The 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T brings the best of the S—at a sweeter price

The stick-shift Porsche 911 just got a little more accessible. Porsche just unveiled the 2023 Carrera T with a standard seven-speed manual, slotting in below the Carrera S—previously the entry point for three-pedal 911 buyers of the current 992-generation car.

The base-model Carrera continues to exclusively offer an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

In 1967, Porsche debuted the 911T—an entry-level Porsche that prioritized simplicity over creature comforts. The “T” stood for “touring.” Once the four-cylinder 912 went out of production in 1969, the T was the low Porsche in the 911 pecking order, behind the mid-tier 911E and alpha dog 911S.

Fifty years later, Porsche brought back the “T,” for the 2018 model year. This 991.2-generation 911 Carrera T carried the same stripped-down philosophy as its progenitor—rear seat delete, lightweight glass, lowered suspension, and cloth door pulls. While this modern-age grand tourer was not nearly as bare-bones as the 1960s Spartan, it was damn-near close to a base model. A little more special, though.

Then, when the 991 platform gave way to the current 992 generation for the 2020 model year, it meant a hiatus for the Carrera T. Meanwhile, this “pure” trim level filtered down to the 718 Cayman, 718 Boxster, and Macan crossover.

Now, it’s back. As before, the T will nestle itself in the 911 lineup between the base car and the Carrera S.

The 2023 Carrera T is lighter and lower than the standard Carrera, which should appeal to driving enthusiasts. Deleting the rear seat (which is still available as a no-cost option) and including a standard seven-speed manual—plus thinner glass and a smaller-size battery—help shave 100 pounds from the base car. Dripping wet, the whole rig is 3254 pounds. Aiding the performance cause is PASM Sport, which comes standard in the T and lowers ride height by 10 mm. The Carrera S donates its mechanical limited-slip differential with torque-vectoring, as well. Rear-axle steering is available as an option, which it is not on the base Carrera.

The ordinary Carrera engine soldiers on untouched here: 379 horses from a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The manual delivers a 0-60 sprint in 4.3 seconds, but if you’re willing to sacrifice a clutch pedal there is a no-cost eight-speed dual-clutch (PDK) that reduces the shuffle to 3.8 seconds. The combination of lightweight glass and reduced sound deadening should help drivers better appreciate the flat-six exhaust note.

Outside of the minor mechanical tweaks, the T enjoys a few cosmetic glow-ups. The new wardrobe features Titanium Grey Carrera S wheels (20s up front and 21s out back) and dark grey accents on the mirrors and doors. Interior goodies include the smaller GT Sport steering wheel, throaty Sport Exhaust System, and four-way adjustable sport seats.

Despite the less-is-more persona, the Carrera T does offer the usual bevy of customizable Porsche options from seat belt color to decorative stitching, leather accents, and lots more. (Is it still lightweight with a full-leather interior, four seats, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system?) Exterior colors run the gamut, and Porsche even offers its “Paint to Sample” custom pigment that was previously unavailable on the outgoing, 991-generation Carrera T.

How much will the newest T set you back? When this rear-drive coupe reaches dealerships in Spring 2023, MSRP will be $116,600 (plus a $1450 delivery fee). Given that its 2022 Carrera S counterpart is a touch pricier at $124,450, uses the same engine, three pedals, and many of the same choice performance bits, the T might as well stand for “takeoff.”