What's this then?
It's the new Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, making its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show.
We've seen the 911 GTS already, right?
Yes, that's right, in coupé and Cabriolet guises, but this is the first time the badge has been applied to the 911 Targa body style. It's to celebrate 50 years since it was introduced.
Is it any different to the other GTS models?
Well, it's only available with four-wheel drive, for a start. That means it comes with a wider body and wider rear tyres than rear-wheel drive versions. And of course the stylish silver rear window frame is retained to differentiate it from other 911s.
What about under the bonnet?
Presumably you mean the rear engine cover... It's the same 3.8-litre flat-six engine as in other 911 GTS models, so peak power is a hearty 430hp at 7,500rpm and the maximum torque figure of 440Nm, while unchanged, is now produced further up the rev range. A seven-speed manual gearbox is standard, though we expect most buyers to opt for the PDK dual-clutch automatic. Porsche quotes a top speed of 186mph for the latter and a 0-62mph time of 4.3 seconds. That's 0.1 seconds quicker than the manual GTS coupé incidentally.
Anything more to tell us?
The new GTS model carries over all the styling and equipment updates found elsewhere in the 911 range, so it's highly desirable. Highlights include smoked bi-Xenon headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System, black 20-inch 911 Turbo S alloy wheels and lashings of Alcantara inside. Sport Chrono is also standard.
You've not mentioned the price...
That's because it's north of £104,000. The 911 Targa 4 GTS goes on sale in March.
Shane O' Donoghue - 13 Jan 2015