The Electrified Icon: A Review of the 2025 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS (UK)

The Porsche 911 is a name that commands reverence, a benchmark for sports cars for over six decades. Its 2025 facelift, the 992.2 generation, represents one of the most significant shifts in its storied history, not through a radical departure from its timeless design, but through the introduction of a new, groundbreaking powertrain. The 2025 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, in its UK specification, is a fascinating and crucial vehicle, marrying the iconic, all-weather appeal of the Targa with a performance-focused hybrid system. This review delves into the key aspects of this model, from its innovative T-Hybrid technology to its revised chassis and updated cabin, examining whether this modern marvel remains a true, uncompromised 911.

A Hybrid with a Heart: The New T-Hybrid Powertrain

The most talked-about change for the 2025 911 GTS is the all-new T-Hybrid system. This is not a plug-in hybrid designed for efficiency, but a performance-oriented system born from Porsche’s motorsport expertise. The core of the system is a redeveloped 3.6-litre flat-six boxer engine, which replaces the previous 3.0-litre unit. This engine is paired with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which features an integrated electric motor that spools up the turbo immediately, eliminating any trace of turbo lag. An additional electric motor, integrated into the 8-speed PDK transmission, provides a boost of up to 54 hp and 110 pound-feet of torque. The total system output is a staggering 541 PS (532 hp) and 610 Nm of torque.

The effect of this T-Hybrid system is profound. The instantaneous torque delivery makes the Targa 4 GTS feel incredibly urgent and responsive from any speed, catapulting it from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.1 seconds. This is a noticeable improvement over its predecessor and puts it in the performance league of its more hardcore siblings. The hybrid technology operates seamlessly and unobtrusively, providing a relentless surge of power without any of the clunkiness or weight penalties associated with traditional hybrid systems. While the Targa 4 GTS's kerbweight of 1,745 kg makes it the heaviest model in the 911 lineup, the T-Hybrid system effectively masks this, delivering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and effortless.

Refined Dynamics and a Compromised Balance

The Targa 4 GTS has always occupied a unique position in the 911 family, blending the open-air thrill of a convertible with the security and structural rigidity of the iconic Targa roll bar. For 2025, this balance is enhanced with a number of chassis updates. Rear-axle steering is now standard on the Targa 4 GTS, improving high-speed stability and maneuverability in tight urban settings. The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) anti-roll stabilization system has been integrated into the high-voltage system, allowing for even more precise and flexible control of body roll. This, combined with the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with a 10 mm lower ride height, ensures the Targa maintains its characteristic GTS handling: firm, communicative, and immensely capable.

However, the Targa remains a distinct driving proposition. The complex folding roof mechanism, while a marvel of engineering and a spectacle to watch, can only be operated at a complete standstill. This is in contrast to the 911 Cabriolet, which can operate its roof on the move. Furthermore, with the roof down, the Targa's cabin can be significantly louder at motorway speeds than the Cabriolet, a direct result of the large glass rear window and roll bar design. While the GTS's performance improvements are undeniable, the Targa body style, with its added weight and specific design quirks, makes it a less focused driver's car than a Carrera GTS coupé. It is, by all accounts, a car for those who prioritize style and a specific open-top experience over the ultimate in raw driving dynamics.

The Digital Cockpit: A New Era of Interaction

The 2025 Targa 4 GTS’s cabin sees a number of key technological updates. The most notable change is the fully digital instrument cluster, a first for the 911. While some purists may lament the loss of the physical analogue rev counter, Porsche has ensured the new 12.6-inch screen is highly configurable. It retains the classic five-gauge layout, with the central rev counter, and even allows for the tachometer to be rotated so that the 7,000 rpm mark aligns straight up, a nod to driving enthusiasts.

The central infotainment screen, a 10.9-inch unit, is powered by the latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. It features improved Apple CarPlay integration, now capable of displaying information within the instrument cluster. Physical controls for climate and drive modes are mercifully retained, striking a healthy balance between modern digital displays and tactile usability. The overall cabin remains a masterclass in ergonomics and build quality, with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout. The availability of a wide range of customisation options, from special leather packages to bespoke stitching, allows UK buyers to truly make the car their own, albeit at a significant cost.

Verdict: The Ultimate Lifestyle Statement

In the UK, the 2025 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS starts from £154,400, a significant price tag that places it in a different league entirely from a standard sports car. The T-Hybrid system and comprehensive chassis upgrades provide a tangible performance boost that justifies the "GTS" moniker, delivering a car that is blisteringly fast in a straight line and incredibly competent in the corners. It is a technological marvel that pushes the boundaries of performance while maintaining the core character of the 911.

However, the Targa 4 GTS is not the most definitive driver's car in the 911 lineup. That honour likely still belongs to the lighter, rear-wheel-drive Carrera GTS coupé. The Targa is a car for a different kind of enthusiast. It is for the person who values the unique silhouette, the distinctive open-top experience, and the sense of occasion that the Targa roof provides. It is a car that is a statement of style and a celebration of Porsche’s heritage. The 2025 Targa 4 GTS proves that even with the addition of electrification, a 911 can retain its soul. It is a luxurious, sophisticated, and mind-bogglingly fast grand tourer that happens to have the engine of a pure-bred sports car. It is a triumphant fusion of old and new, and an entirely desirable proposition for those who can afford its formidable price.