DCAWD.com

If you love German sports cars and hate the stress of choosing a color, the 2012 Porsche 911 Black Edition is going to be the car of your dreams. The brand new Porsche 911 is set to debut later this year, but here at the Geneva Auto Show the German automaker is stoking interest in the current 911 (known internally as the 997) with a limited-edition version that comes with a choice of two colors: standard black, or optional “Basalt Black Metallic.”
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Like Henry Ford’s Model T, brighter hues are strictly verboten on this Porsche.

Auf Wiedersehen 997

We know that Porsche isn’t going to allow any special-edition 911 to slip out the factory gates equipped only with a swank paint job. Black Edition badges are affixed to the door sills and sprinkled throughout the interior. Unfortunately, Porsche opted to use faux aluminum in the cabin rather than shell out the few extra euros to fit real metal or, even better, a smattering of carbon fiber onto the dash.

2012 Porsche 911 Black Edition

Believe it or not, there is an element of value to the 911 Black Edition. Pricey options—like a Bose audio system, satellite navigation and 19-inch Turbo II alloy wheels—are included in the $82,250 base price of the coupe. The Black Edition cabriolet costs slightly more at $92,250. The engine and rear-wheel-drive-only layout is the same as what you’ll find in the base 911.

However, we’re not complaining about the performance or sound of the 345-bhp 3.6-liter flat-6, coupled with Porsche’s sublime 6-speed manual transmission. A PDK dual-clutch transmission is optional. According to Porsche’s routinely conservative performance estimates, the 911 Black Edition will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. Top speed is 180 mph with the manual transmission (slightly less with the PDK).

Porsche plans on building only 1911 Black Editions before the new 911 arrives. We can overlook that slightly cutesy build number, especially considering the performance punch of this final 997. The 911 Black Edition offers one of the purest sports car driving experiences in the world—not to mention decent value if you’ve ever stared in shock at a Porsche option sheet.

PGT wrote:there's a performance package which ups HP to 415 I think. Well worth the $15k option price...

complacent wrote:

PGT wrote:there's a performance package which ups HP to 415 I think. Well worth the $15k option price...

whoa, nice.

Engine upgrade to 408 hp. Comprised of modified cylinder heads, carbon-fiber air filter casing (upper part), new variable double resonance intake manifold, sports exhaust system featuring specially designed twin dual-tube tailpipes and modified engine management. NOTE: Also available in conjunction with PDK.

drwrx wrote:Base price $82,250 + $16,900 PowerKit = $99,150.

Nissan GT-R Base Price $89,900.

Just throwing it out there.
Which would you rather have?