With an investment of over RM15 million, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles and parts in Malaysia, has built the largest 3S Porsche Centre within a single facility in the Porsche Asia-Pacific region. Officially opened recently, the flagship facility known as Porsche Centre Ara Damansara is the third brand new dealership facility established by SDAP in its 10 years representing the brand in this country.
The Porsche Centre Ara Damansara occupies a cumulative built-up area of 12,102 square metres which includes 8,000 square metres of working space across 5 levels, with two showroom floors, two service and workshop levels and the importer office.
Showroom on two floors
The new facility is designed to deliver a best-in-class retail experience for customers and enthusiasts alike. The showroom areas on two floors, connected by escalators, can showcase up to 26 models. Porsche owners and fans will be able to purchase accessories and equipment at the ‘shop-in-shop’ featuring the latest collection of Porsche Driver’s Selection.
The service workshop operates on the second and third floors and has 21 service bays, with frameless telescopic oil hydraulic lifts being used. The Aftersales reception area comprises 4 dialogue bays, air-conditioned for better comfort
Motorsports Zone
There is also a dedicated Motorsports Zone, the first of its kind not only in Malaysia, but globally. Besides showcasing classic and modern Porsche racing cars, there are racing simulators for visitors to experience a virtual drive on a variety of circuits. Personal coaching with a trained instructor is also available for owners.
High-performance chargers
To prepare for the new era of electromobility, SDAP has installed Direct Current (DC) high-performance chargers for customers at all Porsche Centres. These 175 kW chargers are currently the fastest in the country and can fully charge the battery pack of the new Taycan within 36 minutes under optimal conditions.
Owners of the new Taycan all-electric sportscar will be able to get their cars charged within 36 minutes using the high-performance chargers at the facility.
“A central part of the new concept is to create a unique brand experience and a gathering place for our Porsche community, appealing to existing and new customers,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance. ”Strategically located within the newly built Sime Darby Motors City complex of Ara Damansara in Selangor, this latest addition to the Porsche dealer network signals the commitment of SDAP and Sime Darby Motors, as well as Porsche Asia Pacific, to ensure a best-in-class experience for customers and enthusiasts alike.”
Electrically-powered cars have been in the news more and more in recent years but they have actually been around since the 1800s. In fact, between 1900 and 1912, a third of all vehicles on US roads were powered by electricity, However, when the internal combustion engine (ICE) improved in reliability and performance, electric cars were pushed into extinction as their performance stagnated. After the 1930s, there was little interest in such cars.
It would not be until the 21st century began that pure electric cars would make a comeback, although the hybrid powertrain which used an electric motor with an ICE debuted just as the 20th century was ending. The electrification of cars got underway and this decade will see a surge of models appearing as a number of companies have them in final stages of development.
The early electric cars have had limited performance which raised the question of whether one of the elements of driving pleasure – high performance – would eventually be lost. Hybrid technology advanced a lot and showed that it was possible to have electrification and high performance – but that still included a ICE. What about a pure electric propulsion system?
Full electric but with Porsche DNA
With the new Taycan, launched today in Malaysia by Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) , Porsche shows that high performance need not be lost just because of electrification. Just as its engineers made sure that when the company introduced its first SUV, it would still have the dynamics of a sportscar and the character of a Porsche, they also made sure that the brand’s first all-electric car would do justice to the name ‘Porsche’.
Actually, an electrified car is not entirely new to Porsche and with much attention given to the pioneering Toyota Prius hybrid, and Nissan LEAF and Tesla electric cars, the company reminded the world that Dr. Ferdinand Porsche designed what can be considered the world’s first hybrid powerplant for a car back in the late 1890s. And it was even produced until 1915 although only a small number of cars were actually sold.
Advanced battery technology
100 years later, automotive technology has of course progressed greatly, along with the technologies more specific to electric cars, such as battery technology. Porsche has stayed at the forefront of the technological envelope and used the latest hardware for the Taycan which began as the Mission E concept 5 years ago.
For example, the Taycan is the first production electric vehicle with a system voltage of 800 volts, instead of the usual 400 volts. This is a particular advantage for owners while on the move as full recharging of the lithium-ion battery pack can be done in just over 36 minutes. However, this requires a 175 kW direct current (DC) charger.
Recharging port is behind a flap on the front fender.
