The new generation of the Porsche 911 is in the final stages of development, but we still have some time before it dazzles its way to the motorshow catwalks. To keep the momentum rolling until its presentation later this year, Porsche decided to launch yet another limited run version of the current 911 called the Black Edition. This time, Porsche's new special is based on the entry-level 911 Carrera Coupe and Convertible models boasting a black theme inside and out, and adding numerous extras and features. Production will be limited to just 1,911 examples worldwide with sales to start around April.
Both Black Editions are painted in plain black as standard, with Basalt Black metallic available as an option, while the folding hood of the Cabriolet model is trimmed in black cloth. Other styling highlights include the 19-inch 911 Turbo II forged alloy wheels with a glossy black trim and the black-finished, four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed brake callipers.
Inside, the driver and passenger are first greeted by the black lettering on the stainless steel door entry guards. The cars also get a black leather interior, a SportDesign steering wheel and a numbered plaque on the glove compartment lid, while the decorative fascia strip, gear lever and air vents are all finished in aluminium-look paint. Finally, the rear center console is painted in the exterior color.
Standard features include a 385W BOSE Surround Sound-System with 13 loudspeakers (twelve in the Cabriolet), satellite navigation, ParkAssist, cruise control, automatic dimming anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.
Power for both body styles comes from the standard Carrera 3.6-liter flat-six cylinder engine, producing 345-horses at 6,500 rpm. Coupled with the six-speed gearbox, this output delivers a top speed of 289km/h (180 mph) in both body versions. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) comes in 4.9 seconds for the Coupe and 5.1 seconds for the Convertible.
Buyers can also opt for Porsche's PDK twin-clutch transmission, in which case, the Coupe accomplishes the sprint in 4.7 seconds and the Cabrio in 4.9 seconds. Those that want to dig further into their pockets can order the optional Sport Chrono Plus package that includes the "Launch Control" function, which shaves 0.2 seconds off the acceleration times of vehicles equipped with PDK.
In the U.S., the MSRP will be $81,300 for the Coupe and $91,300 for the Cabriolet, with Porsche claiming savings of around $6,000 over a similarly equipped 911 Carrera.
In the UK, the 911 Black Edition is priced from £67,270 for the Coupé and £74,958 for the Cabriolet – the same price as the standard 911 Carrera models.
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