The next new model for the ‘992.2’-generation Porsche 911 is the Carrera T. As before, it sits between the entry-level 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S, though its technical specification has been enhanced to further its appeal to keen drivers. It will be available only with a manual gearbox, though also as an open-topped Cabriolet for the first time.
It’s giving me #savethemanuals vibes...
Indeed, and the manual gearbox is front and centre of the 911 Carrera T’s specification as the only transmission choice for the model. All will be rear-wheel drive, too. It uses Porsche’s seven-speed manual gearbox and inside there’s a special short lever topped by a glorious open-pore walnut gear knob. Behind that is an “MT” (Manual Transmission) logo and, ensuring everyone else knows you’re part of the #savethemanuals movement, there are big stickers in the rear side windows showing the seven-speed shift pattern.
The gearbox is bolted to the familiar twin-turbocharged flat-six boxer from the Carrera, a 3.0-litre unit putting out up to 394hp and 450Nm of torque. Porsche quotes a 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds for the 911 Carrera T coupe or 4.7 seconds for the Cabriolet.
What are the other tech highlights you’ve alluded to?
For starters, the Carrera T models get PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management - i.e. adaptive damping), bringing with it a 10mm lower ride height. They also get rear-axle steering as standard, allowing Porsche to make the front steering rack more direct. And the anti-roll bars have been tweaked as well. The Carrera T uses mixed-size wheels and tyres, with 20-inch rims up front and 21-inch wheels on the back axle.
Tasty. Is the Carrera T easy to tell apart?
Other than the window stickers, you need to watch out for ‘Vanadium Grey’ detailing, found on the badging, rear lid grille, alloy wheels and the door mirrors. That is of course if the buyer can resist the optional design packages, which feature more ‘Gentian Blue’ accents for the exterior and interior.
As standard, the Carrera T features a black interior, with a heated ‘GT’ steering wheel featuring the driving mode switch, along with leather-trimmed electrically adjusted sports seats with the 911 logo stitched into the headrests. The Sport Chrono package is included, too, as signified by the stopwatch on the dashboard.
Two less obvious details to the casual observer are the fitment of the Carrera GTS’s spoiler lip and lighter glass. Indeed, if you add the right options, the 911 Carrera T can be 42kg lighter than an equivalent 911 Carrera.
How much does the new 911 Carrera T cost in Ireland?
Porsche prices the 911 Carrera T from €217,130 on the Irish market, up from €195,840 for the entry-level 911 Carrera. The 911 T Cabriolet starts at €238,084.