blake

Correct me if I am wrong Ronmart, but I vividly remember the 996 being touted in the same light - that all 996s were developed around the Cab chassis for torsional rigidity... I remember because I ordered a 2000 cab for that very reason! (or at least, that was what my dealer told me) I'll spend some time looking this up in the Renn archives... Nice Cab, btw - that color scheme looks awesome!

jcnesq

My understanding is that essentially the ONLY part of 997 retained from 996 was the roofline, but since its the same it should work as well as the 996 Targa top. I had a 993 Targa and a 996 Targa (996 with the added hatchback feature). I did have one problem with the 993 top (rails got mangled - must have gotten out of alignment), but never a problem with the 996. I would definitely buy another glass top Targa but too soon to change my 997S coupe.

YA911Fan

It's all the more puzzling, then, why there's that joint line on the Targa's C pillar. If it's welded like the coupe, then it should be finished smoothly like the coupe.

I'm hoping nobody at Porsche thinks that joint line actually looks good!

ronmart

Nope, I suspect your salesperson might have heard rumors about the 997.

I'm basing my comments on page 327 of Porsche 911, Perfection by Design by Randy Leffingwell. It states:

"The main product of this new line, the lead model of the 997, was the convertible. Agusust Achleitner said, "and not the coupe." Achleitner was Porsches director of product line management for the Carrera. Before this, he was responsible for new vehicle concepts and packaging for all Porsche Vehicles ... "We didn't talk about this but now you know it. This strategy came from the engineers' point of view. The convertible is the more difficult car because of the stiffness that is necessary. Your work is easier when you consider some of these special parts, some of the reinforcements right form the beginning."


Thanks! I'm pretty happy with it.