When the Carrera T returned to the Porsche 911 lineup in 2017, it offered a less-is-more approach. Based on the standard Carrera, it was lightened, stiffened, and lowered to improve handling. Giving just the essentials to the Carrera T makes it feel like a baby GT3.

With the 992.2-generation 911 getting electrified for the first time, enthusiasts were in doubt of the sports car’s future. Porsche replied with the GT3 and the GT3 Touring not long after, with a clear intent to keep those as analog as possible.

Following the GT3 pair is the Carrera T, further suggesting that Porsche is sticking it out with analog. There’s even a sticker with the shift pattern on the rear windows as if to say the manual is still very much alive with the brand.

Lightweight windows, lesser insulation, and a standard six-speed manual transmission optioned with full bucket seats result in the lightest possible weight of just 1,478kg—40kg lighter than the Carrera.

Aesthetics that distinguishes the T from the other 911s are ‘911 Carrera T’ decals on the sides and the frunk, along with the model logo on the rear, the inlays on the rear lid grille, the side mirrors, and the alloy wheels finished in Vanadium Gray Metallic. A more functional feature is the lip spoiler from the Carrera GTS for enhanced aerodynamics.

For the first time, the Carrera T is also available as a cabriolet.

Inside, a few elements give it an old-school vibe—a wooden shift knob paired with the shortened gear lever, an ‘MT’ (manual transmission) badge in front of the knob, the shift pattern printed on the passenger side of the dashboard, and a tartan fabric pattern that’s exclusive for the Carrera T. These details are matched with the T’s black interior.

Four-way electrically adjustable sport seats come standard, while the 18-way adjustable Adaptive Sport Seat Plus perches or the mentioned full buckets are options.

The engine is the 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six on the standard Carrera. Output is 389hp and 450Nm. The manual gearbox transfers power to the rear wheels. For downshifts, there’s an auto-blip feature that rev-matches the engine to the proper speed of the gearbox (which can be disabled).

With the standard Sport Chrono Package (with a mode switch for Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Wet incorporated onto the GT Sport steering wheel), the Carrera T Coupe can hit zero to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds (4.7 for the Cabriolet) and has a top speed of 295km/h (293km/h for the Cabriolet).

As a result of power increased from the previous model, the brakes are larger with an all-round disc diameter of 350mm (from 330mm) matched with six-piston (previously four-piston) fixed front calipers.

For the first time, rear-axle steering comes standard (developed specifically for this 911). The front, meanwhile, has a more direct steering ratio.

The PASM adaptive sport suspension is lowered by 10mm, giving the Carrera T its characteristic stance. Twenty-inch front and 21-inch rear Carrera S light-alloy wheels cap off the look.

The 911 Carrera T models should be available in our market soon.