PRESS Release Classic-Hardtop Transforms the Porsche 997 Cabrio

GTN Automotive GmbH & Co. KG Maybachstrasse 11 73760 Ostfildern (Nellingen) PRESS Release Fon +49 (0) 711 30020 490 Fax +49 (0) 711 30020 492

Mail: [email protected] Classic-Hardtop transforms the Porsche 997 Cabrio into a real Targa Internet: www.gtn-automotive.com

+ Innovative: Classic-Hardtop with removable Targa panels + Safe: the automatic roll-over safety system remains active + Individual: the return of the classical lines of the legendary Targa Verified 2009 + Tough: Quality continues to be our priority with a capital Q.

Equally important is attention to detail thoroughness and extensively tested design.

Ostfildern – “Many Porsche enthusiasts have dearly missed the original trueTarga. Thanks to a development of the swabian company GTN Automotive, the Classic-Hardtop with removable Targa panels for the Porsche 911 Cabrios of the current Porsche 911 Series, makes the real Targa comeback a reality” Comments Mr. Nitsch, inventor, founder and owner. For many Porsche fans, the last real 911 Targa was the Series 964, in production until 1993. The subsequent three generations of the Porsche 911’s have had to compromise with a sliding glass panorama roof. For many purists, even a large sunroof is still a long way from being a true replacement for the Targa. This is particularly true for those drivers who feel too over exposed or unsafe in a conventional cabrio. These individuals value the original 911 Targa because of its protective roll-over bar. At the core of the basic Classic-Hardtop from GTN Automotive is the robust targa bar constructed from light but high strength, multi-layered carbon fiber. This material traditionally found in aircraft construction and racing applications is produced exclusively for GTN Auto- motive by skilled craftsmen. Just as in for the legendary supersportwagen Carrera GT, the Classic-Hardtop also possesses a targa roof made of carbon. However, the GTN Automotive design utilizes a removable double-layer carbon targa panel. Both panels can be stowed in the boot (trunk). The panoramic rear window (windshield) in the Classic Hardtop is made by hand using a high strength polycarbonate known as Makrolon®. Makrolon® is a high impact resistant material used in motor sport that replaces traditional and much heavier automotive glass. For protection against damage and environmental impact of wear such as scratching or solar radiation, the window (windshield) has a scratch-resistant coating inside and out available in three tones. As an option – the Classic-Hardtop can be customized to match the color toning of the original glass panels. All fasteners and hinges in the Classic-Hardtop are made of the highest quality, rust free chromium nickel steel alloy, also known as VA.

Persönlich haftender Gesellschafter: GTN-Automotive GmbH&Co.KG Bank: KSK Esslingen GTN AUTOMOTIVE Verwaltungs-GmbH AG Stuttgart HRA 724047 Konto Nr. 101179775 AG Stuttgart HRB 729879 - Registergericht - BLZ 61150020 Geschäftsführung: Gerald Nitsch USt-IdNr.: DE265389939 (VAT) [2]

The real Targa is back again The team working with Gerald Nitsch at GTN Automotive wanted to revive the original open Targa. This process started in early 2007 with the first rough draft of the Classic-Hardtop. In order to get feedback first hand, and equipped with original drawings, Mr. Nitsch embarked on a fact finding tour throughout the United States. The positive response in the second most important Porsche market was over whelming. Mr. Nitsch was convinced. In particular, the harmonic flowing lines of the Classic-Hardtop along with the customized options, was very appealing to the US Porsche dealers. The individualizations option was also a big plus. In the fall of the following year, the first 1:1 model of the Classic-Hardtop was produced. This model was made of traditional automotive clay and constructed by the firm Form³ in Althengstett. A subsequent presentation of the model to Porsche designers (under team leader Michael Mauer) received praise for its innovative and unique ability to transform the Porsche 911 from a Cabrio into a Coupé or a Targa. As we have come to expect from German engineering and design, the final production specifications of the Classic-Hardtop required the utmost attention to detail. GTN Automotive’s search for competent partners was restricted to the selection of few skilled enough in handcrafting within Baden-Württemberg. An example of this attention to detail is the innovative and revolutionary scratch resistant, anti-static rear panoramic window (windshield). A complete nano-coating was developed by Kirsch Kunststofftechnik. The experts out of Ebersbach were originally presented with the challenge of engineering the proper a three-dimensional form to complement the Classic-Hardtop and finally brought the design to life meeting the exacting engineering specifications. The entire construction of the Classic-Hardtop is carried out by hand and comprises several layers of carbon. The interior is optionally available in Alcantara or in original Porsche leather. The team at GTN Automotive even specified the exact same type and pitch of stitching as used in the Porsche 911. This allows GTN Automotive Classic-Hardtop to faithfully replicate the original interior design. The result of the two year development is a Classic-Hardtop that is decidedly lighter than the conventional hard-top available as an optional extra from the manufacturer. The lighter weight brings real advantages in terms of retaining the highly dynamic handling and maintaining the low centre (center) of gravity of the Porsche 911. The handcrafted Classic-Hardtop is much more than the simple sum of its components. Paying attention to details helps one achieve perfection, although perfection itself is much more than just a simple detail. The philosophy at GTN Automotive reads: Swabian Innovation.

