The Heritage Design package for the 2019 911 Speedster provided an initial preview of a design strategy which Porsche will, in time, use with a few more special limited edition models. At the end of this year, we’ll see the second of those four: one which blends a tasteful assortment of tidbits from the past with the amenities of a modern car.
Design elements from the 50s and 60s define Porsche’s Heritage Design strategy used with the latest 992 Targa 4S are incorporated surprisingly well; the classic gold accents, warmer colors, and minimalist graphics all somehow complement with the modernity of the 992. Perhaps holding onto a soft, organic shape for so long makes it possible to apply these touches in a way which isn’t contrived.
Only 992 examples of the Targa 4S Heritage Edition will be sold, which begins in fall 2020, but certain elements will be later available as part of the Heritage Design package for all other 911 models.
The five colors for this special edition model include:
- Black
- Guards Red
- GT Silver Metallic
- Cherry Metallic
With colors like Cherry Metallic, the gold badges don’t look dated, but fresh and warm.
“With the Heritage Design models, we are evoking memories of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s in customers and fans alike. No brand can translate these elements into the modern day as well as Porsche and, in this way, we are fulfilling the wishes of our customers. We are also establishing a new product line that represents the lifestyle dimension in our product strategy with these exclusive special editions,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.
References to the 356 were often made when designing this rolling nod to the past. One of which is the gold covering the logos, and another is the spear graphic: a touch borrowed from early racing cars which emanates from behind the headlights and tapers back along the spines of the front fenders.
A keen eye can pick up on the minor details sprinkled throughout the vehicle. A Porsche Heritage badge adorns the rear decklid grille; reminiscent of the kind which was awarded to a Porsche 356 once it passed the 100,000- kilometer mark. The connection between past and present is also emphasized by the 1963 Porsche Crest on the bonnet, steering wheel, wheel centers, and vehicle key. The historical motif is also embossed on the head restraints and key pouch. Further emphasis is provided by the new model’s standard 20/21-inch Carrera Exclusive Design wheels and classic-look brake calipers finished in Black.
The cabin combines Bordeaux Red leather with OLEA club leather in Atacama Beige or Black leather.
The warmth of the interior is conveyed through both the colors and materials chosen. Anything exceptionally quick nowadays is liable to be upholstered with something purposeful and cold, but corduroy couldn’t be described fairly as either. With it lining the seats and the door trims, another nod to the 356, corduroy helps the cabin feel like a place where one isn’t assigned a task or commanded to get somewhere quickly. It’s a place for leisure.
Green dials pay homage to the 356 and set off the Bordeaux leather.
Are these minor, albeit tasteful, tweaks worth the additional $45,000 over the standard Targa 4S? For many, a starting price of $181,000 might not warrant the retro livery, quaint paint, and warmed interior. But nostalgia has its hold on people these days, and those yearning for their halcyon years might find what they’re after with this tasteful, distinguished time warp.
