The iconic Porsche 911 turns 50 this year and the automaker has just announced that it will commemorate the historic occasion with a special limited-run variant. Set to make its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Auto show this September — site of the car’s original introduction a half century ago — the 2013 Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Edition will be based on a 911 Carrera S Coupe. Beyond cosmetic and functional upgrades, the car will have its worldwide production numbers held to 1,963 units.
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Beyond offering a choice of two unique colors — darker graphite grey and lighter geyser grey metallic – as well a black monochrome finish, each will be fitted with the distinctive “wide body” panels normally reserved for Carrera 4 models. Other exterior enhancements include: the Porsche Dynamic Light System that brings bi-xenon headlights and dynamic cornering lights; unique 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels finished in matte black with polished centers that pay visual homage to the Fuchs wheels fitted on the first 911s; tasteful chrome accenting on the front air inlets, engine compartment grille and between the rear lights; high-gloss window frames; sport-design exterior mirrors; plus a two-tone/3D-effect “911 50” badge on the decklid.
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The focused look-back program on the 50th Anniversary Edition also extends to its cabin, where the main gauge cluster graphics reprise the original 911’s: a basic green-on-black motif with white pointer needles and silver center caps on the instrument pivot pins. Trimmed in agate grey or black with contrast stitching, the standard 14-way or optional 18-way leather-covered power sport seats/sport seats plus have cloth center panel inserts that mimic the classic ’60s-era Pepita plaid design. Rounding out the mix are brushed aluminum accent panels on the dash, doors and center console culled from the Porsche Exclusive program.
To endow the 50th Anniversary Edition 911 with an extra measure of 21st century performance, all U.S. cars will come with the supplemental Powerkit that ups pony count from 400 to 430 and also includes the trick Sport Chrono Package. Those enhancements allow it to make the 0-60 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds with the standard 7-speed manual transmission or 3.8 ticks with the optional 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic — choices that also raise the top speeds to 186 or 185 mph, respectively. On the handling front, 50th Anniversary Edition cars match wider track dimensions with a specially tuned version of the Porsche Active Suspension Management system. For a final measure of added aural excitement, there’s a throatier sounding sport exhaust.
The Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Edition arrives at Porsche dealers this fall. Pricing will start at $125,050.
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