The
Happy Anticipation of Legend
Porsche Unveils 50th Anniversary 911 Special
Edition
No matter how much of an expert you are, it's hard to know
when a car is going to become a legend.
If you could, automotive journalists would be gentlemen scriveners,
writing when the spirit moved them, parsing each paragraph like a Key West
sunset. But I've been doing this for
thirty years, and I don't know anyone like that. It is however, easy to tell when a car has
crossed over into legend. Look at the
picture above for example; just from your experience with Porsches over the
years and the little squiggle of asphalt up ahead, you can feel the road in
your hands and the seat of your pants, tingle with the joy you are about to
experience as this automotive legend marries you indelibly and forever to
this perfect moment… and the one after that, and the one…
This particular automotive legend was born at the 1963 Frankfurt Auto Show when Porsche first rolled out its 901 prototype, a sports car designed by the grandson of Porsche’s founder as a replacement for the 356 model. The car would eventually be renamed the 911 and go on to spawn seven separate generations. Now, five decades later, Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 911 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt with a special anniversary model based on the 911 Carrera S.
This particular automotive legend was born at the 1963 Frankfurt Auto Show when Porsche first rolled out its 901 prototype, a sports car designed by the grandson of Porsche’s founder as a replacement for the 356 model. The car would eventually be renamed the 911 and go on to spawn seven separate generations. Now, five decades later, Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 911 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt with a special anniversary model based on the 911 Carrera S.
Like the original 911, the 911 50th Anniversary Edition is a
coupe with a flat-six rear engine and rear wheel drive. Its efficient
performance, active sport suspension – and special body have current relevancy:
the anniversary 911 features the wide body, which is typically reserved for the
all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models. This special edition will be limited to 1963
cars, a number that represents the year of the 911 world premiere.
For the US market, the 911 50th Anniversary Edition will be
equipped as standard with a Powerkit, which increases engine performance to 430
hp and includes the Sport Chrono Package.
The 911 50th Anniversary Edition sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.2
seconds (3.8 with PDK) and can reach a top speed of 186 mph (185 with PDK). The
limited edition models will be available at Porsche dealers this fall and will
be priced from $124,100, not including a $950 destination charge.
Porsche will present the limited edition model in time for
the 50th anniversary of the 911 at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt, which opens
its gates to the public on September 12, 2013. In 1963, Porsche presented the
original model to the public at this leading international show for the
automotive industry. Since its first presentation – initially as the type 901 –
the sports car icon has excited automotive fans across the globe, and today it
is considered the reference for all other sports cars. Since making its debut
in 1963, the model series has progressively developed without interruption. In
the process, the unique character of the 911 was always preserved. The result
of this evolution over a 50-year period – which included countless race
victories as well – is a sports car that fully embodies the authenticity of the
Porsche brand. Its DNA is reflected in all Porsche models.
This limited edition of the 911 Carrera S includes features
that have contributed to the 50-year success story of the 911. For example, the
limited edition includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with
special tuning to complement its increased track width and to add support to
the exceptional cornering dynamics of the 911. The sport exhaust system outputs
a fitting emotional sound. Special 20-inch wheels are a visual tribute to the
legendary "Fuchs" wheels and are finished in matte black paint with
machine-polished centers. Chrome trim strips on the front air inlets, the fins
of the engine compartment grille and the panel between the rear lights
emphasize the distinctive appearance of this limited edition model. Another
technical highlight of the car's equipment is the Porsche Dynamic Light System
(PDLS) with bi-xenon headlights and dynamic cornering lights.
Two unique colors are available for the anniversary 911, a
darker graphite grey and a lighter geyser grey metallic. In addition black
monochrome is also available. Each of the cars has a two-tone 3D-effect badge
on the rear lid with the numbers "911 50". This is repeated in three
color embroidery on the headrest and in two colors as a logo on the tachometer
and the aluminum door sill plates. It can also be found on the cup holder panel
together with the limited edition number of the individual vehicle. Other
exterior characteristics of the special model are high-gloss window frames and
sport design exterior mirrors on the doors panels.
There are tributes to the original 911 in the interior as
well: green labeling on the instruments with white pointer needles and silver
caps on the instrument pivot pins, just like 50 years ago. Another special
feature is the center panels of the leather seats, which are designed with a
fabric pattern reminiscent of the "Pepita" tartan design from the
1960s. The full-leather interior is designed in agate grey or black with
decorative stitching, some in contrasting color. The driver and front passenger
experience typical 911 driving fun in 14-way sport seats or optional 18-way
sport seats plus. The gear shift or selector lever – which matches the
decorative panels on the dashboard, doors and center console in brushed
aluminum – comes from the Porsche Exclusive program.
The cars will be available in dealerships this fall, priced
from $125,050. With only 1,963 examples
being built for worldwide consumption, it takes no special gift of precognition
to know that he who hesitates will have lost his chance at a new legend in the
making.
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