Porsche 911 Carrera T – stripped, and back to basics

Here’s a new variant that purists will celebrate. The new Porsche 911 Carrera T sees the carmaker revive the concept behind the 911 T of 1968 – measures include less weight, shorter transmission ratios from the seven-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive with mechanical rear differential lock; the latter for “enhanced performance and intense driving pleasure”.

Sounds good already, doesn’t it? Here’s more. Based on the 911 Carrera and producing 370 hp/450 Nm, the 911 Carrera T (for Touring) also boasts some equipment not available for the standard Carrera. It has the PASM sports chassis as standard, lowered by 20 mm, the weight-optimised Sport Chrono Package, a shortened shift lever with red shift pattern and Sport-Tex seat centres. Rear-axle steering is optional.

The 911 Carrera T is also the lightest new 911 one can buy. The rear window and rear side windows are made from lightweight glass, the doors feature opening loops, and insulation material has been largely reduced. The rear seats have been omitted along with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), though both are still available on request at no additional cost. At 1,425 kg, it’s 20 kg lighter than a comparable 911 Carrera.

As a result, there’s improved weight-to-power ratio and enhanced performance. The former is now 3.85 kg/hp, which also boosts driving dynamics. Thanks to a shorter rear axle ratio and mechanical differential lock, the Carrera T can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, a tenth faster than the base 911. With the optional PDK auto, 0-100 km/h is completed in just 4.2 seconds. Both transmissions enable a top speed of over 290 km/h.

At the front, the Carrera T features an aero-optimised front spoiler lip, and the Sport Design exterior mirrors are painted in Agate Grey Metallic. From the side, the new model is recognisable from its 20-inch Carrera S wheels in Titan Grey, besides the “911 Carrera T” logos.

The rear is characterised by the slats in the rear lid grille, the “911 Carrera T” emblem in Agate Grey and the standard sports exhaust system, with central tailpipes painted in black.

Inside, you’ll find black, four-way, electric sports seats with a seat centre in Sport-Tex fabric, while the headrests feature a “911” logo stitched in black. There’s a full bucket seats option. Seen here are the GT sports steering wheel with leather and a mode switch. The shortened shift lever with shift pattern in red is an exclusive cue.

The T interior package allows for contrasting colours of Racing Yellow, Guards Red or GT Silver. These colours can be used on the seat belts, the headrest logo, door loops and the Sport-Tex seat centres. The Porsche 911 Carrera T will be available from January 2018 and can be pre-ordered now in Europe.

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