2018 Porsche 911 T Removes Dead Weight, Adds Raw Performance For Motoring Nirvana

Porsche has added a new model to its 911 line and this one is the lightest variant yet. The new Porsche 911 Carrera T (the "T" stands for Touring, not Turbo), which is a tip of the hat to the original 911 T from way back in 1968, checks in at 3,142 pounds, making it 11 pounds lighter than the base 911 Carrera. Combined with a manual transmissions with a shorter constant transaxle ratio and a standard mechanical rear differential lock, Porsche is promising a heightened level of performance and driving pleasure.

Shaving 11 pounds is one thing, but what is underneath the hood still matters. In this case, the Porsche 911 Carrera T sports turbocharged, 3.0-liter flat-six engine that puts out 370 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, the later of which is available in a broad range between 1,750 and 5,000 RPM. According to Porsche, this sporty little sucker can zoom from a dead stop to 60 miles per hour in just 4.3 seconds. Technically that is faster than the 911 Carrera (though not Ford's 2018 Mustang GT), which takes 0.1 seconds longer to go from zero to 60 MPH.


Those who opt for a manual transmission can expect a top track speed of 182 MPH. Porsche is also offering this model with a PDK (Porsche-Doppelkupplung) semi-automatic twin-clutch gearbox, which hits a top track speed of 180 MPH but accelerates from zero to 60 MPH in 4.0 seconds, using the standard launch control feature. Either way, you are looking at a light and nimble car with plenty of power and get-up-and-go.


As for the design, the 911 Carrera T is fitted with an aerodynamic front spoiler lip that comes with the PASM sport suspension, with a 0.39-inch (10 mm) lower ride height and 20-inch Carrera S wheels painted in Titanium Gray. A sport exhaust system with black exhaust tips accents the various paint options, which include Lava Orange, Black, Guards Red, Racing Yellow, White, and Miami Blue, along with metallic colors Carrera White, Jet Black, and GT Silver.


On the inside Porsche equipped its newest 911 with 4-way electrically adjustable seats with embroidered headrests. Drivers can opt for full bucket seats, a first for the 911 Carrera, which come at the expense of rear seats. A GT steering wheel with leather trim comes standard, along with switch to select the driving mode.

Eager drivers with deep pockets can order an Porsche 911 Carrera T now, starting at $102,000. Vehicles are expected to reach US dealers by March of next year.