Black is undoubtedly the color most often worn to any elegant affair and Porsche->ke1 is taking full advantage of that fact with another special edition model dressed to impress in a sleek black exterior. Mimicking the Carrera Black Edition revealed just a few days ago, the Boxster->ke570 S model is taking its turn in the spotlight with the same package. However, unlike the Carrera, the Boxster S Black Edition will be limited to only 987 units with U.S. prices starting at $65,200. Sales will begin in March 2011.

The Black exterior carries the dark horse theme around to the model lettering at the rear, the roll-over bars, the rear side air intake grilles, and the twin tailpipe of the exhaust system. A set of black 19" Boxster Spyder wheels complete the aggressive exterior look.

The color also rolls in to the interior to mold itself onto the standard, three-spoke Sport Design steering wheel, the trim strips of the dashboard and of the gear shift lever or PDK selector, the dials on the instrument cluster, and the partial leather seats.

The color change won't be the only thing distinguishing this model as Porsche is providing three optional packages to further customize this special edition: "Comfort", "Infotainment", and "Design".

Hit the jump to read more about the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition.

2011 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition
  • Engine/Motor: flat-six
  • Horsepower: 320@7200
  • Torque: 272@4750
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Like with the Carrera Black Edition, the new Boxster S Black Edition is all about looking sinister and discrete at the same time: black rear side air intake grilles, black twin tailpipe of the exhaust system, black model lettering on the rear luggage compartment lid, and an embossed Black Edition model designation on the side of the fabric hood. The roll-over bars are painted in black, as well. Recently manufacturers have been adding matte color options to special edition models. Mercedes has a Knight edition of the SL-class that comes in matte grey or black and Mini just unveiled the Matte grey Cooper S. The matte paint job may just be a fad in the car industry, something akin to spinners, or these cars could become classics. Either way, when all you really change is the color and call it a special edition, we think matte colors provide for a more reasonable justification for the price bump.

Let's not forget about the new 19" lightweight wheels in the special ten-spoke design of the Boxster Spyder also painted in black.

Interior

As with the exterior, the interior is also all about black with a black Sport Design steering wheel with its double-spoke appeal, black trim strips of the dashboard and of shift lever or gear selector, black dials on the instrument cluster, and sports seats covered in black leather.

The list of standard equipment will include: wind deflector, anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, cruise control and a climate control system, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) that includes navigation module, universal audio interface and mobile phone preparation, Bi-Xenon lights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the adaptive sports seats with memory function are available as an option.

The Engine

The new Boxster S Black Edition is powered by a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection that delivers a total of 320 hp at 7,200 rpm and 272 lbs-ft at 4,750 rpm. With this output under the hood and equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Boxster S Black Edition will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Boxster S. It will be capable of hitting a top speed of 171.5 mph, 1.2 mph more than a standard Boxster S. All of this with a fuel economy of 28.82 mpg.

When equipped with the PDK transmission, the Boxster S Black can get from 0 to 60 mph a fraction quicker at 5.1 seconds, while top speed is top speed is cut back slightly ending your run at 170.3 mph.

Prices

The new Boxster S Black Edition will go on sale this March at a price of $65,200. It will be limited to only 987 units.

The Competition

The new Boxster S Black Edition costs about $28,000 and $15,000 more than its main competitors, the Nissan 370Z and the Audi TT S respectively, but we always have to pay a price for exclusivity so the Boxster Black Edition stands more than just a chance at beating out its rivals. Furthermore Porsche cars tend to hold their value very well, but the Boxster has been there best selling model and there are plenty used examples for sale on dealer lots. Being able to differentiate yourself from the crowd while driving it down the street today and then selling it further down the line could help make the difference with this special edition.

Priced from $37,520, the 370Z is powered by a 3.7 liter V6 engine with an output of 332 HP at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. This is a tough call to make considering the 370Z offers 12hp more than the Boxster at a much cheaper price. This is where the customer has to decide whether having a Porsche logo and a special edition are worth the extra $28,000.

The Audi TTS is powered by a 2-liter TFSI engine that delivers 272 hp and 258.15 lb-ft of torque from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. It is priced from $50,000. Clearly, the Boxster has the advantage in horsepower with 48 more ponies kicking under its hood. Add that to the fact that this Porsche is , well, a Porsche and a special edition, and the $15,000 price difference seems to be worth every penny. . If the Porsche logo is what you really care about than consider getting a Cayman in black and losing the special edition badge for better performance and equally good looks