Debuting this spring as a 2012 model, Porsche has announced the 911 Black Edition. This limited production 911 will see a total of 1.911 cars built, with about 573 cars earmarked for North America. The 911 Black Edition is based on the 911 Carrera, and is mechanically identical in every regard. Which means power comes from a 3.6L flat six delivering 345hp. Porsche claims a top speed of 180mph, and expect 0-60mph times in the mid-four second range. A six-speed manual is standard, and Porsche’s twin-clutch PDK is optional.
As the name suggests, this 911 is available in black only, but the buyer does have a choice of black-either the standard solid black, or optional Basalt Black Metallic. Other visual cues unique to the Black Edition are 911 Turbo II wheels, which showcase black brake calipers. Porsche sprinkled some minor interior changes, most notably black-faced gauges, which just looks right in a 911.
Apart from the cosmetic, Porsche added in some otherwise optional goodies in the Black Edition, most notably Bose surround sound stereo, XM Radio, and Navigation. In all, Porsche estimates by buying a Black Edition 911, you would be saving around $6,000 in a similarly equipped standard 911 Carrera. A 911 Black Edition coupe will cost $81,300USD in coupe form, and $91,300 as a Cabriolet.
Make no mistake, a 911 dressed in black sounds lovely, but this limited edition car leaves me scratching my head, and asking Porsche “What is the point?” When you hear about a limited edition 911, expectations run high. Think Speedster or Clubsport. You expect something special, be it from the appearance of the car, or performance tweaks. The Black Edition delivers none of that. Instead, Porsche is offering a black car with some minor cosmetic changes, some options bundled as standard equipment and a plaque on the glove box.  I have a difficult time believing 911 collectors will come beating down the doors of their Porsche dealer demanding an example in their garage by simple virtue of the fact the company is minting 1,911 examples. Porsche prides themselves on having an affluent, intelligent demographic, which makes it all the more confusing why they think their buyers would be fooled by the 911 Black Edition.
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