2022 – 2023 Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design (992.1) – Reviews, Pricing, Specs & Buyers Guide
Introduction & Positioning
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Porsche Design (founded in 1972 by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche), Porsche created a special-edition model for the 992 (992.1) series: the 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design. The aim was to combine heritage styling cues, limited production exclusivity and modern 911 performance. The result: a car that stands out not for radically altered mechanicals, but for bespoke finishes, purposeful design references and collector appeal.
Based on the 911 Targa 4 GTS platform, the Edition 50 Years model limited global output (750 units) and fused the Targa’s open-top, sweeping roofline with Porsche Design’s signature black platinum aesthetic, special badging, interior trim and exclusive watch tie-in. It represents a “design-first” 911, tailored more for discerning enthusiasts than radical performance gains—but only because the underlying 992 Targa 4 GTS is already very capable.
Story & Heritage
Porsche Design was founded in 1972, and its first product — the Chronograph I wristwatch — pioneered the all-black instrument aesthetic. To mark 50 years of “Design from Porsche,” Porsche unveiled the Edition 50 Years model on 18 January 2022.
The special edition draws from the Chronograph I: black finishes, platinum accents, check-pattern seat centres, and exclusive “Porsche Design 50 Years” badging. All cars were finished in black paint (Jet Black or Black) with Satin Platinum trim, and featured centre-lock wheels (20/21), door decals reading “PORSCHE DESIGN,” and other references.
Production count: 750 units globally. (Some sources cite 750; classical market data show model years 2022–2023. Additionally, buyers of the car had the opportunity (or requirement) to purchase the matching Porsche Design watch edition (Chronograph) with the same number/limited run. Notes mention the “vehicle is based on the Targa 4 GTS” in press materials. This edition sits within a series of “Heritage/Design” 911s (e.g., Heritage Design Targa 4S, Sport Classic) that emphasise unique styling, exclusive builds and collectibility, rather than radical mechanical differentiation.
Mechanical Basis & Specs
Because it is based on the 911 Targa 4 GTS (992.1), the Edition 50 Years shares the same core hardware:
- Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six (in the 4 GTS platform) producing about 473–480 hp (metric PS) depending on region; torque ~420 lb-ft region-dependent. (Whilst the detailed numbers for this edition alone are less widely published, the platform specs apply.)
- Driveline: All-wheel drive (PTM), standard Sport Chrono package, Targa roof mechanism.
- Unique styling/trim: Black paint, Satin Platinum Targa bar, special door decal “PORSCHE DESIGN,” centre-lock wheels from Turbo S, check-pattern seat inserts, special watch tie-in.
- “Based on Targa 4 GTS” references imply the car retains Targa 4 GTS suspension, tyres and chassis. From Stuttcars: “The 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design … based on the Targa 4 GTS and will come exclusively in black with Satin Platinum accents.”
- Pricing: At launch ~€185,606 in Europe per one report.
Because the mechanical spec is the same as the Targa 4 GTS, performance is strong—though Porsche did not claim extra horsepower for this edition. According to some market sources: “average price ~ US$215k” for used models.
Design & Details
Exterior Highlights:
- Paint: Uni-Black (or optionally Jet Black Metallic) with platinum accents.
- Targa bar: Satin-Platinum finish.
- Wheels: Centre-lock 20″ front / 21″ rear (same design as 911 Turbo S) with platinum finish hub covers.
- Door decals: “PORSCHE DESIGN” graphic strip along the lower doors in platinum.
- Special badging: “50 Years Porsche Design” badge on rear engine-lid grille; model-specific detailing.
Interior Highlights:
- Seat inserts: Check-pattern (houndstooth) “Sport-Tex” panels as heritage cue.
- Trim: Two-tone leather combinations (Black/Cool Grey, etc), slate-grey stitching, and exclusive badging.
- Instruments: Green-backlit subsecond clock (from the Sport Chrono Package) with red second hand as direct nod to the original Chronograph I watch.
- Special extras: Door-sill plates, centre console plaque, and the matching watch tie-in strengthen the exclusivity.
