Porsche Boxster S Black Edition (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

Another week, and rather than just another Porsche, it’s another Black Edition Porsche special – this is the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition. There’s more power and more standard kit, but the price is higher too. Just 987 will ever be built, in a nod to Porsche’s internal numerical designation for the Boxster.

Let’s start with the mid-mounted engine, which is upgraded to Boxster Spyder-spec with an extra 10bhp and 7lb ft, taking the totals of the 3.4-litre flat six to 316bhp at 7200rpm and 273lb ft at 4750rpm. Combined with the standard-fit six-speed manual, the extra power knocks a tenth off the 0-62mph time – down to 5.2secs – but apparently doesn’t affect the fuel consumption.

Exterior tweaks include black paint, a black set of the Boxster Spyder’s lightweight 19in alloys, black 'Boxster S' lettering on the rear luggage compartment lid, 'Black Edition' script on the black fabric hood, plus black roll bars, black air intakes, and black exhaust pipes.

Err, no. The 'Black Edition' lettering on the kick plates is black, the leather is black, the dials are black, the dashboard trim strips are black, and… you get the idea. A badge on the glovebox lets you know which of the 987 cars you’ve bought, while sat-nav, Bluetooth, an upgraded stereo and bi-xenon lamps are standard.

UK sales commence in March 2011 with prices starting at £47,426, just undercutting the £47,843 Boxster Spyder, but £3626 more than a Boxster S.

By Ben Pulman