BY PETER BARNWELL
OWNING a new Porsche sports car would be heaven for many performance car enthusiasts with their focus on the top-of-the-range models that cost in excess of half a million dollars.
It’s a stopper for most except those of the (very) deep wallet.
Take it back a notch or three and there are plenty of choices for half the money like the just released rear-wheel drive 911 Carrera T at about half the price – a lazy $280,600 plus on road costs.
Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) has been able to provide that pure Porsche rear-wheel drive sports car feel in this model that rests between the entry level 911 Carrera and the Carrera S and brings with it an array of sought-after features from both models at a premium of $21,500 over the base model and a saving of $17,500 on the S.
PCA describes the T as a ‘lightweight’ sports car, with the ‘T’ standing for touring.
In un-optioned form, the standard 911 T scores a seven-speed manual gearbox with an eight-speed PDK dual-clutch unit available at no additional cost.
The only other current-generation 911s available with a manual are the GTS and hard-core GT3.
The 911 T manual tips the scales at 1470kg with the PDK adding around 35kg.
In a sensible move for the purist driver, Porsche will remove the 911 T’s rear seats and replace them with a cover and insulation has been reduced to shave yet more mass and to allow more flat-six exhaust and induction note into the cabin.
Additionally, the weight reduction program sees lightweight glass and a lightweight battery.
Lowering the centre of gravity and enhancing dynamic performance is the 10mm-lower adaptive sports suspension with torque vectoring and a mechanical locking differential.
Combined, they promise extra dynamic thrills and all are standard or optional on the more expensive Carrera S and not available at all on the base Carrera.
Buyers of the 911 T benefit from the addition of Porsche’s Sport Chrono Package as standard while rear-axle steering is optional… also unavailable on the entry variant.
PCA says the new 911 Carrera T is “the epitome of purism and exhilarating driving pleasure”.
“You can feel it on winding mountain and country roads – and you can hear it, too. The sound of the six-cylinder Boxer engine is now an even more striking presence in the interior.”
The 911 Carrera T takes its bi-turbo engine with 283kW and 450Nm from the entry level 911 Carrera and is claimed to be capable of accelerating from rest to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and on to a V-max of 291km/h.
Specific to the T are 20- and 21-inch Titanium Grey Carrera S wheels front and back respectively with 245/35 (front) and 305/30 (rear) sized tyres, and contrasting Agate Grey finish on the exterior mirrors, door logos, rear logos, and trim strips on the rear lid grille.
Inside, the T comes standard with a GT sports steering wheel, sports exhaust system and Sports seats Plus with four-way electric adjustment.
Decorative trim in matte black and decorative inlays in high-gloss black round off the T interior.
Aussie spec’ Carrera Ts get standard adaptive LED matrix main headlights, auto-dimming mirrors including rain sensor, electrically folding exterior mirrors, metallic paint, front and rear parking sensors, surround view camera system, lane change assist, Power Steering Plus (no-cost option), adaptive cruise control (no-cost option), heated GT sport steering wheel, seat heating, keyless entry and start, tyre repair kit, Bose surround sound system and DAB+ digital radio.
An optional Carrera T interior package includes seat belts in the contrasting colours Slate Grey or Lizard Green.
The option package also includes decorative stitching; the 911 logo embossed in the headrests and on stripes down the seat centres while the floor mats also offer the logo and stitching in the contrasting colours of Lizard Green and Slate Grey as an option.
Adaptive Sports seats Plus with 18-way, electric adjustment are also optional, as are even sportier lightweight full bucket seats featuring suede-like Race-Tex centre panels.
Optional extended leather upholstery includes armrests on the door panels and the centre console, along with the upper parts of the dashboard and door panel trim.
It’s available in four solid colours: Black, White, Guards Red and Racing Yellow as well as in four metallic finishes: Jet Black, Gentian Blue, Ice Grey (available from November) and GT Silver.
Special colours are optionally available including Crayon, Ruby Star Neo (available from November), Carmine Red, Shark Blue and Python Green.
Porsche 911T customers can, at extra cost, avail themselves of the Paint to Sample program comprising 110 available colours.
Porsche says the overall package gives the new 911 Carrera T an even more extroverted and dynamic look.
Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