The design narrative emphasises “design heritage meets modern performance.” Reviewers highlight the aesthetic depth: for example, an auto review noted “plain Black exterior, classic checked pattern of seat centres, red second hand of the Porsche Design Subsecond clock.”
Reception & Reviews
- MotorTrend (2022) headlined: “2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design — Special-Edition 911 With An Awkward Name.” They noted the car is “based on the Targa 4 GTS,” emphasised the design intention and limited run, and pointed out the premium pricing relative to the standard Targa.
- Collector market / Classic.com data: Market benchmark shows average sale price around US $215,271.
- Enthusiast commentary emphasises that while performance is not radically upgraded, the car’s heritage styling, exclusivity and tie-in with Porsche Design make it compelling. Some caution that value depends on spec, condition and completeness (e.g., watch, documentation).
Positive themes:
- Stylish execution of heritage cues.
- Strong base platform (Targa 4 GTS) gives performance, usability and 911 character.
- Limited edition status appeals to collectors.
Critical themes:
- Premium price over the “regular” Targa 4 GTS.
- Some potential buyers may prefer more performance than styling variation alone.
- Targa body (versus Coupé) may have slightly more roof noise / less stiff body than a dedicated sport body, which some reviews of the Targa line mention.
Model-Year Updates & Details
- 2022: Model year launch of Edition 50 Years Porsche Design on the 992 platform. Announced on Jan 18, 2022. Limited to 750 units globally per Porsche press release.
- 2023: Production continued under 992.1 (the first generation of the 992) until sell-out; mechanical spec remains unchanged from the 2022 version. Some markets may still offer leftover units or build-out. According to classic market data the edition spans “2022 to 2023” model years.
- No major mechanical upgrades unique to this edition (unlike some special editions that raise horsepower or tweak chassis). The primary difference is styling/exclusivity.
- Because the 992.2 generation began arriving later, this edition will remain part of the “992.1” timeframe, which is typically regarded as the “first phase” of the 992 line. That adds another layer of appeal for collectors who prefer first-phase versions.
Ownership & What to Consider
Buying Tips
- Check that the car is a true Edition 50 Years model: verify build sheet, serial number (out of 750), watch tie-in documentation, unique badge.
- Confirm transmission, options and region: Some markets may have slight variation; make sure the exact spec matches the limited-edition criteria.
- Condition and option completeness matter: original watch, documentation, wheels/finishes, graphics all influence value.
- Because the underlying 911 is a Targa 4 GTS, verify the roof mechanism, seals, clear operation of drive system, and that any optional upgrades (e.g., ceramic brakes) are present and service history is clean.
- Consider how you’ll use the car: Targa roof, exclusive styling and the premium price mean this may be more of a collector’s piece or high-end daily rather than pure track weapon.
- Market value: As of mid-2025, benchmark for the edition ~US $215k; top sale ~US $246k (as per classic.com).
- Long‐term value: Limited run and design focus suggest collectibility, but value will still be influenced by condition, spec and market sentiment.
Ownership Experience
- The Targa 4 GTS base provides strong everyday usability: AWD, modern infotainment, excellent performance, and the Targa roof adds dramatic open-air capability.
- Styling is distinct and draws attention; some owners may relish the uniqueness, while others may prefer a more “invisible” 911.
- Running costs: broadly in line with other 992 high-end 911s; but special finishes may require greater care (e.g., black paint, platinum trim, unique seat materials).
- Because the car emphasises design and exclusivity rather than raw performance upgrades, one should go in appreciating both the mechanics and the styling narrative.
How It Fits in the 911 Lineup
- Platform: Based on 992.1 911 Targa 4 GTS — one of the top tier 911 body styles combining power and usability.
- Edition status: Unlike standard models, this is limited to a set number of units globally (750) and includes bespoke design elements.
- Unique niche: Combines open-top (Targa) format + Porsche Design styling + premium finishing. Many 911 enthusiasts chase Coupé or GT models; this edition appeals to those who value heritage, design and exclusivity.
- Relative performance: Mechanically similar to Targa 4 GTS; so while not the absolute fastest 911 (versus GT3/RS/Turbo S), it offers strong performance with distinctive visual/heritage appeal.
