The Porsche 911 has been getting faster and more technologically advanced with each new generation. This is great for people who like to be on the cutting edge of technology, but what about the people who like to keep things simple? The 911 has become a very different car since its inception back in 1963. Porsche clearly recognizes this and has now unveiled a new 911 for people who appreciate the basics. It's called the 911 Carrera T (the T stands for Touring), and it harkens back to the original, purist 911 T from 1968.
The car is based on the normal 911 Carrera, but Porsche has reduced weight and given the car a shorter constant transaxle ratio, as well as a standard mechanical rear differential lock. Porsche says that in this 911, "performance and driving pleasure are heightened." The Carrera T will come with a few features that are not available on the standard model. These include a PASM Sport Suspension with a 0.39-inch lower ride height, a shortened gear lever with a red shift pattern, and Sport-Tex seat centers. The car also has lightweight glass, and door opener loops instead of conventional door handles.
Like the 911 GTS, the Carrera T also benefits from reduced sound insulation for a more visceral experience. Porsche says that the Carrera T weighs in at 3,142 pounds, making it the lightest 911 in the range. Like the base Carrera, the car is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six with 370 hp. On the exterior, Porsche has fitted the car with an aerodynamically optimized front spoiler lip and exterior mirrors that are painted in Agate Grey. The car also features 20-inch Carrera S wheels and a stripe that signifies the model designation. Customers can choose between Lava Orange, Black, Guards Red, Racing Yellow, White and Miami Blue as well as the metallic colors Carrera White, Jet Black and GT Silver.
Inside, Porsche has kept this 911 simple with 4-way electrically adjustable sport seats with optional full bucket seats, which are available for the first time on a Carrera. Customers who select the bucket seats will also lose their rear seats, which will reduce weight even further.
To be even more hardcore, owners can chose to live without a radio and Porsche will leave an empty bin in its place. With the manual transmission, the Carrera T can hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker than the standard 911 Carrera. The optional PDK transmission adds launch control and drops the 0-60 mph time down to 4.0 seconds. The 2018 911 Carrera T is available to order now and is expected to reach US dealers by March 2018. The base MSRP is $102,100, excluding a $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee. This car has jumped high on the list of our favorite 911 models. We love the simplicity of the Carrera T, and can't wait to get behind the wheel of one.
