Automakers typically build vehicles based on the tastes and preferences of their target customers. They have to, especially since customers may not buy their vehicle if it’s not right for them. Interestingly, some customers are easy to please, but others are quite picky about their choice.
For example, automakers are building more vehicles with automatic transmissions. Indeed, more and more customers wanted vehicles that were easier and more practical to drive. A vehicle with an automatic transmission makes sense, as drivers don’t have to worry about shifting gears, especially in traffic jams.
Nonetheless, there’s still a good but dwindling number of drivers – especially purists – who prefer manual transmission cars. This is why manufacturers offer manual versions of their vehicles. For example, Toyota is finally installing a manual transmission in the GR Supra.
Porsche, meanwhile, offers a new version of the 911 Carrera that will delight purists with its manual gearbox and extremely light character. The Porsche 911 Carrera T arrives to deliver a purist driving experience that non-manual models cannot.
A lightweight Carrera T with a manual gearbox
Purists can count several reasons why they prefer manual transmissions. While automatic transmissions provide convenience, their manual counterparts provide better engagement between human and vehicle. For purists, nothing better than living a real driving experience, the driver seeming mechanically connected to the car.
At Porsche, models with the designation of the letter “T” are usually touring models that could offer a purist driving experience with exceptionally sporty equipment. The latest model to carry this letter is the 911 Carrera T – a lightweight sports car with a seven-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment.
Interspersed between the 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S, the 911 Carrera achieves sportiness not through an increase in power, but through a reduction in weight. This is basically one of the reasons why it comes with a manual gearbox, which is considerably lighter than an automatic gearbox. An eight-speed PDK is also available for the 911 Carrera T.
As with other “T” models, Porsche made the 911 Carrera T lighter by removing the rear seats and reducing the insulation. The automaker also installed lightweight glass and a lightweight battery. At just 3,240 pounds, the 911 Carrera T with a manual transmission weighs about 77 pounds less than the 911 Carrera with a PDK.
Same Porsche 911 Carrera power but sportier
The 911 Carrera T is powered by the same twin-turbo engine as the 911 Carrera, delivering 379 hp of peak power and 332 lb-ft of peak torque. Combining this power with its lightness, the 911 Carrera T can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 290 km/h. The 911 Carrera T borrows Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear differential lock from the 911 Carrera S that pushes the limits.
Also standard in the 911 Carrera T are the Sport Chrono package and the PASM sports suspension, which allows light sports to sit closer to the ground. The steered rear axle, which is standard on models from the Carrera S, is optional on the 911 Carrera T.
As at Porsche, the 911 Carrera rolls on Titanium Gray Carrera S rims: 20-inch front rims with 245/35 tires and 21-inch rear wheels with 305/30 rubber. The 911 Carrera T is fitted as standard with the GT sports steering wheel, sports exhaust system and sports seats Plus (four-way, electric).
Distinct exterior with gray accents and elements
The exterior of the Porsche 911 Carrera T is distinguished from other models by dark gray accent details and agate gray elements (upper and lower trim on the exterior mirrors, door logos, rear logos and decorative strips on the grille of the back cover). The exterior also comes with a windshield with a gray upper tint, along with gloss black tailpipes.
Customers can choose from a wide palette of colors for their new 911 Carrera T. Available are four solid colors (Black, White, Guardsred and Racing Yellow), four metallic finishes (Deep Black, Gentian Blue, Ice Gray and GTsilver) specials (Chalk, Carmine Red, Python Green, Ruby Star Neo and Shark Blue). They can customize the colors with Paint to Sample from Porsche.
Sporty interior with adaptive sports seats Plus
Inside, four-way sports seats Plus are standard on the new 911 Carrera T, with matt black decorative trim and gloss black decorative inlays completing the package. The optional Carrera T interior package is available, adding seat belts in contrasting colors Slate Gray or Lizard Green. These contrasting colors are also available for the decorative stitching, the embossed 911 logo in the headrests, the stripes in the center of the seats, as well as the logo and the stitching on the floor mats.
Porsche offers Adaptive Sports Seats Plus (18-way, electric) as an option for the 911 Carrera T, although lighter and sportier full bucket seats (with Race Tex seat centers) are available.
The Carrera T interior package would add an optional extended leather cabin, wrapping armrests on the door panels and center console. The upper parts of the dashboard and door panel trim are also wrapped in the same material.
Source: Porsche
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