The overall capacity of the Performance Battery Plus is 93.4 kWh and can conduct higher currents, thus speeding up the charging process significantly. Taycan drivers can also charge their cars with up to 11 kW of alternating current (AC) at home using the Porsche Mobile Charger Plus kit. The car can also be recharged at public charging stations, some of which do have the DC facility.
Those who are close enough to a Porsche Centre in Malaysia can get free use of the DC chargers installed at each location. During the charging time of around half an hour, the owner can enjoy a cup of coffee at the lounge or even do some work.
Porsche performance levels
Energy from the battery pack, located under the middle of the car, powers the electric motors which can generate up to 560 kW (761 ps) overboost power in combination with Launch Control in the flagship Taycan Turbo S, and up to 500 kW (680 ps) in the Taycan Turbo. If you wonder why ‘Turbo’ is used when there is no turbocharger, it’s just Porsche’s way of providing a sort of reference point to the relative performance levels of the models.
There’s also a third model – the Taycan 4S – which has a standard Performance Battery. This gives a performance level of up to 390 kW (530 ps) via overboost power in conjunction with Launch Control. It can be increased to a maximum of 420 kW (571 ps) with the optional Performance Battery Plus.
As would be expected, the performance numbers reflect the high torque characteristic that electric motors generate from almost standstill. The Taycan Turbo S, with 1,050 Nm of torque will go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 2.8 seconds while the Taycan Turbo, with 850 Nm, does the same run in 3.2 seconds. The Taycan 4S is no slowpoke either and will still do 0 to 100 km/h within 4 seconds and get up to 250 km/h.
The profile of the driving modes essentially follows the same philosophy as in other Porsche models. This is supplemented by special settings which enable optimum use of the electric drive. Sport Plus and Individual modes are part of the Sport Chrono Package, which comes as standard on the Taycan Turbo S.
So in as far as straightline performance is concerned, these Porsches can provide the same adrenalin rush as their ICE brothers. However, the feeling won’t be the same with the electric motors being smoother as there isn’t that distant reverberation from reciprocating pistons that can be discerned through the steering wheel and pedals.
Perhaps Porsche engineers are working on creating some sort of ‘classic feel’ but for now, there is the Porsche Electric Sport Sound. This is basically a sound clip that comes on during acceleration, adding a sense of ‘drama’ in spite of the electric whine. In some markets, it’s an optional feature but SDAP has specified it as standard for all the Taycan models.
How far can you go?
What about range? This is something that is on the minds of most people who consider an electric car because you can’t just pull into a station to get extra volts when you need them. The recharging network is growing but nowhere close in coverage to the petrol station network which is the product of over 100 years.
Just like the ICE Porsches, the more powerful the car, the less range it will have (and how the car is driven is still a factor). In this case, the range is dependent on the capacity of the battery pack. The 79.2-kWh battery pack of the Taycan 4S can last for a claimed range of 408 kms and if the owner installs the Performance Battery Plus upgrade with about 18% more capacity, the range can be extended another 55 kms. The more expensive Taycan Turbo and Turbo S come with the 93.4-kWh battery pack and for the former, the range is claimed to be up to 452 kms while for the latter, it’s between 390 and 416 kms.
While the ICE is non-existent, there are still many elements of the Taycan which are still ‘conventional’ and familiar. Around the chassis, there’s still adaptive air suspension with 3-chamber air springs and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The double wishbone front axle and multi-link rear axle are of aluminium and at each wheel are Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake discs.
Futuristic look but still familiar
While Toyota sought to make an impact with a ‘futuristic look’ for the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, Porsche’s designers have given their first all-electric model a blend of a familiar form with some advanced styling elements. We were already given a preview with the Mission E concept in 2015 and many of the ideas of designer Mitja Borkert have been retained.
The traditional Porsche form (with a Cd of 0.25) is evident, with the Panamera coming to mind. The LED matrix headlights which form a visual unit with the air curtains, provide a futuristic touch. The 4-point daytime running lights that are typical of the brand are flatter and wider than any other Porsche.
The lighting technology includes PDLS Plus where the matrix deactivates segments of the permanent high beam cone in a targeted way. 84 individually controlled LEDs can be adjusted as required by switching off or being dimmed so specific areas ahead can be fully illuminated.
