24h Le Mans
Porsche has unveiled a special edition of the legendary 911: the 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition. This exclusive car pays tribute to the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and celebrates the German marque's glorious history at the iconic French circuit.
Two Le Mans-winning cars – the Porsche 356 SL and the 911 GT1 of 1998 – provide the inspiration for the 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition. A reinterpretation of their design elements has resulted in this modern sports car. The Edition model is available exclusively on the French market. “The 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition is the fruit of the expertise and shared passion of our teams at Porsche France, Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur,” said Marc Meurer, Managing Director of Porsche France.
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) was an important partner in the production of this special edition. “The history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is intimately linked with that of Porsche, a prestigious brand that is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year,” said ACO President Pierre Fillon. “This market edition is a fantastic tribute to the greatest endurance race in the world. We would like to thank Porsche for its commitment to endurance racing and for continuing to give car enthusiasts something to dream about.”
Technically, the 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition is based on the 911 Carrera GTS. It is powered by a 353 kW (480 hp) six-cylinder engine. Customers will have the choice of a seven-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed PDK (Porsche double clutch) gearbox. Many design details have been developed specifically for this 911. In the cockpit, the Le Mans racetrack embossed on the centre armrest, the “24h Le Mans” logo on the headrests and the model lettering on the door sill trims are stylish tributes to the French endurance classic. Seventy-two examples of the car are available.
The Edition model is in the Silver Metallic (7SD) colour of the 1951 356 SL, Porsche’s first 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner. It also proudly bears the car’s number 46. The wheel rims are painted in Aurum like the 1998 911 GT1. The rear side windows have a decorative black film to create a visual impression of air louvres like those on the winning car. In addition, the red seat belts are reminiscent of the 911 GT1 ’98.
The German manufacturer has maintained strong links with the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1951, winning the race outright a record 19 times, and chalking up an impressive 110 class victories.
You can see the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition in detail in the photo galley below.
