New for 2004, the Porsche 911 Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition was a limited-edition model powered by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that produced 345 horsepower. A six-speed manual overdrive tranmission was standard, while a five-speed automatic Triptronic transmission, with a gate and steering-wheel-mounted controls for manual shifting, was optional.
Special features for the Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition included dark gray leather seats, unique aluminum and silver metallic interior trim, chrome tailpipes, special 18-inch wheels, exterior air intake grilles, a power sunroof, and a specially tuned suspension.
Standard features included air conditioning, leather seats, dual front and side airbags, a power-adjustable driver's seat, power heated mirrors, a keyless entry system, fog lights, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power windows, steering, brakes, and door locks.
The 40th Anniversary Edition was also equipped bi-xenon high-intensity headlights with headlight cleaners, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability control, a premium audio system, and a rear spoiler.
The 2004 Carrera 40th Anniversary Edition was one of a long line of near iconic Porsche sports cars that promised a lot to drivers, and delivered on those promises in almost every way. The handling, power, shifter, suspension, and interior appointments all met or exceeded drivers' expectations. Some noted that the 911's design, with its flat nose, didn't quite meet the high standards set by previous generations of the 911, but that seemed a small quibble with such a desirable, well-engineered car.