Look of 1963 – as well as tomorrow
As with the exterior, the designers also gave the interior a familiar look and feel. They even looked to the original 911 from 1963 for inspiration when designing the dashboard. The freestanding 16.9-inch curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard while a central, 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display are combined to form an integrated glass band in a black-panel look and provides the ‘look of tomorrow’.
All user interfaces have been completely re-designed for the Taycan. The number of traditional hardware controls, such as switches and buttons, have been greatly reduced. Instead, control is intelligent and intuitive – via touch operation or voice control.
Sustainability is a big thing in manufacturing today and the sustainable concept of the electric sports car is promoted by offering an entire leather-free interior standard for the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo (option for the Taycan 4S). The upholstery uses Race-Tex microfibre, a textile partly made from recycled polyester fibres while the flooring is of Econyl recycled fibre, made from recycled fishing nets.
As safe as any Porsche
Needless to say, all the active safety systems are provided and there are up to 8 airbags around the cabin to cushion the occupants from serious injuries. The Taycan has already been tested by EuroNCAP which gave it a maximum score of 5 stars. While the lightweight bodywork structure is conventional in one sense, it has also had to take into consideration the presence of the high-voltage battery pack which is cleverly integrated into the bodyshell structure.
The crash sensors of the Taycan were developed to meet the specific requirements of electric vehicles. Additional sensors are therefore used to reliably disconnect high-voltage equipment in the event of a crash. Also in the event of an accident where the airbag is deployed, the battery connection to the vehicle is disconnected as a precaution so that no voltage is live.
First deliveries in 2021
Prices for the Taycan start from RM725,000 for the Taycan 4S, RM999,000 for the Taycan Turbo, and RM1,195,000 for the Taycan Turbo S – all with applicable taxes but without insurance. Unfortunately, you will have to pay the full sales tax as the first deliveries can only start from the first quarter of 2021, after the expiry of the exemption period.
Click here to find out more about Porsche’s first all-electric sportscar.
In conjunction with its 10th anniversary, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is offering Porsche Macan customers a new enhanced Premium Package for the Macan. Available until December 31, 2020, the package has three additional options, worth over RM39,000, that now come as standard.
Extending the standard features list
The complimentary options which enhance comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics are Comfort Access, Park Assist with Surround View and Porsche Active Suspension Management. Other features that are complimentary with the base price of the Macan include Apple CarPlay, BOSE Surround Sound System, Power Steering Plus, 14-way power seats, comfort lighting package and automatic dimming mirrors.
The current model also includes a 3-dimensional LED light panel at the rear and the new fully interconnected Porsche communication management system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen.
The Macan, priced from RM439,351.00 (excluding insurance but with applicable sales tax exemption till the end of this year), is powered by a 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with maximum output of 252 bhp/370 Nm. With a 7-gear PDK dual-clutch gearbox, the claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is 6.7 seconds with a top speed capability of 225 km/h.
“We are committed to continuously enriching the ownership experience for Porsche customers, and bring fans closer to realising their dreams of owning a Porsche. The introduction of the new enhanced Premium Package for our best-selling model, the Macan, is a great way to introduce more people to the brand, especially given the rising popularity of the Macan and the overall compact SUV segment over the past few years,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP.
“With the addition of these new features as standard, the Macan is now even more competitively priced as the sportscar in the compact SUV segment, providing pure driving enjoyment with every kilometre behind the wheel,” he added.
A slalom is a driving exercise where you pilot a car in between cones as fast as you can. It seems easy enough swinging the car left and right but to do it at speed requires judgement so you don’t hit the cones and also managing the speed so you don’t slide out.
Recently, a 16-year old driver, Chloe Chambers, set a new world record for driving through a slalom with a time of 47.45 seconds. The time, officially recognised by the Guinness World Records organisation as the Fastest Vehicle Slalom, beat a previous record of 48.114 seconds set in China with a Chevrolet Camaro in 2018.
Chloe, who has been driving since she was 11 and races go-karts, set the record in a standard Porsche 718 Spyder with a manual gearbox and standard tyres. It’s not surprising that she was able to do so well as karters do require sharp skills and quick reflexes.
