The current Porsche 911 isn’t dead yet – this is the run-out Black Edition special. Just 1911 examples will ever be built, and it’s loaded with extras to keep 911 sales ticking over until the all-new version is unveiled later this year.
So what’s special about the Porsche 911 Black Edition?
Unlike the Carrera GTS, which is the most focussed (and brilliant) 911 this side of a Porsche Motorsport product, the Black Edition is based on the entry level Carrera. That means a 3.6-litre flat six with 340bhp. But on top of that the Black Edition boasts non-metallic black paint (metallic Basalt Black is an option) and 19in 911 Turbo II forged alloys. And if you opt for a 911 Cabriolet, the fabric hood is black cloth.
On the inside there is black ‘Black Edition’ lettering on the stainless steel kick plates, black leather, a SportDesign steering wheel, an upgraded Bose stereo system, sat-nav, cruise, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and contrasting aluminium-look paint on the fascia trip, gear level and air vents. A badge on the glovebox also lets you know the production number of your car.
What do all these extras cost you? Nothing, as the £67,270 911 coupe and £74,958 Cabriolet cost exactly the same as the standard 911 Carrera and Cabriolet models. UK sales of the Porsche 911 Black Edition start in April 2011.