French Porsche has revealed the exclusive 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition, which pays tribute to 100 years of the 24 Heures du Mans.
Porsche will produce 72 examples – one for each year it has participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each will cost €237,819 (~$391,800) including tax, and will be for French buyers only.
The special edition features unique design elements inspired by the Porsche 365 SL and 911 GT1, both of which played a large role in Porsche’s history at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Born in Le Mans. Manufactured in Zuffenhausen*.
Depuis 100 ans, les @24hoursoflemans nous food. Aujourd’hui, nous rendons hommage à la plus belle course avec une creation exclusive : la 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition. pic.twitter.com/PgAMUkJEyT— Porsche France (@Porsche_France) June 29, 2023
The model is based on the 911 Carrera GTS (packing 353kW), which offers either a seven-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed PDK.
“We are very pleased to present today this model 100 percent exclusively for the French market,” said Marc Meurer, president of Porsche France.
“The 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition is the result of the shared knowledge and passion between our Porsche France team and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.”
The model has been in production since 2020 and is a collaboration between Grant Lasson (who designed the first Boxster), the Porsche France product team, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (which organizes the 24 Hours of Le Mans).
“The history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is closely linked to Porsche. A prestigious brand, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year,” said Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
“This limited series dedicated exclusively to France is an extraordinary tribute to the world’s greatest endurance race.”
“Thank you to Porsche for continuing to make all car enthusiasts dream and for its commitment to durability.”
The special edition features 25 unique elements including a hand-milled badge on the rear grille, as well as a custom badge with the Circuit de la Sarthe decorated in blue, white and red.
Unique Sport Design side skirts, and Graphite Blue leather GT-sport steering wheel with 12 o’clock markings are also included.
The Porsche color studio, together with the owner of the 1951 365 SL, created the Le Mans Silver color that completes the exterior.
According to the brand, the color has been modernized to create a unique gray that pays homage to motorsport in the 1950s.
The Aurum wheels, unique quarter panel and red belt were inspired by the 911 GT1, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998 with two French drivers at the wheel.
The vehicle wears the exterior number 46 from the 1951 race winning Porsche 365 SL.
Inside, it has Graphite Blue leather upholstery throughout. Porsche has embossed the 24 Hours of Le Mans logo on the headrest and the Circuit de la Sarthe on the top of the center console.
Porsche also uses decorative inserts from the 2023 Carrera behind the wheel as well.
Each customer who purchases this special edition model will also receive a specific key case, special interior leather and a personalized photo book showing their vehicle at the factory and in the Exclusive Manufacture workshop.
Porsche has set 14 records at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1951, and has 19 overall wins and 110 class wins during its involvement in the race.
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