50 cones 15.2 metres apart
The slalom consisted of 50 cones laid in a straight line 50 feet (15.2 metres) apart over a distance of 2, 500 feet (762 metres) at a small airport in New Jersey, USA. Her record time of 47.45 seconds would mean her average speed from start to finish was around 58 km/h.
“It looks easy, but it’s really not – to weave between 50 cones as fast as possible, trying to beat a record time and knowing I couldn’t touch a single one for the run to count – I definitely felt the pressure,” she said. “Everything came together on my final run; the car worked beautifully, and I found the grip I needed. Thank you to my family and to Porsche for supporting and believing in me.”
PASM and PSM help
The driving dynamics and driver assist technologies would also have helped, especially the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system. This is an electronic damping control system, which continuously adjusts the damping force on each wheel, based on current road conditions and driving style. In enhancing performance, it increases driving stability which would certainly help as the car swerves left and right at high speed.
The other helpful system is Porsche Stability Management. Also an electronic control system, it uses sensors to continuously monitor the direction, speed, yaw velocity and lateral acceleration of the car. It also maximizes grip when accelerating on inconsistent road surfaces.
The 718 Spyder that Chloe drove had a 4-litre naturally aspirated boxer 6-cylinder engine producing 414 bhp at 8,000 rpm. It has helper springs on the rear axle and a ride height that is 30 mm lower than a standard 718 Boxster or Cayman, making it ideal for slaloms.
Visit www.porsche.com.my to know more about Porsche models available in Malaysia.
2020 is the tenth year of Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) as the representative of Porsche in Malaysia. As the sole authorized importer and distributor of Porsche vehicles and parts, the company has developed a robust dealer network around the country.
Since 2010, SDAP has launched no less than 36 models and constantly offered more dynamic driving experiences, upgraded its current state-of-the art facilities to match the products sold, and even introduced the Porsche Pre-Owned and Porsche Approved programmes.
“We can’t help but feel a little nostalgic on all the Porsche moments we’ve created with our supporters and enthusiasts throughout the decade. From modest beginnings and only one Porsche Centre in Glenmarie at our inception, we’ve invested substantially to continue to grow our dealer network in major cities across the northern, central and southern region to bring new levels of quality customer and ownership experience. We hope to continue to achieve greater heights of sports car fascination and evolve the brand in the country even more with our iconic sportscars,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP, who has been with the company from its very first day.
“SDAP has remained committed to develop the sportscar dream of enthusiasts across the country, and this is only the beginning. Delivering first-class customer service within all aspects across our dealer networks: this is our promise for the journey in developing the Porsche fascination for the next decade to come. With the upcoming opening of our new flagship Porsche Centre Ara Damansara as well as the debut of the Taycan locally in the near future, the evolution of the brand and our progression into the new era of electromobility is inevitable,” he added.
Sime Darby Auto Performance began with one Porsche Centre in Glenmarie, Selangor, and over 10 years, it has grown the Porsche network nationwide.Over 10 years, SDAP has organised 50 driving programmes for owners and customers to enjoy the Porsche Experience.
Offers and activities to celebrate anniversary
To commemorate this milestone, SDAP is having a #10YearsSDAP celebration campaign with various activities. Between now and September 17, 2020, customers who place a booking for new or pre-owned Porsche model, or make a Service Appointment from the dealer webpage, will receive (while stocks last) the 10 years SDAP special edition Porsche Driver’s Selection polo tee shirt.
There will also be a creative contest on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in conjunction with the anniversary. To participate, visit any Porsche Centre in Malaysia and take your most creative selfie with a Porsche vehicle in the showroom, add a creative congratulatory wish to SDAP for its 10th anniversary and you could win a 1:18 911 GT edition diecast model from the Porsche Driver’s Selection.
Visit www.porsche.com.my to know more about the products and services available in Malaysia and the locations of Porsche Centres.
Four years into its product cycle, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder share a technical base for the first time. This only model line from the sportscar maker that has a mid-engine layout and comes with a naturally aspirated flat-six engine as well as a 6-speed manual transmission that enthusiasts love. The prices of the new 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder start from RM999,000 and RM970,000, respectively.
Featuring a completely redesigned 4-litre 6-cylinder boxer engine based on the same turbocharged engine family in the 911 Carrera series, these new members of the 718 family have a significant increase in power compared to its predecessors – 35 bhp and 45 bhp more for the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder, respectively. With a maximum torque of 420 Nm between 5000 and 6800 rpm, the cars can accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds from a standing still, with top speeds that beyond 300 km/h, it is claimed.
