Lee Sibley By Lee Sibley 2 years ago

'Edition 50 Years Porsche Design 911' revealed

A new, limited-numbers 992 Targa celebrates 50 years of Porsche Design. Here's nine facts you need to know about the model…

1) This isn't one of the three remaining 'Heritage' cars by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
It's important to distinguish this from the start, as we're still awaiting three more of the four 'Heritage' models Porsche's Exclusive department promised us by 2023. The first such car was the 992 Targa Heritage Design Edition, and although this new model is also a Targa, Porsche has stressed this is an altogether different prospect. We can expect the second of those specially crafted 'Heritage' cars to arrive soon.

2) Just 750 units will be made
That's across worldwide markets, with first deliveries beginning in April this year.

3) It's based on a 992 Targa 4 GTS
That means it features the same, 480HP twin-turbocharged flat six engine as the 992 Carrera GTS, alongside SportDesign front and rear PUs which 9WERKS thinks is far prettier than the stock PUs offered across the 992 Carrera range. Active AWD is compulsory on all Targas. 

4) It's £18k more than a comparable Targa 4 GTS
That's right, with a base price of £144,360, it's a solid £18,000 up on the 992 Targa 4 GTS on which it is based. Wether that 13% hike in price is justified by the unique spec and limited numbers aspect of the 'Edition 50 Years Porsche Design 911' is entirely your call.

5) Its overall look pays homage to F.A. Porsche's iconic 'Chronograph I'
Inspired by F.A. Porsche's Chronograph I timepiece, this new 992 Targa is finished in black, with satin platinum 'PORSCHE DESIGN' side decals. There's also a unique anniversary badge on the decklid featuring Porsche's signature.
Inside, the Sport Chrono Pack clock is from Porsche Design, while the black seats have Sport-Tex centre panels.

6) An 8-speed PDK gearbox is standard spec…
…but don't worry, Porsche purists! A seven-speed manual is available as a no-cost option, as per the rest of the 992 Carrera line-up. PDK-equipped versions of this special-edition 992 will dash from a standstill to 62mph in 3.5 seconds, before powering on to a top speed of 191mph – the same as an equivalent 992 Targa 4 GTS.

7) Porsche Classic has restored a matching 1972 Targa
To mark the golden jubilee of Porsche Design, Porsche Classic has also got in on the action, restoring a 2.4-litre, F-series 911 from 1972, the year F.A. Porsche's design company was founded. Originally a 2.4-litre 'T', the classic has been upgraded to 'S'-spec with 190hp and mechanical fuel injection. Finished to match its new 992 twin, the 2.4S Targa's roll bar has been lasered in a Platinum satin finish – a new interpretation of the brushed stainless steel of the original classic model.

8) You can also buy a matching watch from Porsche Design
Porsche says "Owners of the 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design can also purchase a special version of a new edition of the legendary Chronograph I timepiece by Porsche Design". All-black in design to honour the original, the timepiece – which is Swiss made – is also co-ordinated to the special edition 992's aesthetic, with a red second hand matching that found on the Targa's Sport Chrono Pack clock. 

9) Check out the '50 years of Porsche Design' exhibition at the Porsche Museum
If you're stopping by Porscheplatz anytime soon, we recommend taking a look at the special '50 years of Porsche Design' exhibition, It runs until 11 July 2022. The exhibition will chiefly focus on the life of F.A. "Butzi" Porsche, who of course is the creator of the 911 itself, as well as the Porsche Design fashion brand. A collection of Butzi's iconic PD products and personal cars, will be on display.