While we are waiting for the debut of the facelifted 992 range, Porsche France unveiled a special edition of the current 911 to honor the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The model is based on the 911 Carrera GTS with various Le Mans-inspired styling touches and will be produced in a limited number of 72 units, exclusively reserved for the French market.
The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition features unique details inspired by two Le Mans winners – the classic 356 SL which earned a class win in 1951, and the exotic 911 GT1 overall winner of the 1998 race with two French drivers behind the wheel.
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The special edition was penned by Grant Larsson, who is the Director of Special Projects in the Porsche Style department and the man behind the original Boxster. The project started back in 2020, resulting in 25 special components.
The Le Mans Silver exterior shade was developed with the help of Rod Emory who is the owner of the 356 SL. The 46 number on the doors and the Graphite Blue leather interior trim tastefully combined with velour inserts on the seats were also inspired by the 1951 racer. On the other hand, the vented side quarter panels, the Aurum-painted alloy wheels, and the red seatbelts are references to the more recent 911 GT1.
The hand-milled badge on the engine cover under the “Born in Le Mans. Manufactured in Zuffenhausen” lettering, and the 3D-printed badge next to the B-pillar featuring the layout of the La Sarthe circuit will make sure that everyone knows this is not your typical 911.
The circuit is also embossed on the central armrest, combined with 24h Le Mans lettering embossed on the headrests, and “911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition” markings on the scuff plates and on the dashboard. Finally, owners will get a specific key, interior cover, and a personalized book with photos from the production process in the Zuffenhausen factory and at the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur workshops.
There are no mechanical changes, which means that the twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat six produces 473 hp (353 kW / 480 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via either a 7-speed manual or an 8-speed PDK transmission. The model also inherits the sportier chassis setup of the Carrera GTS.
The 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition is already available to order at a price of €237,819 ($259,670), but only if you live in France. This represents a significant premium of €79,104 ($86,407) compared to the standard Carrera GTS which is listed for €158,715 ($173,297) in the same market. The difference is justified by the generous kit and the limited production run of 72 units. The latter is a tribute to Porsche’s 72 years of continuous presence in the fabled race during which it gathered 19 overall wins and 110 class wins.