New additions include as adaptive cylinder control. In part-load operation, it temporarily interrupts the injection process in one of the two cylinder banks, thus reducing fuel consumption. For the first time ever in a high-revving engine, piezo injectors are used for direct fuel injection. Each injection process is split into 5 individual injections to support a complete combustion process, making it emissions-friendly. A variable intake system with two resonance valves ensures optimum gas exchange in the cylinders.
The 718 Cayman GT4
The bodywork has been ‘tuned’ to produce up to 50% more downforce. Sometimes more downforce can create additional drag, but this is said to not be the case with the Cayman GT4. The comprehensively improved aerodynamics concept benefits enormously from the newly designed single-chamber arch rear silencer. This creates space in the rear section for a functional diffuser, which accounts for a good 30% of the downforce at the rear axle.
The front section, which is optimised in the GT style, maintains the aerodynamic balance with a large front spoiler lip and so-called air curtains. The fixed rear wing also generates about 20% more downforce compared with its predecessor. This corresponds to an additional downforce of 12 kgs – for a total of around 70 kgs – at 200 km/h.
The 718 Spyder
The new 718 Spyder is offer topless motoring but without the disadvantages that not having a roof causes. In fact, with the latest aerodynamic tuning, the 718 Spyder slips through the air more efficiently as well as generating more downforce. At the front, the new honeycomb air intake grilles have been designed to increase airflow by reducing obstructions.
The distinctive front spoiler lip with recessed ‘Spyder’ lettering and the central air intake in the front end directs the air upwards through the air outlet opening in front of the front lid to assist in reducing lift at the front axle.
This is further complemented by the golf-ball like profiled surface below the front end to maintain a constantly low drag coefficient. Unlike the GT4, the 718 Spyder possesses a distinctive rear spoiler that automatically extends at speeds over 120 km/h, which helps to reduce lift for more driving stability. Thanks to the functional diffuser, it is the first model in the Boxster family to generate aerodynamic downforce at the rear axle.
High-performance GT chassis
For the first time ever, the 718 Spyder rides on the same GT chassis as the 718 Cayman GT4. An ideal foundation for maximum performance, its further refined lightweight spring-strut front and rear axles make use of racing technologies.
The direct connection to the chassis is partially by means of ball joints ensuring a firm connection of the chassis to the body, resulting in precise, sharper and direct driving behaviour. The height, camber, toe angle and the anti-roll bars of the chassis for the Cayman GT4 can be adjusted to the demands of each individual racetrack.
The Porsche Active Suspension Management damping system with sports set-up and 30 mm suspension as standard, brings the centre of gravity of these models significantly closer to the ground and improves lateral dynamics.
The Porsche Stability Management system now operates with even greater sensitivity and precision. A skilled driver can optionally deactivate it for sportier handling. Also present is Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical rear differential lock that enhances the longitudinal and lateral dynamics, enabling a driver to take corners more confidently.
The latest 718 Spyder runs on ultra-high-performance tyres specially adapted by Porsche. These road-approved sports tyres are complemented by a high-performance brake system that is suitable for track driving. The large aluminium monobloc fixed-caliper brakes are internally ventilated and perforated for optimum cooling. For those who want the ultimate in stopping (or deceleration) performance, there is the optionally-available Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system.
And finally, the new sports exhaust system with two separated black tailpipes. This has even more powerful sportscar sound which is available with the press of a button.
Performance-oriented interior design
The sportiness of the exterior is mirrored in the cabin with the familiar Porsche cues visible all around. The instrument cluster has an analogue tachometer in the centre, emphasising the racing heritage of Porsches. Decorative trims in brushed aluminium and decorative stitching provide visual contrasts whilst the puristic door-pull loops are a classic touch.
Optional packages available
The 718 Cayman GT4 can be equipped with the optional Clubsport package. With its components derived from professional motorsport, the Clubsport package provides additional protection on the racetrack. This includes a rear steel roll bar, a hand-held fire extinguisher and a 6-point seatbelt on the driver’s side.
The optional Spyder Classic interior package lends an extravagant look to the interior while also being reminiscent of historic racing cars. The two-tone leather interior in Bordeaux Red/Black gives an especially unique and high quality look and feel to the entire interior of the 718 Spyder.
