is not uncommon for automakers to educate their customers. Porsche took to Twitter today to explain why Targa is used on some of its models. Porsche borrowed the name Targa Florio from Southern Italy, where Porsche competed once.
Porsche competed in the Targa Florio race in the 1950s. It took home some wins. Porsche considered calling the Targa Flori when it was built. However, this was despite uncertain safety standards. Harald Wagner (Head of Domestic Sales) suggested that the Targa be named.
Targa, an Italian word that means number plate or license plate, is the name of the Italian language. Porsche didn’t know this translation until copywriters were working on the brochure. Porsche applied for a Targa trademark back in 1965. The Targa was added to the Porsche 911 lineup back in 1966.
The 911 Targa model was quickly innovated by Porsche. It featured a fixed, heated rear safety window that could be opened and closed. This was introduced in 1967. It replaced the original fold-down plastic one and became a standard feature on the car. After the 911’s first and third generations, the Targa was still in use. The fourth-gen 911 saw a major redesign that saw the roll bar vanish from the design.
The Targa’s rollbar wouldn’t return to the 911 until the seventh generation, which was launched in 2011. The eighth-generation 911 Targa was introduced by Porsche in May 2020. It is available in 4 or 4S versions with an integrated roll bar. The entry-level model produced 379 horsepower (282 Kilowatts), while its sportier 4S version produced 443 horsepower (330 kW) at launch. Both models share the 3.0-liter flat-six twin-turbocharged engine. They also sport the Targa name. The model will be available in the next 911 generation, although we are not certain that the roll bar will.