Verdict
The 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design (992.1) is a thoughtfully crafted limited edition that marries modern 911 capability with retrospective design excellence. If you’re a buyer who values: heritage styling and unique detailing, exclusivity (limited run, special tie-ins) and a top-tier 992 platform but are comfortable with Targa roof format, then this edition stands out as one of the most compelling “design-focused” 911s of its era. On the other hand, if your priority is maximum track performance, lowest price per horsepower, or lowest emissions/complexity, a standard Targa 4 GTS or other 911 variant might make more sense. In short, this is less about “what’s the fastest 911?” and more about “what’s the best 911 I’ll keep and enjoy on multiple levels (driving, design, heritage)?” For that buyer, the Edition 50 Years is a strong choice.
What We Said At Launch
As a quick refresher, Porsche Design exists to design and sell luxury Porsche accessories. 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Porsche Design, so Porsche decided to celebrate by making a limited edition Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design car.
Porsche Design was the brainchild of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. Better known to Porsche enthusiasts as F.A. “Butzi” Porsche, he was the son of Dr.-Ing. Ferdinand “Ferry” and grandson of Professor Ferdinand Porsche. While heading up the styling department at Porsche, he played a pivotal role in the design of the 904, the iconic 911, and the 914. He went on to establish Porsche Design. Like Porsche’s engineering firm, Butzi’s independent design firm handled contract work for outside clients — designing everything from forklifts to airplane cockpits — but is better known for its own products, in this case a line of Porsche Design-branded watches, pens, knives, clothing, appliances, and more. The studio’s first product, the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 watch, in 1972. Today, Porsche Design is owned by Porsche AG, though the family maintains a significant interest.
The 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design is based on the Targa 4 GTS and will come exclusively in black with Satin Platinum accents. The special edition will cost $183,800, and each car will be sold with an accompanying special edition watch. Using the 911 Targa 4 GTS as its base means the car is going to be amazing dynamically and will be a hell of a looker. Every Edition 50 Years Porsche Design is painted black, referencing the Porsche Design Chronograph 1, which Porsche says was the first all-black watch. The special edition rides on staggered 20/21-inch 911 Turbo S wheels finished in Satin Platinum, with the same shade decorating the targa bar and the Porsche Design logos on the doors. The brakes are painted gloss black, while a “50 Years Porsche Design” emblem adorns the engine grille.
Inside, F.A. Porsche’s signature is emblazoned on the center console lid and a silver, numbered badge signifies the limited edition’s rarity. The 50 Years Porsche Design logo appears on the headrests of the black and Cool Grey Sport-Tex seats, and the center marker on the GT Sport steering wheel and seatbelts are Slate Grey. The special edition also gets 18-way adaptive seats and the Sport Chrono package as standard. Only 750 units of the 2022 Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design and it arrives at dealerships this spring.
The Launch Video
Pictures
Press Release
January 18, 2022
The 911 Porsche Design 50th Anniversary Edition: a modern take on a design classic
Porsche is celebrating 50 years of Porsche Design with an exclusive 911 named in honour of the milestone. This version, limited to 750 vehicles, has many features and details that pay homage to the iconic designs of Ferdinand Alexander (F.A.) Porsche.
These features and details include the plain Black exterior, the classic checked pattern of the Sport-Tex seat centre panels and the red second hand of the Porsche Design Subsecond clock from the Sport Chrono Package, which is provided as standard. The special edition is based on the 911 Targa 4 GTS and can now be ordered. The launch is staggered across international sales markets, with the anniversary edition being available to European sales partners from April. Buyers can also purchase a special version of the new edition of the legendary Chronograph I from Porsche Design.
The exterior: black with Platinum accents
The 911 Porsche Design 50th Anniversary Edition comes in Black or, optionally, in Jet Black Metallic. A clear reference to Porsche Design: “Black was the colour of the very first Porsche Design product, the Chronograph I. That’s why we’ve chosen it for our limited-edition model. Using Platinum as an accent colour elevates the Black paintwork in the same way chrome details used to,” says Roland Heiler, Managing Director and Chief Designer at Design Studio F.A. Porsche in Zell am See.
