As you might expect, Porsche isn't the most news-productive of car manufacturers. With only four models - one of which has been around more than 40 years - you can wait a while for new offerings from the Stuttgart outfit. Well not at the moment; there are a number of changes to its 2007 line-up.
Next year's Boxster model - Porsche's fantastic roadster - has recently gone on sale in the UK with a welcome power boost. The base-model's 240bhp has been upped to 245bhp, and torque has risen to 201lb.ft. Surprisingly, fuel economy has also increased by 1mpg, if you need a moral reason to convince yourself to buy one. Performance figures now stand at an impressive 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 160mph. The Boxster S has had its powerplant bored out from 3.2 to 3.4-litres. This has released an additional 15bhp, bringing power to 295bhp and 251lb.ft of torque. The 0-62mph sprint now takes just 5.4 seconds and top speed is an impressive 169mph.
To transmit this additional power to the rear wheels (which can now be specified as 19-inch two-tone alloys, previously only available on the 911 Turbo) is a revised Tiptronic S gearbox. This features new hydraulics, uprated electronics, and variable shift programs. In standard spec the Boxster now costs £33,170, with the Boxster S priced at £39,850.
And it's not just the Boxster with new gear to show off; the 911 also has its fair share of fresh offerings. As of this month the 911 Targa 4 and 4S are available exclusively with permanent all-wheel drive. The most distinctive exterior feature of these models is the large glass roof and opening rear window. The roof can be operated at any road speed and opens by up to half a metre, taking just seven seconds.
Powered by the familiar 3.6-litre straight-six, the Targa produces 325bhp. This gives a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds and a 174mph top speed. A larger 3.8-litre variant is fitted to the S model, generating an extra 30bhp and a 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is also upped to 179mph.
The Targa possesses the same body as Carrera 4 models, which includes a 44mm wider rear track than the two-wheel drive models. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) comes as standard on the Targa S and is available optionally on the Targa.
The 911 Targa 4 and 4S are priced at £70,320 and £77,370 respectively, including full leather interior, Porsche's Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) and a Driving Experience programme come as standard.
Road-racer, the 911 GT3, has also been treated to a power hike. This has been achieved through the addition of a new intake system and a smoother-flowing exhaust. Engine capacity remains at a 3.6-litres, which is the maximum for its motorsport category.
Other modifications include a close-ratio gearbox, larger wheels and brakes, Porsche's new Active Suspension Management (PASM) and a redesigned Limited Slip Differential.
There is also an RS version, which will no doubt quicken the pulse of any Porsche connoisseur. Models such as the legendary Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972, and the 1991 Type 964 911 RS, have a reputation as two of the finest performance cars ever built.
This time around the RS boasts a wider rear track as well as the obligatory lightweight body panels. Weighing just 1375kg (20kg lighter than the GT3) the RS accelerates from 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 187mph. The GT3 RS is priced at £94,280, which includes Porsche's VTS, a sophisticated vehicle security package and a Porsche Driving Experience programme.
Will Nightingale - 23 Oct 2006
