It’s been a few weeks since the 992-generation Carrera T, purchased by my wife, arrived at our home. I’ve been driving it in various situations whenever I find the time, but since the break-in period isn’t over yet, please wait a little longer for the final review.

For now, instead, I’d like to focus this blog on what kind of 911 the Carrera T really is.

The History of the Porsche 911 Carrera T: Consistent Purism

First-generation Porsche 911T: 1968–1973

The origins of the Porsche 911 Carrera T trace back to 1968.

The first-generation Porsche 911T (not called “Carrera T” at the time) was, as the “T” indicates, a car certified as a touring car. “T” stood for “Touring,” a designation for applying for homologation in the touring car class, and referred to a model offering drivers a pure driving experience​​.

Initially positioned as an affordable alternative to the Porsche 912, it shared cylinder heads and valve sizes with the 911S and also served as a base car for racing.

This first-generation model was offered until 1973, but for several decades after, the “T” name disappeared from Porsche’s lineup.

The Revival of the 911 Carrera T: 2017

In 2017, Porsche revived the 911 Carrera T in the later phase of the 991 generation.

This model inherited the spirit of the original, featuring a simple yet specially sporty setup. Options like rear-axle steering, previously only available on the S and above, were selectable, and the car was lightweight. It was announced as a sort of younger sibling to the 991 late GT3 Touring Package, which is still fresh in memory.

A manual transmission was available (unfortunately, only the PDK was offered in Japan), making it a 911 for Porsche purists who seek driving pleasure.

Notably, this concept was later adopted in other model lines such as the 718 Cayman T, 718 Boxster T, and Macan T.

The Porsche 911 Carrera T Today: 2023 Model

Engine and Performance

The new 911 Carrera T is positioned between the 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S.

This car is equipped with the base Carrera’s 283 kW (385 PS) twin-turbo engine, delivering 450 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 291 km/h. The rear seats are omitted as standard, and lightweight glass and a lithium-ion battery further reduce weight.

Weighing in at 1470 kg, the 911 Carrera T with manual transmission is the lightest in the 911 Carrera lineup.

Chassis and Suspension

The 911 Carrera T comes standard with the Sport Chrono package and PASM sports suspension lowered by 10 mm, features unique to the Carrera T when paired with the 385-PS engine.

Upon request, the Carrera T can also be ordered with the optional rear-axle steering, usually only available on Carrera S and above. Naturally, I didn’t hesitate to add this option.

The car rides on titanium gray Carrera S wheels, 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear, fitted with 245/35 front and 305/30 rear tires.

Exterior and Interior

On the exterior, the 911 Carrera T stands out with door mirrors, rear badges, and the rear engine hatch all painted in Agate Grey, setting it apart from other models. The sport exhaust system’s tailpipes feature a high-gloss black finish, emphasizing a more dynamic look.

The Agate Grey accent on the door mirrors is especially cool. Admittedly, I only noticed this after delivery, but it’s sporty, stylish, and very appealing.

The interior comes standard with Sports Seats Plus. We chose the 18-way option for our Carrera T, and indeed, the 992 is best experienced with the Sports Seats Plus. Compared to the Sports Seats selected for the Carrera Cabriolet, the comfort and especially the seat cushion thickness are noticeably different.

There is also an optional Carrera T Interior Package, which we selected without hesitation. Additionally, we added the no-cost interior package option, setting body-color (Crayon) decorative panels inside.

A 911 Focused on Driving Feel

A few weeks ago, the 992-generation Carrera T joined our family.

This time, I delved deeply into its existence, exploring its history, characteristics, and details of the current model.

The Porsche 911 Carrera T has maintained a spirit of “purism” since its inception.

The original model aimed to provide drivers with a pure driving experience, a philosophy that strongly lives on in the modern version. Its lightweight design and high-performance engine are extremely well balanced, making it an ideal choice for Porsche enthusiasts who pursue pure driving pleasure.

While the new Carrera T essentially sits between the 911 Carrera and Carrera S, it is more than that. Its engine performance, chassis tuning, dedication to weight reduction, and interior and exterior design are all meticulously calculated to elevate the driving experience.

All these elements combine to form the perfect partner for drivers who love pure driving. It excels not only in sports driving but also adapts beautifully to daily use. This is a 911 that prioritizes feel over mere speed.

In particular, our Carrera T is equipped with numerous options. Sports Seats Plus, rear-axle steering, and the Carrera T Interior Package each enhance the car’s appeal even further.

With so much charm, the price is justified. If you choose Porsche for the purity of driving, the 992 Carrera T will be the best choice to fulfill that desire.

I plan to continue sharing updates about life with the Carrera T and my driving experiences.

Until the next update.