The Targa bar is painted in Platinum (satin finish). The ‘Porsche Design’ decorative film on the doors also comes in this contrasting colour. The limited-edition model has the same wheels as the 911 Turbo S: 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear. The rims are also painted in Platinum (satin finish), and the hub covers have coloured Porsche crests. The brake callipers are painted in Black (high-gloss), as are the main features of the standard Sport Design package. The special edition also features an exclusive ‘Porsche Design 50th Anniversary Edition’ badge on the slats of the rear lid grille. While the ‘911’ logo on the rear apron is Black.
The interior: fine details make the difference
In the interior the designers were also inspired by the iconic product designs of F.A. Porsche. It has Sport-Tex equipment with special leather features in Black, while the contrasting seams are Slate Grey. The centre panels of the seats have a classic check pattern in Black and Cool Grey. Eighteen-way electrically adjustable Adaptive Sports Seats Plus with a memory package come as standard, as does the Sport Chrono Package with the Porsche Design Subsecond clock on the dashboard.
The small second hand is red – another shared trait with the Chronograph I from 1972. The leather-bound GT sports steering wheel has the 12 o’clock marking in Slate Grey – the same colour as the seat belts. The headrests are embossed with the ‘Porsche Design 50th Anniversary’ logo, which can also be found on the black, brushed aluminium door entry guards.
Other special features include a Silver ‘911’ badge with a limited edition number on the dashboard trim and the ‘F.A. Porsche’ signature. The latter is also embossed on the lid of the centre console storage compartment.
The technology: based on the sporty 911 Targa 4 GTS
Since the launch of the 992 two and a half years ago, the GTS models have been an attractive addition to the 911 range. The turbocharged three-litre, flat-six engine delivers 353 kW (480 PS; 911 GTS Models: fuel consumption combined (WLTP) 11.4 – 10.4 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions combined (WLTP) 259 – 236 g/km, fuel consumption combined (NEDC) 10.7 – 9.7 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions combined (NEDC) 243 – 221 g/km), while maximum torque is 570 Nm. As an alternative to the eight-speed Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK), a seven-speed manual gearbox with a shorter gear lever and very short shift action is also available.
The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is a feature of the 911 Targa 4 GTS, while the high-performance brakes are the same as in the 911 Turbo. The standard sports exhaust system ensures an even more emotive sound experience thanks to special GTS tuning and the omission of some of the interior insulation.
The watch: the Chronograph 1 – 911 Porsche Design 50th Anniversary Edition
As the first completely matt black wristwatch with a stopwatch function, the Chronograph I revolutionised the world of watches in 1972. With its black dial, red second hand, luminescent hour markers and anti-reflective glass for optimal readability, F.A. Porsche modelled the watch on the low-reflection cockpit of a racing car.
As part of its anniversary, Porsche Design is relaunching this special piece of contemporary history. Buyers of the limited-edition car can purchase an equally exclusive timepiece to match. The limited edition number is engraved on the back of the case, inextricably linking the watch and the sports car.
Porsche Design has remained true to the overall appearance of the Chronograph I – from the bilingual date display to the original red second hand. It is another reminder of the cockpit of the 911 from that time. The changes to the original design all serve to bring it visually up-to-date and to emphasise the connection to the limited-edition Porsche. The current Porsche Design logo makes a modern statement. The rehaut features a tachymeter scale, which is a reference to measuring speed in races. The pointed shape of the minute hand makes it easier to read, while the case and strap with folding clasp and integrated fine adjustment are made of high-performance titanium.
The sapphire glass on the back, meanwhile, reveals the winding rotor. The design is based on the wheels of the limited-edition model and is also painted in Platinum (silk finish). The rotor cap with the Porsche crest is a reference to the centre lock of the exclusive wheel design.
Reissue of the original limited to 500 copies
The watch is powered by the COSC-certified Porsche Design movement 01.240, which has a flyback mechanism that allows stopping, zeroing and starting of successive time intervals in a single action. A red flyback logo features on the dial.
For all Porsche and watch fans there is also the Chronograph 1 1972 Limited Edition with a historical logo and lettering. This edition of the original, limited to 500 timepieces, has no visual parallels to the new special edition car and is available in the usual way from Porsche Design.
