I did the "search" and could not find this question specifically addressed:

Does anyone know why the overhead screen in the Targa is not solid?? (That is, why is it translucent?)

I'm afraid my hair is not as full as it once was, and I would not like that summer sun beating down on the top of my head. I know the new screen is less translucent than the previous - - but why just not simply make it solid, and then when you want the open feeling you slide it open??

thanks

 

I don't know why it is not fully opaque, but the glass roof is treated to block UV so it shouldn't be a problem for you if sunburns are a concern.

 

Yeah, I do know about the UV protection - - so that may help my scalp from being burned.

But just from a comfort level, sometimes I really like that "solid" roof overhead. Plus, at times it would be nice to be able to just shut the sun out.

I just can't figure out why the didn't simply make it solid - - and the two dealers I visited couldn't answer that question either.

 

I took delivery of my T4 last August and really drove it a lot that first month. I have a small "hair-challenged" patch on my head and I don't recall any problems with my scalp burning. But it could get hot and- yes- there was that constant overhead light above. I ended up wearing a hat sometimes. But this was a 2007 so I don't know about the 2008. I soon got used to it and honestly now I just have the screen retracted all the time- I love the overhead view too much! To me the non-opaque screen is just a small price to pay for all the other things the glass top has to offer.

I imagine one could come up with some sort of after-market tweak to darken the shade a bit, but the Targa is too small a market to support a proper dedicated product. Maybe I should experiment with different fabrics myself sometime...

 

thanks for the question,--I never realized that you couldn't shut the sun out entirely with the Targas of today.

 

Edgy - that's what surprised me too. It is clear that Porsche intentionally put a translucent screen in the new Targa, but I can't find out anyone who knows why.

It would seem obvious that having the ability to shut out the sun would be expected, fundamental and easy to include.

And personally, I would really like to be able to block out the sun when desired.

Otherwise, the new Targa seems to be a great potential option for me.

 

I have a 2007 Targa.

I will say that the overhead screen seems to do a nice job of blacking excessive light & heat during those particularly bright sunny days where it is a distraction, but I have not had the pleasure of driving it in the bright summer sun yet.

I find that I almost never use the screen unless the brightness comes in at an angle that interferes with my driving vision.
I am also a bit follically challenged up top, but the ability to filter UV light leaves me confident that I will be fine.

In fact, I'll bet I have the Targa open to allow light and air in.

I did find it odd that there was not a solid screen as most cars with moonroofs have, but I guess Porsche really wanted to make the Targa about a very open and airy driving environment.

Howard

 

Porsche made the sunshade 'more effective' starting with the '08 model year...not sure what they did to make it more effective though.

 

rcl - where do you live?

I have an 07 Targa. I have used it thru a part of one summer. What i found re the sunshade: If the sun is directly overhead, fairly strong light will come thru w/o UV (you will not burn, but could get warm). However, rarely is the sun directly overhead. When the sun's position is angled in relation to the car (almost all the time), the 'webbed' pattern blocks a lot of the direct rays but still leaves a very well lit cabin (like a 'pergola' ). BTW - I have never overheated as the A/C in these cars works really well.

As to your question in bold: I think the reason the shade was not more solid is to be sure that those choosing the Targa have the ambient light they (presumably) wanted; ie, if solid, it would be too coupe like.

 

Maybe in the future they will have electromagnetic glass where you can dial in the amount of translucency. That would be cool.

 

I have seen other cars (BMW's) with solid screens and they look really cheap. I think it was aesthetics.

 

Yeah, I guess. But I still might have preferred three rather straightforward options:

1. solid shade closed = no sun
2. solid shade open = lots of sun/ambient light (with Targa, much more than moon roof, of course, hence the desire of having a Targa)
3. open shade and open top = lots of sun + great air

But your point about the sun rarely being directly overhead is a good one. I'll have to test drive one in the direct sun and see, plus when the sun is lower in the sky.

thanks

 

Good idea. I think, unless you live in Nevada for example, you will find that the screen works rather well. Its not perfect, but again the A/C system is very good and neither my wife or I have ever felt it too hot to be comfortable. Good hunting!

 

Just move to Ohio. I don't think I've seen the sun since the Indians were playing.

 

I've had my 996 Targa for a handful of years now. Even in 90 - 100 degree temps I've never felt the need to have the screen closed ... but then again I keep the sunroof shade in my other cars open as well. As said before, the glass does a good job of screening out much of the direct sun. If the screen was solid it would give a closed-in feeling to the car, although you could leave it partially open. It would also look like a tonneau cover for the storage area in an suv ... ughh.