Words: Don Cheng

Published: December 11, 2017

 

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LOS ANGELES, California - With over twenty different variations of the brand’s iconic mid-engined sports coupe, Porsche is no stranger when it comes to diversifying the 911 name. The quintessential sports coupe saw further segmentation at the Los Angeles Auto Show this year when Porsche unveiled a new Carrera and simultaneously resurrected a name from the 60’s - the 911T. Not to be confused with the Turbo (although this technically is turbocharged too) this “T” actually stands for “Touring”, and the brand has spec’ed the vehicle specifically around a lightweight touring ethos catering towards the purist.

 

The canvas starts with a base 911 Carrera and power continues from a 3.0L turbocharged flat-six that produces 370 hp and 339 lb-ft. Handling all that power is a 7-speed manual transmission modified for shorter throws. Those who prefer the PDK can opt for it at an extra cost.

 

Unlike its brethren however, the 911 prioritizes handling with PASM equipped on all configurations - an option not available for the base Carrera. Furthering the coupe’s road holding abilities is the optional Active Rear Steer. To counter the T’s de-emphasis on raw power, Porsche focused on taking weight out of the 911 by replacing rear windows with thinner glass, diminishing the sound dampening in the cabin, Sport-Tex seats, and using cloth loops for door pulls. Reducing weight further, the radio has been deleted, leaving behind an expansive cubby hole in the centre console (can anyone say, base 370Z?). All told, the diet shaves 20 kg off the vehicle’s curb weight. The Carrera T also gets the 20-inch wheels off the Carrera S.

 

That is not all. To differentiate this 911 from some cheap marketing stunt, customers have the further option of swapping in the carbon fiber bucket seats found in the GT3 and GT2 RS. The $5,940 option will also see the rear seats removed from the factory.

 

Prices start at $116,500 CAD and Porsche promises this model to be at the core of what every enthusiast wants - sheer driving pleasure. It is an interesting and welcome addition to the 911 portfolio and we're curious to see if the claim holds true. Less is more, I guess.

 

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