The Porsche 911 T has come to occupy a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts within the extensive 911 lineup. Don't believe me? Try to find a previous generation T for sale; they're hen's teeth! As Porsche rolls out its updated 992.2 generation, the Carrera T has also received enhancements, solidifying its appeal for enthusiasts who crave a purer sports car experience. I recently had the opportunity to put the new Carrera T through its paces, and here's my thoughts.
Related: Porsche 911 Carrera (2024) Review
Pros
- An engaging manual gearbox offers excellent driver involvement
- Lightweighting and specific chassis tuning enhance agility
- Retains daily usability despite its sporting intent
Cons
- Still a significant investment, especially with desirable options
- Digital interior changes might not please all traditionalists
- Road noise is relatively high
What is a Carrera T?
What's new in the 992.2 Carrera T? The "T" in Carrera T stands for "Touring," harkening back to Porsche's philosophy of offering a focused driving experience with reduced weight. For the 992.2 generation, the Carrera T continues this tradition. It shares the base Carrera's updated 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine, now producing 290 kW and 450 Nm of torque.
However, the T distinguishes itself with a standard six-speed manual transmission – a rarity in the current 911 lineup outside the GT models. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport suspension, lowered by 10mm, is standard and borrowed from the 992.1 GTS. The Sport Chrono Package, rear-axle steering, and the braking system from the 992.1 Carrera S are also lovely additions. Lightweight measures include reduced sound insulation and lightweight glass, contributing to a kerb weight of approximately 1 478 kg, about 30 kg less than the standard Carrera if you don't option the rear seats.
Styling
Visually, the Carrera T maintains its predecessor's subtle yet purposeful aesthetic. Our press unit came with the standard wheels, staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear, but with Gentian Blue accents, with the same hue used on the exterior accents, and model designations. I'm not one for sticker packs, but the entire thing looks like a focused sports car without being overtly flashy. The new front and rear bumper designs, standard across the 992.2 range, also give it a fresh aesthetic. I believe that the 911 is too big now, but such is the case with all new cars in 2025; however, the Porsche disguises its larger dimensions rather well with what is now a timeless design continuously updated to reflect the automotive era in which it exists.
Interior & Space
The interior of the 992.2 Carrera T reflects the updated 911 range, featuring the new 12.6-inch curved digital instrument cluster and push-button start. While purists might mourn the loss of the analogue rev counter and the physical key turn, the digital display is highly configurable, offering a classic five-dial layout that pays homage to Porsche's heritage. The 10.9-inch central touchscreen remains, with enhanced connectivity including improved Apple CarPlay integration and native apps. The Bose sound system is fantastic, offering clarity and high-quality sound regardless of the frankly, asoundingly eclectic music choices that my self-imposed algorithm spits out on a daily basis. I still find the rear-view camera's resolution below what I'd expect from a premium product.
Inside, the Carrera T differentiates itself with standard four-way electrically adjustable Sports Seats Plus with Sport-Tex centres and plaid fabric patterns, adding a touch of classic motorsport flair. The press unit's Gentian blue accents extend to the interior, with blue stitching and blue accents in the aforementioned seats. The shortened gear lever for the manual transmission feels precise, and the fact that the lever is made from walnut, just like that on a Carrera GT, is the sort of nerdy automotive easter egg I live for. Speaking of easter eggs, there's an H-pattern logo on the passenger side of the dash, and two stickers on either rear window with the same logo. Clearly, Porsche is rather proud to still offer a three-pedal 911 in 2025!
Storage remains compact, with limited cubby spaces. Still, the 135 litres in the 'frunk' and the optional rear seats (now a no-cost option, best for children or luggage) ensure a degree of practicality that makes the 911 a usable sports car.
Drivetrain
The heart of the 911 Carrera T is the 3.0-litre flat-six twin-turbo engine, delivering 290kW and 450Nm. While these figures are identical to the base Carrera, including the turbochargers from the previous GTS, the true highlight of the T is its standard six-speed manual gearbox. With its precise and weighty action, the gearbox dominates the driving experience. Porsche claims a 0-100 km/h sprint of 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 295 km/h. We headed to Gerotek testing facilities in Pretoria armed with our trusty Dragy GPS data logger, which revealed that the Carrera T could sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.53 seconds and go on to a quarter-mile time of 12.22 seconds.
If you want a faster 911, spend less and get the PDK-equipped Carrera, which sprints to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, but it cannot replicate the joy derived from engaging with the manual gearbox. An auto-blip function for downshifts can be enabled for smoother, rev-matched changes too!
Driving Impression
Having driven various 911 iterations, the Carrera T stands out primarily because of its gearbox, which alters the car's character and forces you as a driver to be more involved in the driving process. While it is possible to get the T to wag its tail, it's wonderfully predictable and progressive, making it hard to believe that the engine sits at the back. Combining the 'box, reduced soundproofing, and model-specific chassis tuning means the T is made for driving fun, turning any bit of twisty road into an adventure. The daily usability is more compromised, with the PDK being more agreeable, but if you've signed up for the manual, you'd already know this heading in!
While still subject to modern regulations, the exhaust note is amplified by the standard sports exhaust system and reduced cabin insulation, providing a more raw and emotive soundtrack than the standard model. It encourages you to rev the engine out, which is surprisingly sonorous and linear in its power delivery despite its turbocharged nature. On the road, the Carrera T feels incredibly well-balanced, with steering that can only be described as delicious, brakes that are confidence-inspiring, and a general demeanour that goads you into seeking the more grin-inducing path home. The ride is very firm, mind, and the cabin intrusion and general road noise remain very high in 911s in general, but are more noticeable in the T.
Fuel economy
Porsche claims that the fuel consumption of the Carrera T is around 11.5 L/100km. Spirited driving naturally pushed this figure higher during my time with the car, closer to 13.0 L/100 km. However, figures closer to the claimed average were achievable on more sedate commutes, demonstrating its surprising efficiency when not pushed. Fuel consumption is entirely acceptable for a car that delivers such an engaging experience, and is likely irrelevant to those shopping for a T.
Safety
Like other 911 models, the Carrera T benefits from Porsche's robust safety architecture. While dedicated crash test ratings for the 911 are uncommon, it shares its advanced safety systems with other 5-star rated Porsche vehicles like the Taycan and Cayenne, suggesting a high level of passive and active safety. Standard features include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist.
Pricing
The Porsche 911 Carrera T for the 992.2 generation starts at R2 921 000, positioned above the base Carrera but below the Carrera S and GTS models. It's not cheap, but keen driving enthusiasts have very few options in this arena, and getting your hands on the higher-tier GT models is increasingly difficult, such is the demand for the GT3. The 911 comes standard with a 3-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
The Carrera T is a testament to Porsche's commitment to offering a driver's car despite ever more stringent regulations seemingly laser-focused on ruining our fun. The Carrera T is a beacon for those who value mechanical engagement and a direct connection to the road in an increasingly digital and electrified automotive landscape. It's a fantastic example of how a base model car with some niceties from the more potent models can create a unique experience. For enthusiasts who want a 911 that embodies the essence of driving fun, yet remains reasonably usable day-to-day, the Carrera T is a solid option within the range. It is indeed one of the very last of its kind.
