2017 Porsche 911 Targa in Riverside

One final option of note is the electro-hydraulic lift feature, which increases front ground clearance by 40 mm (1.57 inches). Push a button, and five seconds later you’ll be able to navigate speed bumps and angled driveways without scraping that finely chiseled, road-hugging Porsche chin.

Finally, keeping it all rubber-side-down is the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, which comes with new shock absorbers and lowers the ride height by 10 mm (0.39 inches), all in the name of striking a balance between comfort and sportiness.

Of course, being a Targa, you get that unique open-top style, complete with silver Targa-bar B-pillars and wrap-around rear window glass. All together, the Targa offers the suggestion of a roofline when viewed in profile, which to my eye, looks far better than the topless Cabriolet. It’s unlimited headroom, but in a more graceful package.

Yes, the 911 Targa is for showmen (and women), but it delivers on its styling promise with an exceptional driving experience which is hard to beat, even with, dare we say it…a turbo in the boot.

The Targa is at its best on an open, sweeping road with the sun beating down. The cabin is spacious up front, and buffeting with the roof down is kept to a minimum. It’s beautifully built, too, with loads of soft leather and a responsive touchscreen infotainment system.

To start off, this special edition is based on the 911 Targa 4S and is finished in the same color as the T5 356B from the early 1960s: Etna Blue. To follow through with the exclusive layout, Porsche Exclusive has also painted the front spoiler, headlight washer system, rear apron, rear Porsche logo, and the “Targa” logo in Etna Blue as well.

There’s also Porsche’s Dynamic Light System offered as an available option, which comes with speed-sensitive beam-range adjustability, adverse weather functionality, and a pivot function that helps to illuminate around corners. Finally, there’s the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus, which comes with LEDs, plus an automatic high/low beam function.