Porsche->ke1 is currently working its automotive fingers to the bone designing the future generation 911, but it seems as if they mustered just enough strength and time to bring out a special edition model to pacify the crowd until we all get to see the new 911 on the market. This new special edition is based on both the coupe and cabrio versions of the 911 Carrera->ke574 and will be limited to only 1,911 units. The U.S. will see prices ranging from $81,300 to $85,320 for the Coupe and $91,300 to $95,320 for the Cabriolet. Sales will begin in April 2011.

As its name suggests, the Carrera Black Edition comes painted in black, plain as standard or basalt black metallic as an option. This blackout continues for the convertible's top and for the interiors of both versions. This special edition is based on a standard Carrera, with 345 HP under the bonnet and will be offered with the same technical special equipment options that are offered on the Carrera models.

Hit the jump to read more about the Porsche Carrera Black Edition.

2012 Porsche Carrera Black Edition

Specifications
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  • Model: 2012 Porsche Carrera Black Edition
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Porsche Carrera Black Edition will be distinguished by a black exterior combined with 19 inch 911 Turbo II bi-color wheels and gray top-tint in the windscreen. There is a "Black Edition" logo on the stainless steel door entry guards that will also identify this unique edition.

Interior

The interior will also be defined by a black theme: high-quality partial leather seats, a sports design steering wheel, black instrument cluster, and aluminum insertions on the decorative moulding on the dashboard, gear lever, or selector and air vents.

The list of equipment will include a BOSE Surround Sound-System, fitted as standard, Porsche Communication Management (PCM), GPS navigation module, parking assistant, cruise control, automatic anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors and a rain sensor.

The Engine

Like with a standard Carrera, the Black Edition is powered by a flat-six cylinder engine, producing 345 HP at 6,500 rpm. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, this engine will sprint the Coupe version from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and the Cabrio in 5.1 seconds, while top speed goes up to an impressive 180 MPH. Upon request, customers can also get Porsche's new 7-speed PDK gearbox that will improve the sprint time by 0.2 seconds.

Porsche is also offering a Sport Chrono Plus package, available as an option. 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 another 0.2 seconds off the acceleration times of vehicles equipped with the PDK.

Stopping power will come from four piston monobloc fixed calipers, front and rear with the disc internally vented and cross-drilled. The front axle will feature a McPherson strut suspension, while the rear axle will get the LSA Multi-link suspension.

Prices

The new Carrera Black Edition goes on sale in April 2011 with prices starting at $81,300 to $85,320 for the Coupe and $91,300 to $95,320 for the Cabriolet. It will be limited to only 1,911 units with only 30% of those coming stateside.

If you think that the price for this special edition Porsche Carrera is way off base then consider this: a similarly equipped standard 911 Carrera would cost up to $7,500 more. Price tag doesn't sound so silly anymore, huh?

Model

Transmission

Price

Coupe

6-speed manual

$81,300

Coupe

7-speed PDK

$85,620

Cabriolet

6-speed manual

$91,300

Cabriolet

7-speed PDK

$95,620


The Competition

The list of competitors includes the latest Mercedes SLK Roadster and the BMW 6-Series.

The SLK350 is powered by a 3.5 liter direct injected engine that delivers a total of 302 HP. The SLK350 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while top speed will be limited to 155 mph

The BMW 650i Convertible is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine that delivers 400 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm with 450 lb/ft of peak torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. The 650i Convertible is capable of a 0-60 mph time of just under five seconds – 4.9 seconds – with a top speed that’s electronically limited to 155 mph.