DRIVEN + VIDEO: Tiff Needell Drives The All-New Porsche 911 Targa And Dishes Out A Taste Of Reality

When we heard about the all-new Porsche 911 (991) coming out in Targa form, as I've said a million times, Agent 001 and I got pretty excited.

Then the spy photos came. Rather than do something akin to the 993, 996 and 997 Targa with the panoramic roofs, Porsche went old-school on us. That meant a rollbar and a lot of rear window glass. Personally, I wasn't so keen on the look.

Now when the Targa made its blockbuster debut at the Detroit Auto Show, Porsche shocked everyone as its top was not a simple piece you clip in/out. It was a power top that operated somewhat similar to the 911 cabriolet. Peculiar, indeed.

Clearly the Targa was really a piece of design over a performance vehicle first. It was built to harken back to the Targa Florio and 001 even noticed that the press car was fitted with a standard transmission. Considering the company outfits every auto it can with PDK, this was a hint. Porsche built this car for image and to give a thrill to gentlemen and women who wanted to relive the old days.

So, what does a seasoned and old-timer think? I can't think of anyone better to take a crack at this than the great Tiff Needell. Watch him work and explain the real deal about the all-new 991 Targa.