What's all this about?

This is a big, 911-shaped birthday present for the Porsche Design agency, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Inspired by Porsche Design’s Chronograph I watch, it’s a tweaked version of the 911 Targa GTS. Just 750 examples of the succinctly named Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design will be made worldwide.

What's changed?

Porsche has fitted some subtle design tweaks that evoke the old Chronograph I watch, including the black paintwork and the red second hand on the Porsche Design clock in the centre of the dash. The car also comes with checked ‘Sport-Tex’ seat centre panels and a red second hand on the central Porsche Design clock.

Otherwise, it’s essentially the same as the Targa GTS on which it is based. That means the car comes with 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rears, as well as black bumper trim, black side skirts and a black Targa roll hoop. The Edition 50Y Porsche Design will also come with the Sport Chrono package, offering driving modes and the Porsche Track Precision app.

What about power?

The engine’s lifted straight from the 'normal' Targa GTS, so the newbie has a 3.0-litre flat-six engine producing 480hp. That’s enough to get the ‘PDK’ automatic version from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, while the optional seven-speed manual transmission extends that to 4.3 seconds. Both gearboxes allow a top speed of 191mph.

Few Edition 50Y Porsche Design buyers will worry about fuel consumption, but the manual is marginally more economical than the automatic. Both, though, manage just over 25mpg on the official economy test.

So how much does all this cost?

Ah, yes. This is the sticking point. A 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design will set you back a massive £144,360. That’s about £17,500 more than a ‘standard’ Targa 4 GTS, which is a hefty premium when there’s no extra performance. But the special edition is at least exclusive, and customers won’t have to wait too long to get their car; the first examples will be delivered in April.

I was hoping for something 50 years old…

In which case you’re in luck. On two fronts. For starters, Porsche is showing off a one-off, fully restored 911 Targa to sit alongside the Edition 50Y Porsche Design. Originally a tatty old Targa, the car has been completely rejuvenated and upgraded to S specification with modifications to the chassis and engine.

Like the modern 911, it comes with black paintwork, but Porsche has added platinum trim to the side stickers and the roll hoop. Sadly, the Targa S 2.4 won’t be available to buy, but it sits alongside the Edition 50Y Porsche Design as a tribute to the design school established by Ferdinand Porsche’s grandson.

If you buy an Edition 50Y Porsche Design, however, you will be allowed to purchase a watch to go with it. The new edition of the Chronograph I timepiece is called the Chronograph I ‘911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design’, and it comes with a red second hand and a tachymeter in the bezel that reflects the car’s speedometer.

James Fossdyke - 18 Jan 2022