[Press release issued by Porsche, June 4 2013]
Special edition celebrates 50 years of the Porsche 911
- Commemorative 50 Years Edition of the Porsche 911 coupé celebrates launch of the car in 1963
- Based on the 911 Carrera S, with rear-mounted, 400 hp flat-six engine
- Features exclusive wider body combined with two-wheel drive chassis
- Limited to 1,963 examples priced from £92,257, arriving in Porsche Centres September 2013
Porsche is celebrating a special anniversary of the 911 sports car at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September with a commemorative 50 Years Edition - half a century since the iconic coupé made its debut in the German city. Appropriately, the special model will be limited to 1,963 cars.
In 1963, Porsche presented the original model to the public. Since this first announcement - initially as the type 901 - the 911 has excited automotive fans across the globe. Porsche will unveil the limited edition model to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 911 at the IAA in Frankfurt, which opens its doors to the public on 12 September, 2013.
Like the first coupé, the 911 50 Years Edition combines a distinctive silhouette with a rear-mounted, flat-six engine and rear wheel drive. Yet its efficient performance, active sports suspension and exclusive body styling add contemporary appeal. Over seven successive generations, the Porsche 911 continues to resolve apparent contradictions - such as between tradition and innovation and performance and efficiency - and has become renowned as the quintessential benchmark sports car.
This special anniversary 911 is based on the 911 Carrera S, but is clothed in the wider body - 44 mm broader across the rear wheel arches - that is typically reserved for the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models. The unique exterior styling is combined with features that have contributed to the 50-year success story of the car. For example, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), with special tuning to complement the increased track width, adds to the exceptional cornering dynamics. The car also features a sports exhaust system for increased emotional character.
Powered by a 400 hp 3.8-litre flat-six engine, the 911 50 Years Edition sprints from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds (4.3 secs with PDK) and can reach a top speed of 186 mph (185 mph with PDK). The NEDC Combined fuel consumption is 29.7 mpg (32.5 mpg with PDK), which equates to CO2 emissions of 224 g/km (205 g/km with PDK).
Giving a clear indication to the rear-mounted location of the flat-six power plant are bespoke chrome strips on the fins of the engine compartment grille. These are complemented with special trims on the front air inlets, and in a strip across the car between the rear lights. A further contemporary interpretation of 911 leitmotifs are the unique five-spoke cast alloy wheels whose style has been inspired by the so-called 'Fuchs' wheels, a legendary rim that was in fact a Porsche design and first fitted to the 911 in 1966. The new 20-inch diameter wheels are finished in matt black paint with machine-polished centres.
Two unique colours are available for this anniversary 911; a darker Graphite Grey and a lighter Geyser Grey metallic. Black is also available. Each of the cars has a '911 50' badge finished in two-tone 3D-style on the rear lid, which is repeated in three-colour embroidery on the head restraints and as a two-colour logo on the rev counter and the aluminium door sill plates. It is also displayed on the passenger side fascia strip together with the limited edition number of the individual vehicle.
Other exterior characteristics of the special model are high-gloss window frames and SportDesign exterior mirrors. A technical highlight is the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), which adds a dynamic cornering function to the already standard-fit Bi-Xenon headlights.
Inside, there are further styling touches reminiscent of the original 911 such as green labelling on the instruments with white pointer needles and silver caps on the instrument pivot pins. Another special feature are the centre panels of the leather seats, which are designed with a fabric pattern that evokes the 'Pepita' tartan design from the 1960s. The leather interior can be specified in Agate Grey or Black with decorative stitching. Sports seats with 14-way adjustment are standard, with 18-way Sport Seats Plus available as an option. The gear shift or selector lever - which, like the decorative panels on the dashboard, doors and centre console, is trimmed in brushed aluminium - comes from the Porsche Exclusive custom tailoring programme.
The 911 50 Years Edition is available to order now from Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland, priced from £92,257. First right-hand drive deliveries will arrive in September.
In addition to the bespoke equipment of the anniversary model, standard equipment on the 911 Carrera S includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear limited slip differential, 4.6-inch colour touch-screen Porsche Communication Management with satellite navigation, automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity and a three year warranty.
Fitted to every 911 is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers are also able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
Note to Editors
For five decades, the 911 has been at the heart of the Porsche brand. Few other cars in the world can look back on such a long tradition and continuity as the Porsche 911. It has been inspiring car enthusiasts around the world since its debut as the model 901 at the IAA International Automotive Show, Frankfurt, in September 1963. Today it is considered by its many devoted fans as the quintessential sports car, the benchmark for all others. The 911 is also the central point of reference for all other Porsche series. Every Porsche is the most sporting automobile in its category, and each one carries a piece of the 911 philosophy.
Over 820,000 Porsche 911s have been built, making it the most successful sports car in the world. For each of its seven generations the engineers in Zuffenhausen and Weissach have reinvented it, time and time again demonstrating to the world the innovative power of Porsche. Like no other vehicle, the 911 reconciles apparent contradictions such as sportiness and everyday practicality, tradition and innovation, exclusivity and social acceptance, design and functionality.
In addition to its classic yet unique lines, the Porsche 911 has always been distinguished by its advanced technology. Many of the ideas and technologies that made their debut in the Porsche 911 were conceived on the race track. The 911 was committed to the performance principle from the start, and motor racing is its most important test lab. From the very beginning the car has been at home on circuits and rally stages all over the world, earning a reputation as a quick and dependable winner. In fact, two thirds of the 30,000 race victories achieved by Porsche to date have been recorded by the 911.
The 50 Years Edition is the latest in a line of special models celebrating 911 landmarks:
Celebration of the 250,000th 911
Based on the 'G-Series' 911 and introduced in 1987 to celebrate the quarter-millionth 911.Limited to 875 examples, and offered as a Coupé and Cabriolet. Painted in Diamond Blue metallic, with body-coloured Fuchs alloy wheels. 'Ferry Porsche' signature embroidered into the head restraints.
30 Years of 911
Based on the 'Type 964' 911 and introduced in 1993. Limited to 911 examples. Based on the Carrera 4 coupé, with the Turbo wide body, Turbo suspension and braking system and 17-inch alloy wheels. Painted in Viola metallic with a Rubicon Grey interior, and special titanium badging.
40 Years of 911
Based on the 'Type 996' and introduced in 2003. Limited to 1,963 examples. Features included an uprated 345 hp 3.6-litre flat-six engine, lowered sports suspension, limited slip differential, Turbo-style front radiator grilles with body colour intake grilles, polished 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights. Painted in GT Silver metallic with Dark Grey natural leather, and aluminium special badging.