Tonight (Thursday) at 8 pm, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) will be premiering the most powerful members of the Porsche 718 family. The presentation of the powerful mid-engine performance GT models will be via a digital premiere on the Porsche dealer website platforms.
About the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder
For the first time, these two particularly emotional and powerful top models that claim the top spot in the 718 model series share the same technical base. While both these models possess fundamentally different concepts and characteristics, they both offer performance and driving experiences that only a thoroughbred mid-engine sportscar can offer.
Set your reminders for 8 pm and watch the online broadcast at the following Porsche dealer websites listed below:
Bookings made from now up to June 30, 2020 will be entitled to an additional 1-year warranty extension, and up to additional 2-years free insurance (depending on model).
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is offering customers even further versatility and flexibility for those buying a new Porsche Macan with the new Porsche 360 Financing+, applicable from now up to 31 December 2020. This new extension of SDAP’s current 360 Financing programme starts from RM6,300 a month with up to 30% reduced monthly repayments compared to conventional financing (for the Macan).
Maximum financing of up to 90% of the vehicle value is available with financing periods starting from 12 months up to 60 months.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) tonight launched an exclusive Porsche model – the new 911 Speedster – in a new way, using online media. The virtual launch event reached across Malaysia, giving Porsche fans a chance to get a first look at the RM2.7 million car which pays tribute to Ferry Porsche’s dream of over 70 years.
Combining it with motorsports technology suitable for everyday use, the 911 Speedster draws parallels with the 356 through many of its design features. The distinctive design and high-performance powertrain are based on GT technology, revisiting the dream of a puristic, open-top sportscar.
Paying homage to the 356 ‘No. 1’ Roadster is the Heritage Design package which the 1,948 customers can specify as an extra-cost option. Specially designed by Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, the package takes the driver back to the roots of the Porsche brand. Incidentally, the female star (Kelly McGillis) drove a 1957 356 Speedster in ‘Top Gun‘, the 1986 movie. The car appeared on two occasions during the movie.
The 2020 911 Speedster and the 1957 356 Speedster
“Porsche has always represented a dream, and the Speedster concept was aimed at paying tribute to an idea that runs through the history of Porsche. As the idea of the Speedster was conceived to commemorate 70 years of sports car fascination, the launch of the new 911 Speedster in our market could not be timelier. Coinciding with Sime Darby Auto Performance’s 10 years as the Porsche partner in Malaysia, we are thrilled to be introducing this limited edition model to mark this milestone,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
GT3 engine with 510 bhp
The heart of the new Speedster is adopted from the 911 GT3- a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder boxer engine with 4-litre displacement. It can spin up to 9,000 rpm and peak output is 510 bhp/470 Nm. This can rocket the car from standing still to 100 km/h a claimed 4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 310 km/h.
Befitting its status as a driver’s car, Porsche only offers the 911 Speedster with a manual 6-speed sports transmission. It features an auto-blip function which precisely and independently compensates differences in engine speed between the gears when downshifting through automatic throttle blips. A mechanical differential lock with asymmetric locking action is installed at the rear.
The GT philosophy behind the new Speedster is also reflected in its chassis. With its sporty rear-axle steering and dynamic engine mounts, the chassis is based on the technology of the 911 GT3. Control systems such as Porsche Torque Vectoring, Porsche Stability Management and PASM with sports tuning and lowering by 25 mm have been precisely adapted to the new requirements.
The open-top two-seater runs on 20-inch forged Speedster alloy wheels with central locks. The standard equipment includes Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes with internally vented and perforated ceramic composite brake discs.
True to the design language of the 911
The aesthetically shaped convertible top compartment lid has double-bubble streamliners – a feature of this sportscar type ever since the 911 Speedster from over 30 years ago. It is the largest and most complex component to date that Porsche has used in a road model made of a single piece of carbonfibre reinforced plastic. Two trim elements in the double bubbles make room for the roll-over protection system that immediately activates if the car flips upsides down.
A weight-saving roof structure replaces the basic tonneau cover that was used for the concept model earlier. Despite its puristic design, the fabric convertible top is suitable for everyday use. Together with the shortened window frames with their lowered cowl top panels and the smaller side windows, it gives the 911 Speedster an athletic profile.
