Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche 911 Targa (991, 2014-2016) review - Engine and Gearbox

An impressive package that sits above the convertible in dynamic terms

Evo rating
RRP
from £87,025
  • Better than a cabriolet, more exotic presence than coupe or cab, tractable engine
  • Wind noise, added weight, is it really a GTS?

Engine and Gearbox

The standard 7-speed manual is a significant improvement over the original fitted to the early 991s. Designed to offer the best of both worlds, it doesn't feel like the efficiency-led compromise that the old 'box did.

Based on the same concept as the PDK, the first examples of Porsche’s 7-speed manual felt compromised with a poor and unnatural shift quality.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Crucially, though, the ergonomics of the revised gearshift are spot-on, as is the action of the stick itself, which all serves to offer up better interaction with the free-revving engine. Cars with Sport Plus also provide a rev-match feature on downshifts, which does away with the need for heel and toe.

As for PDK, Porsche's current generation double-clutch gearbox is nothing short of sublime. Quick to shift and hard to catch out, it works just as well as a smooth gear-slurring city shifter as it does in manual mode while you're pushing on.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Porsche 911 (991, 2011 - 2018) review – should you buy the unloved 911?
Porsche 991 Carrera rear
In-depth reviews

Used Porsche 911 (991, 2011 - 2018) review – should you buy the unloved 911?

For better or worse, the 991 was a huge moment of change for the Porsche 911, as it passed the half-century mark. We look back at the black sheep of t…
17 Feb 2025
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman 2.0 four-cylinder – the car world's greatest misses
Porsche 718 four cylinder
Features

Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman 2.0 four-cylinder – the car world's greatest misses

Downsizing the engine of Porsche’s entry-level sports car was an embarrassing flat-four fiasco
18 Feb 2025
Alpina B3 GT Touring 2025 review – a 190mph alternative to the BMW M3 Touring
Alpina B3 GT Touring
Reviews

Alpina B3 GT Touring 2025 review – a 190mph alternative to the BMW M3 Touring

A swansong for Alpina’s hot 3-series lineup, the B3 GT Touring is a fine and unique alternative to the very best fast estates
16 Feb 2025