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News16 December 2021 by Andreas 293 Viewed

Ares Design latest One-Off: The Porsche 992 Targa

• Italian coachbuilder ARES unveils the new, one-off Porsche 992 Targa by ARES

• New carbon-fibre aero kit, designed by ARES Centro Stile in Modena

• New sport exhaust system and engine upgrades deliver 60 HP more than the original

Three years after the 2018 991 GT3 Targa, the luxury Italian coachbuilder ARES Modena had the chance to work again on Porsche’s droptop and the result of its creative effort is the Porsche 992 Targa by ARES.

Born as a one-off project, the 992 Targa by ARES feature a stunning new aero kit, which is made of carbon fibre and designed by the Centro Stile of ARES, housed in the Modena Factory. The styling elements blend fluently with Porsche’s original styling language, with new air intakes and lavish features painted in silver, contrasting perfectly with the elegant dark blue body.

Despite its elegant and stylish forms, the Porsche 992 Targa by ARES features a powerful new stance: the new wings widen the track width of the GT from Stuttgart by 4 centimetres at the front and 8 centimetres at the rear. Completing the athletic exterior look are new, larger, alloy wheels with a custom design and metallic silver finish.

However, the work of the craftsmen and designers at ARES Modena did not stop with the bodywork alone. The interior of the Porsche 992 Targa by ARES was completely refurbished using the highest quality leather and incorporating new decors. The tan-coloured leather, chosen by the patron of this unique car, upholsters the seats, the dashboard, the steering wheel and the entire panelling. The ARES Modena badges are also present on the steering wheel and the backrests of the sports seats.

The new and special look also corresponds to an upgrade in dynamic performance. The turbocharged Boxer 6 engine of the 992 Targa by ARES has been finely tuned by the technicians of the Modena atelier and now breathes through a fresh bespoke sports exhaust system, giving a new and exciting sound and 60 HP more than the original model.

The new Porsche 992 Targa by ARES is just the latest of the many unique and bespoke creations that ARES has delivered over the last few years. From the Corvette C2 Sting Ray by ARES to the Porsche 964 Turbo by ARES, not forgetting the Tesla Model S Convertible, at ARES there has always been a special place for one-off projects, exclusive creations, tailor-made for connoisseurs and genuine enthusiasts. This exceptional Porsche 992 Targa by ARES sits proudly amongst them.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Alfa Romeo TZ
Girardo & co

The Alfa Romeo TZ (Tubolare Zagato) is more than just a car: it is a landmark in the history of Italian automotive engineering and motorsport. This sleek, lightweight coupé marked Alfa Romeo’s return to racing in the 1960s, bridging the gap between the brand’s glorious pre-war racing heritage and its aspirations for modern motorsport dominance. Created in collaboration with Zagato and Auto Delta, the TZ became an icon of innovation, design, and competitive success.

The Foundations: A Record-Breaking Collaboration

In 1954, Alfa Romeo and Carlo Abarth began a historic partnership, facilitated by Mario Boano of Ghia. Their first project was a record-setting vehicle powered by Alfa Romeo’s 1900 engine, a precursor to the high-performance engineering that would define later models. While Boano left Ghia shortly thereafter, Abarth continued working with Alfa Romeo’s technical team at the Portello factory, setting the stage for further innovation.

In 1957, this partnership yielded the Abarth-Alfa Romeo 1100 Pininfarina Record, a car designed to dominate the “1100” engine category. Equipped with a tubular chassis, a lightweight aluminum body by Pininfarina, and a centrally positioned driver’s seat, this aerodynamic marvel achieved six speed records at Monza before suffering a dramatic crash due to a wheel failure. Though heavily damaged, the tubular chassis would later serve as the conceptual foundation for the Alfa Romeo TZ, demonstrating the enduring value of innovative experimentation.

Technical Highlights of the Alfa Romeo TZ

The first version of the Alfa Romeo TZ, often referred to as “TZ1” to distinguish it from its successor, the TZ2, represented a culmination of cutting-edge design and engineering. Developed under the direction of Orazio Satta Puliga and Giuseppe Busso at Alfa Romeo, the TZ was produced through a collaboration with Autodelta, SAI Ambrosini, and Zagato. Each partner brought unique expertise: Autodelta handled engine tuning and final assembly, SAI Ambrosini constructed the tubular steel chassis, and Zagato crafted the lightweight aerodynamic body—a conceptual evolution of the Giulietta SZ’s truncated tail design.

