The 911 Carrera T nameplate has finally been added to Porsche’s 992-generation line-up, arriving as the lightest 911 with the entry-level engine…

Porsche’s 992-generation 911 range has expanded once again with the unveiling of the new 911 Carrera T, which the Zuffenhausen-based firm describes as the “epitome of purism”.

Slotting in between the base Carrera and the more powerful Carrera S, the latest 911 derivative features a 7-speed manual gearbox as standard, though an 8-speed PDK is also available. As a reminder, the letter “T” stands for “Touring” and traces its history back to the homologation of the 911 T as a touring car in 1968. Today, it’s reserved for models that offer a “purist driving experience”.

The Carrera T draws its urge from the same turbocharged 3.0-litre flat-6 engine as the standard entry-level Carrera, with 283 kW and 450 Nm delivered to the rear axle. According to Porsche, that’s enough for a 0-100 kph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 291 kph.

But the T-badged model also gains some equipment from the Carrera S, including a torque vectoring system with a mechanical rear differential lock. The 911 Carrera T furthermore comes standard with the Sport Chrono package and the PASM sports suspension (dropping the ride height by 10 mm). As an option, the Carrera T can be ordered with the rear-axle steering system, too.

Tipping the scales at 1 470 kg, the 911 Carrera T with a manual cog-swapper is the lightest series 911 featuring the entry-level engine, weighing 35 kg less than the Carrera (which these days ships standard in PDK form). The 911 T ditches the rear seats and comes with less insulation (upping the aural ante in the cabin), while lightweight glass and a lightweight battery shave off yet more weight.

Other standard components include 20- and 21-inch Titanium Grey Carrera S wheels (front and rear, respectively), wrapped in 245/35 (fore) and 305/30 (aft) sized tyres. The 911 Carrera T also comes with the GT sports steering wheel, the sports exhaust system and 4-way electrically adjustable seats.

Spotting a911 Carrera T in the wild

So, how would you identify a 911 Carrera T out on the road (besides the decals along its flanks and the badge affixed toits rump)? Well, the top and bottom trim on the side mirrors and the trim strips on the rear-lid grille come finished in Agate Grey, while the windscreen also features a grey top tint. The tailpipes, meanwhile, come in high-gloss black.

Inside, you’ll find decorative trim in matte black and decorative inlays in high-gloss black. There’s also the option of the Carrera T interior package, which sees the safety belts finished in Slate Grey or Lizard Green, with the same treatment applied to the decorative stitching, the 911 logo embossed in the headrests and the stripes down the seat centres.

Other options include adaptive sports seats with 18-way adjustment as well as the “exceptionally lightweight” full bucket seats featuring Race Tex seat centres. Finally, buyers can specify an extended leather package, which sees the armrests on the door panels and centre console also finished in leather, along with the upper parts of the dashboard and door panel trim.

The new 911 Carrera T is available in four solid colours (Black, White, Guards Red and Racing Yellow) as well as four metallic finishes (Deep Black, Gentian Blue, Ice Grey and GT Silver), along with five special colours (Chalk, Ruby Star Neo, Carmine Red, Shark Blue and Python Green). There’s also the option of using the German firm’s “Paint to Sample” programme, which offers paintwork in more 110 available tones.

Porsche says order books for the new 911 Carrera T are already open, with the first units set to arrive at dealers in initial markets in February 2023.

How much will the Porsche 911 Carrera T cost in South Africa?

Pricing for the new 911 Carrera T in South Africa will start at R2 080 000, which includes a 3-year/100 000 km Driveplan.