Porsche's Newest 911 Tips the Scales Just a Hair Over 3,100 Lbs
Getting back to its roots with the revival of the 911 Carrera T, Porsche has taken a "less is more" approach with this new model that makes it arguably the best driver's car in the entire 911 lineup.
A Cut Above
Many enthusiasts believe Porsche's base model 911 Carrera to be a great car in terms of pricing versus performance. With 370 horsepower on tap from the new 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six, drivers are able to more fully extract the potential of the car on a day to day basis than they would from something like a Turbo S or GT3. In short, the "cheap" 911 is playful, well-balanced, and frankly more than anyone really needs for a street-going vehicle. With that said, Porsche never settles for being "good enough" and has upped the ante with the new 2018 911 Carrera T.
>>Join the conversation about the Newest Lighter 911 right here in Rennlist.com.
Subtle Undertones
The 911 Carrera T is based on the standard Carrera model and uses the same 370 horsepower 339 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo 3.0L flat-six engine. The "T" in the new Carrera T stands for Touring, but instead of softening up the car (as seems to be the case in the upcoming GT3 Touring model), Porsche has taken a hard-edged approach with an emphasis being placed upon weight savings and improved driving dynamics. From the exterior of the car, most onlookers will not notice much difference between the T and standard Carrera model besides the door decals, agate grey sport design mirrors, black exhaust tips, and badging below the decklid, but if we dig a bit deeper into the car, the differences begin to emerge.
>>Join the conversation about the Newest Lighter 911 right here in Rennlist.com.
Trimming The Fat
The 911 T is expected to be one of the most driver-focused cars in the model lineup, and as such, Porsche has fitted the car with some model-specific components. There are a few immediately noticeable features in the cabin including the 4-way adjustable Sport Seats Plus with center Sport-Tex fabric inserts and embroidered headrests as well as the RS-style door pulls instead of traditional handles. The latest news is that US-spec cars built before the new NHTSA requirements are put into effect will supposedly have the same radio delete option that is available for the European market. The same lightweight glass as used on the GT2-RS will be implemented to further reduce weight as will a reduction in sound deadening material throughout the car. Many will be pleased to hear that the carbon fiber Lightweight Bucket Seats will be available as an option, and when selected, will require the rear seats be deleted as well.
>>Join the conversation about the Newest Lighter 911 right here in Rennlist.com.
Parts Bin Special
Although some enthusiasts are still wishing for a classic analog experience, those wishes will have to wait as the 911 T will include Sport PASM electronic dampening suspension that lowers the car 10mm as standard. A limited-slip differential is also included as standard equipment, which is not an available option on a base Carrera. The car will be available with a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission option, but many T's are expected to be configured with a 7-speed manual gearbox (and accompanying short shift lever and shortened 3.59:1 final drive ratio) to further enhance the pure driving experience the car is anticipated to provide. A set of 20" Carrera S wheels and PSE Sport Exhaust round out the list of upgrades the T receives over the standard Carrera model.
>>Join the conversation about the Newest Lighter 911 right here in Rennlist.com.
The Best 911 on The Market?
The 911 Carrera T comes in at a relatively svelte (by today's standards) 3,142 pounds in manual transmission configuration, which is roughly 11 pounds lighter than a base Carrera. While the car is being touted as the lightest Porsche 911 available, a check of one or two option boxes will likely make the weight a moot point. What the 911 T does offer is pure, no-frills Porsche 911 experience that provides potential owners some significant upgrades as standard equipment that are either pricey or completely unavailable options on a standard Carrera. The MSRP pricing for the 911 Carrera T starts at $102,100, and most agree that it will be most enjoyable and the best bang for the buck in a no/low option configuration. If you are looking to carve the canyons, blast down the back roads, or even hit the track for some driving events, the 911 Carrera T definitely deserves some serious thought.
>>Join the conversation about the Newest Lighter 911 right here in Rennlist.com.
For help with your maintenance or repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.