The new 7-speed manual 911T sits midway between the 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S.
If there is a cut-price, entry-level 911 with perhaps a slightly detuned engine, a lower specification level and, best of all, a markedly lower price, there would be a new queue building up. Trouble is, some of those in the queue might have defected from the 718 (Cayman, Boxster) line.
The “T” badge was originally given to a budget-priced 911 way back in 1968. It was an “affordable” Porsche for those not in any particular hurry to get from place to place. Its engine was tuned for just 110hp, which even in those days was a bit of a measly output for a sports car, let alone a Porsche sports car.
Today’s 911T is a rather different type of Porsche. To begin with, it is not the cheapest 911. In fact, its pricing is midway between Carrera (3-litre, 370hp) and Carrera S (3.4-litre, 450hp) at a little over S$40,000 more than the base model.
The Carrera T has the same twin-turbo 370hp engine as the Carrera, but with the manual 911T, there is a short-shifter for the 7-speed manual gearbox and a shorter final drive. Also part of the T package are PASM, 20mm lowered suspension, limited-slip differential, Sport Chrono, lightened side and rear window glass, and the option of rear-wheel steering.
Like any 911, the driving experience is immensely satisfying. Porsche’s 7-speed manual is slick and smooth to operate, while clutch-pedal effort is surprisingly manageable, even in city traffic. The performance and character of the engine is as you would expect – very similar to that of the Carrera.
With manual transmission, the final drive is slightly shorter, giving it a slightly sharper acceleration through the gears. With the flat-6 engine ever eager to rev to redline, it’s a real joy shifting down a gear or two to experience the burst of acceleration.
As with any 911, the Carrera T with the manual gearbox is a fine driver’s car. It’s sharper than the base Carrera, although if you still want a little more power, there is the 420hp Carrera S which costs an additional $20k in Singapore.
The new 7-speed manual 911T sits midway between the 911 Carrera and the 911 Carrera S.