Alfa Romeo TZ
Girardo & co

The TZ was powered by Alfa Romeo’s 1.6-liter twin-cam engine, derived from the Giulia TI. In its road-going version, this engine produced 112 bhp (82 kW) at 6,500 rpm, thanks to dual Weber 45 DCOE carburetors. Competition versions, however, saw power outputs rise to an impressive 160 bhp (118 kW). To optimize cooling, the engine was tilted 15 degrees to the left, enhancing airflow around the cylinder head.

The tubular chassis was a masterpiece of engineering. Made of nickel-chromium steel, it weighed just 62 kilograms while maintaining exceptional rigidity. Paired with the proven mechanical components of the Giulia, including four-wheel disc brakes, magnesium alloy wheels, and fully independent suspension, the TZ achieved a featherweight of 660 kilograms. This remarkable weight reduction enabled a top speed exceeding 215 km/h in road trim, with race-prepped versions reaching approximately 240 km/h.

Aerodynamics played a pivotal role in the TZ’s performance. The car featured a truncated “Kammback” tail, a design influenced by Wunibald Kamm’s studies and tested concurrently by Zagato on Giulietta SZ prototypes. This innovative shape reduced drag while maintaining stability, making the TZ a benchmark in aerodynamic efficiency.

Racing Debut and Early Triumphs

The TZ made its competitive debut in November 1963 at the Tour de Corse. Although both cars entered retired due to an accident and a suspension failure, success came swiftly. On November 24, 1963, at the Autodromo di Monza during a race organized by FISA, the TZ claimed a resounding victory, taking the top four spots in the prototype category. Lorenzo Bandini, Giampiero Bussinello, Giancarlo Baghetti, and Consalvo Sanesi led the charge.

Following its homologation in the Sport 1600 category, the TZ became a dominant force in both European and North American competitions. Between 1963 and 1965, 112 examples were produced, cementing the TZ’s legacy as a versatile and formidable competitor on road and track.

Legacy and Evolution: The TZ Line and Beyond

The Alfa Romeo TZ holds a significant place in the history of motorsport, not only for its innovative design and competition success but also as a milestone in the evolution of Alfa Romeo’s racing ambitions. The project benefited from the expertise of Carlo Chiti, a brilliant engineer whose career included stints at Ferrari and A.T.S. before co-founding “Auto-Delta” in 1963 with Lodovico Chizzola. Auto-Delta, established in Udine near Gianni Chizzola’s Alfa Romeo dealership, acted as a front for Alfa Romeo’s semi-official racing activities, allowing the brand to re-enter the motorsport scene without making an overt corporate commitment.

Alfa Romeo TZ

By late 1965, Auto-Delta transitioned into Autodelta, Alfa Romeo’s official racing department, and relocated to Settimo Milanese. During this period, a total of 106 examples of the TZ were completed, although the original numbering scheme (750 001 to 750 108) included anomalies. For instance, chassis 750 101 was used for the Bertone-designed Alfa Romeo Canguro rather than a TZ, and some chassis, such as 750 000 (a spider prototype), remain controversial. Additionally, several cars were later modified into TZ2 specifications, including chassis 750 004, 750 072, and 750 079, following damage or repurposing.

Famous Chassis and Racing Success

The TZ enjoyed a decorated racing career. Notable examples include:

750 006, which competed at the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Biscaldi and Sala, and is immortalized in a famous photo exiting the Mulsanne curve.

750 011, victorious in its class at the 1965 Targa Florio, driven by Bussinello and Deserti.

750 015, piloted by Frenchman Jean Rolland to the French Gran Turismo Championship in 1964, continuing to compete until 1966.

750 025, driven by Lorenzo Bandini at the Coppa FISA in Monza.

The TZ2, TZ3 Corsa, and TZ3 Stradale

The TZ2, introduced in 1965, represented a more advanced iteration of the original TZ. With a sleeker fiberglass body and enhanced aerodynamics, the TZ2 was even lighter and faster, designed exclusively for racing.

Decades later, Zagato revived the TZ lineage with the TZ3 Corsa and TZ3 Stradale, paying homage to the original models. The TZ3 Corsa, unveiled in 2010, was a one-off racing car powered by an Alfa Romeo engine. The TZ3 Stradale followed, blending Italian design with American power in a road-legal car based on the Dodge Viper ACR platform.

A Collector’s Puzzle and Enduring Legacy

The TZ’s rich history is further complicated by issues of chassis identification and authenticity. Several chassis bear double numbers, while others are suspected replicas. Despite these mysteries, the TZ remains a prized collector’s item, symbolizing Alfa Romeo’s ingenuity and competitive spirit.

From the groundbreaking TZ1 to the futuristic TZ3, the Tubolare Zagato series encapsulates Alfa Romeo’s commitment to innovation, design, and performance—a legacy that continues to inspire the world of motorsport and beyond.

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