2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T returns as manual only and lighter than ever
Porsche 911 enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate as Porsche announced the return of the 911 Carrera T model for the 2025 model year as both a coupe and a cabriolet.
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Originally introduced on the 1968 Porsche 911 as the lightweight touring model, the 2025 Carrera T Coupe will weigh 3,316 lbs, around 38 lbs lighter than a standard 2024 Carrera Coupe.
Several factors contribute to the lightweight nature that set the Carrera T apart from its fellow German brethren. Porsche used special lightweight glass all around along with reduced sound-deadening material and optional carbon fiber reinforced plastic bucket seats.
It will be powered by the same 3.0 L twin-turbo boxer engine putting out 388 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed manual transmission. The 0-60 mph times given by Porsche are 4.3 seconds for the coupe and 4.5 seconds for the cabriolet. A special transmission detail to note is the exclusive walnut ball handle atop the gear level.
The Sport Chrono package comes standard on the Carrera T and includes an auto-blip feature for easier shifts, a drive mode selector on the steering wheel, the Track Precision app, a tire temperature display in the instrument cluster, and a Sport Exhaust system with black stainless steel tips.
Other standard equipment meant to enhance the car's track abilities include a 10mm lower ride height, the Porsche Active Suspension Management, upgraded 350 mm front and rear brake discs with front six-piston fixed calipers, rear-axle steering, revised anti-roll bars, Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical rear differential lock, and "specific aerodynamic adjustments."
The Carrera T rides on two-tone alloy wheels in staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear diameters borrowed from the Carrera S and wrapped in 245/35 ZR20 tires up front and 305/30 ZR21 tires out back.
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There are also several visual distinctions, both outside and inside, to give passersby the idea that the Carrera T is something special. Exclusive Vanadium Grey Metallic accents adorn the side view mirror covers and wheels, complemented by 12 available paint colors like Cartagena Yellow Metallic, Shade Green Metallic, and Chalk.
The Carrera T designation is distinguished by unique door decals and a rear badge while manual shift pattern stickers on the rear side windows are sure to delight members of the Manual Transmission Preservation Society.
Are all of those touches just not special enough? The special Carrera T exterior package might just scratch that itch. It applies Gentian Blue accents to the wheels, rear badge, intake slat inlays, door graphics, as well as a hood stripe with a Carrera T logo. This package also includes black mirror shells instead of the Vanadium Grey.
The exclusivity extends to the interior as well, starting with the Vanadium Grey accents on the dashboard and center console. The door panel trims are crafted from black anodized aluminum, and the dashboard includes a shift pattern logo on the passenger side similar to the rear windows along with a special "MT" badge in front of the gear lever.
Standard features include black, four-way power-adjustable heated Sport Seats Plus decorated with a matching plaid pattern, decorative black stitching, and embroidered black "911" logos. The interior can also be finished or accented in leather to match the heated, leather-wrapped GT Sport steering wheel.
For even more comfort, the four-way Sport Seats Plus can be swapped for 18-way adjustable ones. The coupe is delivered as a two-seater from the factory, although if you have kids or small friends, it can be optioned with rear seats like the Cabriolet.
A special Carrera T package comes to the interior too, bringing the same Gentian Blue thread to the seats, seat belts, center console inserts, dashboard accents, 911 logo on the headrests, and the trim rings.
The Porsche 911 Carrera T Coupe and Cabriolet will set you back $134,000 and $147,300 respectively. Considering that a standard Carrera starts at $120,100, we feel like enthusiasts wouldn't be opposed to spending almost $14,000 more for a special edition.
The special accents and finishes are unique and attractive while the upgrades, albeit minimal and solely focused on the weight and handling, could make a slight difference in track times. It serves as a stepping stone between the base Carrera and the more powerful GTS and hey, more ICE-powered manual cars will never be looked down upon.