The Porsche 911 Black Edition (2011)

The Porsche 911 Black Editions offer the core 911 principles of distinctive design with inner strength; with a high level of specification that emphasises the iconic styling of the car and enhances the interior, while retaining the authentic sporting character of the driving experience.

Available in just 1,911 examples worldwide, the Porsche 911 Black Edition is painted in plain black as standard, with Basalt Black metallic available as an option. The electric-folding hood of the Cabriolet model is trimmed in black cloth. Exterior highlights are provided by the 19-inch 911 Turbo II forged alloy wheels, the glossy metallic appearance of which perfectly complements the discreet elegance of these 911 models. In addition, the wheel rims provide an unobstructed view of the brake discs which are naturally paired with black-finished, four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed callipers.

Black lettering on the stainless steel door entry guards identifies each 'Black Edition', and provides a first hint of the high-quality interior design with its focus on pure sports car values. Inside, the colour theme of the exterior continues with a black leather interior, and facing the driver is a thick-rimmed SportDesign steering wheel. The instrument cluster naturally remains in black. On the glove compartment lid, a badge testifies to the limited production run of the Porsche 911 Black Edition. By way of contrast, the decorative fascia strip, gear lever and air vents are finished in aluminium-look paint. The rear centre console is painted in the exterior colour.

Together with the characteristic exhaust note of the flat-six 3.6-litre engine, a further acoustic highlight of the Porsche 911 Black Edition is the BOSE Surround Sound-System that is fitted as standard. This was specially coordinated with the interior of the Porsche 911 Carrera and comprises 13 loudspeakers (twelve in the Cabriolet) including an active subwoofer and central speaker as well as a seven channel digital amplifier. Combined, this delivers a total output of 385 W for an immersive sound experience.

Also standard on the Porsche 911 Black Edition models is satellite navigation, and a universal audio interface in the central console storage compartment that enables an MP3 player to be connected to the audio. Every Porsche 911 Black Edition also features rear ParkAssist, cruise control, automatic dimming anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

The technology of the Porsche 911 Black Edition conforms to the Carrera standard: Under the rear lid is to be found the typical Carrera flat-six cylinder engine, producing 345 hp (245 kW) at 6,500 rpm from 3,614cc. Coupled with the six-speed gearbox, this output delivers a top speed of 180 mph (289 km/h) in both body versions. At its maximum acceleration, the Coupe reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, the Cabriolet in 5.1 seconds. Combined with such impressive performance figures are remarkably moderate running costs; the 911 Black Series Coupe, for example, returns 27.4mpg Combined (NEDC).

The Porsche 911 Black Edition enjoys the same technical special equipment options that are offered for all Carrera models. First and foremost is the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox. A Porsche 911 Carrera with PDK turns in record performances thanks to the seven ratios and quick gear changes achieved with no interruption to the power flow. On the one hand fuel consumption: at 29.4 mpg (9.6 l/100 km) and 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100 km) for the closed and open-top Porsche 911 respectively, the Carreras dip under the 10 l/100km threshold. On the other hand dynamics: with PDK, the Coupe accomplishes the sprint in only 4.7 seconds, the Cabrio in 4.9 seconds. Responsiveness can also be further enhanced by the optional Sport Chrono Plus package. It features the additional "Launch Control" function for the fastest possible acceleration from a standing start allied with a gearshift strategy for extremely sporty driving that enables very fast gearshifts. Launch Control shaves a further 0.2 seconds off the acceleration times of vehicles equipped with PDK.

The sportiness and comfort of the Porsche 911 Black Edition can be enhanced further if so desired. For example, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and as an additional option for the Coupe, the PASM with sports chassis lowered by 20 millimetres and mechanical rear limited slip differential. To further optimise braking performance, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) are also available at extra cost.

The Porsche 911 Black Edition goes on sale in the UK and Ireland from April 2011 and is priced from £67,270 for the Coupe and £74,958 for the Cabriolet - the same price as the standard Porsche 911 Carrera models.

Included in the purchase price is the invitation for customers to explore the dynamic attributes of their Porsche 911 and develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.