Time for T? New Porsche 911 Carrera T for 2018

Published: 23 October 2017

 Like a Carrera, but more hardcore
 Less weight, shorter final drive
 Takes name from classic ’68 911

Ready for another Porsche 911 variant? This one’s the new Porsche 911 Carrera T, described as a ‘pure’ car with less weight and more mechanical goodies.

What does the T stand for?

Touring – the name takes its inspiration from the 1968 Porsche 911 T.

While the name might imply added luxury, this is a more hardcore kinda 911.

What’s different about the Carrera T, compared with a regular 911 Carrera?

Starting with the drivetrain, there’s a shorter final drive ratio and a mechanical limited-slip differential. With 365bhp and 332lb ft on tap, 0-62mph is a tenth quicker than the regular Carrera at 4.5sec – thanks largely to the shorter final drive.

Perhaps an even better indicator of the car’s pace is the 0-124mph time, which takes 15.1sec. Top speed is beyond 180mph.

In keeping with the ‘pure’ brief, the 911’s seven-speed manual is standard, with a shortened lever for an even more precise feeling shift. The paddleshift PDK transmission can be specced as an option, however.

Porsche 911 Carrera T

Adaptive dampers are standard, as is a 10mm lower ride height. The Sport Chrono Pack’s driving mode switch on the steering wheel is fitted as standard, but not the trademark clock/lap-timer, Porsche spec-spotters will note.

The extra-yowly Sport exhaust system is standard, with centrally mounted twin tailpipes in matt black. Rear-wheel steering is an option.

Where have the weight savings come from?

Lightweight glass in the rear and side windows, and pull loops in place of the regular door handles – just possibly fitted as much for style as to save weight.

There’s less sound deadening, no rear seats and no touchscreen media system – although you can option that back in at no extra cost.

At 1425kg the Carrera T weighs approximately 20kg less than an equivalent 911 Carrera.

Porsche 911 Carrera T

Any visible differences on the outside?

Among other details, a different lip on the front spoiler, 20-inch wheels in Titanium Grey and a smattering of 911 Carrera T badges.

How much?

The Carrera T costs £85,576, compared with £77,891 for a regular Carrera and £87,335 for the more powerful Carrera S.

Deliveries in the UK and Ireland begin in January 2018.

By James Taylor

Former features editor for CAR, occasional racer

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