Let me preface:
I love Porsches.
Now for my criticisms:
Like many a purist, the notion that the Targa packed all those struts and motors just to remove a slim roof panel seems utterly absurd,
It does seem utterly absurd to me. It takes longer to stow the roof in this than in a convertible. It doesn't open the cockpit up as much as the convertible. It weighs more than the convertible. What's the point? Right, JY stated it perfectly:
the Targa is a design and “because I can” statement.
I'm not sure that's reason enough, but it is more unique (since it's less sought after than the full-blown convertible.
and seriously:
^^^ Holy D!ck! The 70s called and wants its interior back...
I know it's an option, and yeah, some will like it, but that certainly won't age well.
Conclusion:
Let me put it this way: Compare the Targa to anything OTHER than its Carrera brethren and it's an incredible car. Seriously incredible...but why this over the convertible? Why this over the hardtop?
...when you can get everything that is better in another, almost identical car, why have both? Right. Ze German Choice. Heritage. People with money. Ahh. Gotchya