When I got the call that the 2022 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS was arriving in my garage, my excitement was on hold for one crucial question: Could I accommodate my two kids, especially with one still in a rear-facing car seat?
Mulling over the logistics, I optimistically reassured my wife, “I think we can make this work.” The last time we had a 911 on loan, we had just one forward-facing child, and our schedules were quite flexible for school runs. I envisioned the infamous cramped backseat of a Porsche, essentially a luggage-size space. Yet, the day the car arrived, relief set in—I could fit Lola’s rear-facing seat behind the folded-forward passenger seat, and Wally’s legs had enough space behind the driver’s seat. It was surprisingly practical.
In reality, it was more than just practical. Installing Lola in her car seat was straightforward, and surprisingly easier with the Targa top down. Picking Wally up from school turned into an adventure. Lola was thrilled to see me without the need for a mirror, and she quickly dozed off when I retracted the top for an open-air experience. Wally’s excitement was palpable; although he required a bit of assistance getting into his booster seat, tilting the driver’s seat forward provided ample room for him to hop in and out without hassle.
I managed to capture a few photos showing the kids comfortably seated in the back. Unfortunately, the opportunity for more photos or an extensive review was cut short. On my way to the Detroit Auto Show the following morning, I encountered a flat tire. Despite having a spare, the hand-tightened center-lock wheel required a trip to the dealership, truncating my test drive.
Nonetheless, this experience taught me one valuable lesson: the Porsche 911 Targa makes for a surprisingly good school bus. Next time a 911 graces my garage, worries about fitting the kids are a thing of the past. Once Lola transitions to a forward-facing seat, the 911 will be an even better fit for family outings. I’m eagerly anticipating that day.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
