40 Years After the 911T, Porsche Unveils the 911 Carrera T

Porsche is introducing a new member of the 911 family, albeit one with a somewhat familiar name. Envisioned as a lightweight version of the standard 911, the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T arrives four decades after the launch of the 911T in 1968.

That first 1968 Porsche 911T made just 110 hp with its 2.0-liter engine, versus the 1968 911L’s 130 hp. Though the 911T would later add more power as other 911s also beefed up, it would remain carbureted until 1972, years after the rest of the lineup switched to mechanical fuel injection. The most desirable 911T would arrive midway through the 1973 model year, when U.S. models switched to electronic fuel injection.

As before, the T still stands for “Touring,” not Targa, lest you see an old 911T Targa and get confused. The new 911 Carrera T is intended to carry the torch as a simple, no-fuss sporting machine. Nonetheless, weight drops just 11 pounds compared to the base, stick-equipped 911 Carrera, to 3,142 pounds.

This time around, the formula includes a moderate diet, a standard mechanical rear differential lock, and a 0.4-inch lower ride height with the included PASM Sport Suspension package. 20-inch Carrera S wheels and Porsche’s Sport exhaust (painted in black), are also included.

The manual-equipped Carrera T’s upgrades give it a 0.1-second edge over the standard Carrera in the 0-60-mph sprint, finishing its run in 4.3 seconds. Top speed, however, dips from 183 mph to 182 mph. A PDK gearbox is also available, although that adds about 45 pounds and seems a bit at odds with the Carrera T’s philosophy of simplicity and purity.

Porsche dialed in a few changes for the lightness-focused 911 Carrera T’s cabin. Door handles disappear in favor of door loops, the rear windshield and rear side windows use lightweight glass, and there’s reduced sound insulation. The slightly smaller GT Sport steering wheel is also included, along with a shortened gear lever with unique red embossing. Sport-Tex synthetics line the seat centers, and if you opt for full bucket seats, Porsche will forgo the rear seats completely.

Unlike the 911T of old, which Porsche originally billed as a more affordable base model with less power, the 2018 911 Carrera T stickers at $103,150 including delivery fees, versus $90,450 for the base 911 Carrera. It will reach dealers in March 2018.

If other special-edition models like the 911R are any indication, the Carrera T will be a hot commodity both now and for future collectors. If nothing else, it’s a new chapter for the Touring 911, which was long dismissed as a mere entry-level offering.