Porsche celebrates Le Mans with endurance edition

Whatever happens in La Sarthe, Porsche has a unique claim to such special-edition nomenclature – it has after all won Le Mans 17 times already and the 911 is the bedrock of the firm’s astonishing 30,000 overall race victories.

So an Endurance Racing Edition is an obvious addition to the 911 range. But what do you get for your £107,216? In Porsche’s words, the limited-edition model is “a celebration of motorsport-inspired design and race track-oriented chassis dynamics combined with a high degree of personalisation”.

The base car is the latest 911 Carrera S with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre flat six developing 420hp; acceleration is quoted as 0-62mph in 3.9sec (in optional PDK form) with a top speed of 191mph. Not quite enough to keep up with Mark Webber and the 919 Hybrid at Le Mans perhaps, but not bad all the same – especially with this 911’s new-found turbo efficiency giving a combined fuel figure of 36.7mpg. 

The Endurance model comes as standard with both Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control and the brand’s active suspension management (PASM) system, complete with sports chassis and 20mm lower ride height. Responsiveness is heightened by the rear-steering axle from the RS and GT3 models. Sport Chrono package, sports exhaust, 20-inch gloss black alloys and sports steering wheel (with red 12 o’clock mark) are all on a long list of standard features. A seven-speed manual ‘box is fitted, the PDK double-clutch auto an option.

And, yes, you should be able to tell it easily from a standard Carrera S.  There are only three colours – white, Guards Red and black –  the interior is finished in black leather with red seat belts, and there are decals, logos, new carbon trim pieces and gloss black mirrors. Plus a special Endurance Racing Edition car cover for when you are not endurance racing it…

The car is the work of Porsche Exclusive which began its official customisations with the 911 Turbo Flatnose and has in the 31 years since, been responsible for a variety of lightweight models, Speedsters and special equipment cars, many of which have become instant hits.

How will this 911 fare in years to come? Decide that for yourself at the Festival of Speed when the Endurance Racing Edition 911 will have its dynamic debut and be on show for close up inspection.