Exclusive and unique

The Porsche Company exhibited a high level of genius when selecting the name for the Targa. Translated, Targa means shield and instills an indelible link between the names while at the same time making the association with one of the most legendary street races in Italy, the Targa Florio. In 1996, with the introduction of the 993 Series, Porsche ended production of the original Targa. Never the less, the classical form of the original Targa (produced until 1994) continues to have many loyal admirers. This is reason enough for GTN Automotive to revive the legendary design of the original Targa.

“A primary goal of the design was to retain the classical lines of the original Targa, but simultaneously to introducing modern aspects and design elements popular today. No other bodywork of the 911 provides such an open and yet secure and high degree of driving pleasure” comments Mr. Nitsch of the development process.. Even at high speeds, the 911 with an open Classic-Hardtop is still relatively quiet and comfortable. When closed, the high-tech silicon seal reduces the noise level even further enhancing driving conditions, thus raising the level of safety level for the driver and his passengers. This is accomplished without disturbing the classic coupé lines. Exhaustive wind tunnel testing has shown that the coefficient of drag, termed Cw, for the closed Classic- Hardtop is the same as for the Coupé. Even when open, a 997 Series Porsche equipped with a Classic-Hardtop exhibits an excellent Cw value of 0.30, making it considerably more streamlined than many some enclosed sports cars made by other manufacturers. The Classic-Hardtop even provides the opportunity for individuality. The Classic-Hardtop is available in three different versions: T-bar and targa top either available in true “carbon- look”, painted to match the color of your car or in classic stainless steel true to the original Targa design.

Functional and practical

Space is always at a premium when touring. Even when used in the open configuration the 911 with Classic-Hardtop retains the use of the two rear seats for children. This is especially important because the roof design reduces the bothersome wind and turbulence. Using the 911 Classic-Hardtop makes excellent use of the extra storage space making it even more practical for daily use. Both targa panels can be disassembled and stowed in the boot (trunk) using the custom case in seconds. Even after storing the panels there is enough space available for a standard flight case. A 911 with Classic-Hardtop also provides additional and secure stowage space on top of the rests of the folded rear seats. Two additional cases and travel luggage fit into the rear passenger compartment. The basic Classic-Hardtop frame including the panorama window (windshield) weighs in at just 19kg, It can be easily installed by two people in a few minutes. Compared to the conventional cabrio roof, the Classic-Hardtop is less cumbersome and bulky. When not in use, the Classic-Hardtop needs less space for storage compared to a conventional cabrio roof. The mounting assembly can be described as simple “plug-&-play”. The car does not require modification in order to install the Classic-Hardtop out of the box. Given the weight advantage over conventional glass of up to 50%, polycarbonate in combination with carbon construction means that the center (center) of gravity of a Classic- Hardtop equipped 911 sits lower than that of the production cabriolet. Furthermore, the lower thermal transmission of the Makrolon window (windshield) protects the interior from the damaging effects of the sun. The multi-layer carbon construction of the Classic-Hardtop (and targa panels) shares the same benefit. Due to this technological advantage using space age materials, climate control within the automobile is more effective as losses are reduced reflecting the rays of the sun and the impact of UV damage on the car and the occupants.

Open but still secure

The Classic-Hardtop is ideal for coupé fans who want to drive “top down”, but still want to be able to rely on the stability and safety provided by a body work equipped with the rigid roll-over bar. The technical verification and approval awarded by the Kraftfahrtbundesamt (German motor transport authority) underlines the robust construction and attention to detail. Handcrafted high strength carbon protects the occupants, while all of the standard functions of the 911 series, such as the automatic roll-over bar remain active and POSIP (Porsche Side Impact Protection System) remain active. The high rigidity of the Classic-Hardtop enhances the overall torsional and flexural performance of the cabrio bodywork further improving everyday safety.

In a nutshell: ”A 911 equipped with a Classic-Hardtop provides true “top down” feeling at any time of the year. The Classic-Hardtop is reason alone to purchase the Porsche 911 as Cabrio giving the driver the ability to have both the Coupé and Targa experience available in the one body”. GTN Automotive provides a two year guarantee. You can order online at www.gtn-automotive.com or by telephone at +49-711-30020490.

Further information and photos of the Classic-Hardtop can be found at www.gtn-automotive.com