Yahoo Autos The 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T Pairs the Base Engine With a Manual
Porsche introduced the 911 Carrera T in 2018 as a nod to enthusiasts. It was essentially a base model, with a nice selection of otherwise-optional performance features, retro styling details, and a slightly reduced curb weight. On paper, not as spectacular as 911s go, but in the real world, a fabulous car. Four years later, the Carrera T returns, picking up right where its predecessor left off.
What's interesting here is that the Carrera T pairs the 911's base engine tune—379 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque—with a manual transmission. Before, you'd have to step up to a Carrera S to get a manual, and with the T's base price set at $118,050, this is now the cheapest manual transmission 911. The T is the lightest version of the 911 Carrera, too, with a curb weight of 3254 pounds. That represents a 100-pound savings over the base Carrera, though 84 pounds of that is down to offering the manual as standard. Additional weight savings comes from a rear-seat delete, a reduction in sound deadening, thinner window glass, and a smaller battery.
As standard, you get lowered, stiffened Sport suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive dampers, a Sports exhaust, a mechanical limited-slip differential, plus the Sport Chrono Package. All good things. Rear-wheel steering is also available as an option.
Inside, it's not radically different than a base 911 Carrera, but you do get Porsche's more bolstered Sport Seats Plus and smaller GT Sport steering wheel standard. There's some T-specific interior trim, too, and a slightly shorter shift lever. From the outside, you'll be able to spot a T by the decals on the doors, and unique metallic-gray mirrors and wheels. Sadly, the Gulf blue bodywork seen here is part of Porsche's Paint-to-Sample palette, which means it will add over $11,000 to the price.
The "T" stands for touring, by the way. In 1968, Porsche introduced a new base-model 911 to replace the 912, the 911 T, which lasted until 1973. With old 911s growing in popularity in the mid to late 2010s, and the hugely positive response to the 2016 911 R, Porsche felt it was a good idea to bring back the "T" name for a new heritage-inspired model.
It is, of course, a very expensive car at $118,050. Yet, in the world of the 911, it actually represents something of a value. A 911 Carrera S with the same performance options costs well over $130,000, and you can't add many of those features to the base Carrera. If you don't need the extra performance of the Carrera S—and you probably don't—just get the T. It's set to arrive in dealers next spring.
You Might Also Like