Inside the Speedster
The interior is characterised by black leather elements for the side bolsters and head restraints of the carbonfibre composite full-bucket seats, the armrests in the door trims and the shortened gear lever. The centre panels of the seats are upholstered in perforated leather, while the lightweight door panels with black door pulls and stowage nets reduce the overall weight.
“Speedster” logos adorn the head restraints and the visible carbon door sills as well as the central rev counter. Like the other instruments, it has black dials with white needles as well as green digits and scales – features reminiscent of its famous forebear, the original 356 Speedster.
For those in Kuala Lumpur who want a closer look at the 911 Speedster, a unit will be on display at Porsche Sungai Besi from June 13 (for a limited time). Visitors are requested to call first to secure an appointment slot so that social distancing requirements can be met.
The Targa top is a feature of Porsche’s which goes back over 50 years and offers a semi-convertible design that has been available on the 911 model. Although the concept is used by some other carmakers, the ‘Targa’ name can only be used by Porsche which was clever enough to apply for trademark protection many decades ago.
And through the different generations of the 911, a Targa variant has been offered alongside the Coupe and Cabriolet. The same applies to the latest generation and this third body variant is available as the all-wheel drive 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S models.
Fully automatic roof system
As with earlier Targa models, there is the innovative, fully automatic roof system. Just like the original Targa model from 1965, it consists of a characteristic wide roll hoop, a movable roof section above the front seats and a wraparound rear window. The roof can be opened and closed within 19 seconds.
The exterior of the 911 Targa is characterised by the design elements of its 992 model generation. Compared to its predecessors, the latest bodywork features significantly more pronounced wheel housings at the front and, between its LED headlights, its bonnet has a distinctive recess evoking the design of the first 911 generations.
The rear is dominated by a wider, variably extending rear spoiler and seamlessly integrated, elegant light bar. With the exception of the front and rear sections, the entire outer skin is made from aluminium.
The interior echoes the 911 Carrera models and is characterised by the clear and straight lines of its dashboard and its recessed instruments. The 911 models from the 1970s provided the inspiration here. Alongside the centrally-positioned tachometer – very much a defining feature for Porsche – two thin, frameless freeform displays extend the information provided to the driver.
A compact switch unit with 5 buttons for direct access to important vehicle functions is located below the 10.9-inch centre screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Standard PCM features include online navigation based on swarm data as well as Connect Plus with Apple Car Play.
At the rear lives a 6-cylinder, 3-litre Boxer engine with twin turbochargers. Tuned for the 911 Targa 4, it produces 385 ps/450 Nm and, in combination with the optional Sport Chrono package, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, it is claimed. For the 911 Targa 4S, the output is 450 ps/530 Nm, giving a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed said to be 304 km/h, 15 km/h faster than the 911 Targa 4.
Both cars use an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) is standard. Alternatively, the 911 Targa 4S can be ordered with the newly developed 7-speed manual gearbox, with which the Sport Chrono package is included.
New technology has also been integrated to extend the range of features for both 911 models. For the first time, Porsche InnoDrive, which includes adaptive cruise control, is available. Thanks to the enhanced Smartlift function, ground clearance can be programmed so that it is raised for everyday use.
The original 911 Targa. It was presented in 1965 as ‘The first standard safety cabriolet in the world’. The fixed Targa bar, derived from the roll-over bar which had proven itself in racing events, guaranteed a high level of protection for the occupants. The hood concept, patented in August 1965, also had other advantages. It solved the problem of the fabric hood bulging unattractively at speed on motorways just as reliably as it did the issue of body distortion, which was common with convertibles at that time.
Further developed chassis
The electronically-controlled variable damping system PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is part of the standard equipment on the new 911 Targa models. This system automatically adjusts the damping characteristics in terms of driving comfort and handling to each driving situation and has two manually adjustable maps, Normal and Sport.
On the Targa 4, deceleration is taken care of on both axles by 330-mm brake discs with black 4-piston monobloc fixed calipers. The red-painted brake callipers on the Targa 4S have 6 pistons at the front axle, 4 at the rear while its discs measure 350 mm front and rear. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake can be ordered as an option.
Visit www.porsche.com.my to know more about the new and pre-owned models available in Malaysia.
