The Carrera T is powered by a three-litre six-cylinder, twin turbo.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
Now, that’s a real Porsche. The kind we’ve always loved.
The 2025 911 Carrera T is a rip-snorting, lightweight, no-compromise two-seater in the tradition that has made Porsche a continuing favourite among driving enthusiasts. And – if you have the substantial means needed to afford one – it delivers unmatched performance value.
Of course, that’s a big if. At a base price of $149,200 (which jumps into the $170,000s by the time you pay taxes, delivery and dealer fees), this charming little monster is out of reach for most. But for those who can afford one, it’s hard to think of a lovelier way to declare you’ve arrived.
What makes this relatively stripped-down road rat so special? Lighter, leaner and noisier than the 911 has been in years, the manual only Carrera T bolsters Porsche’s reputation as a driver’s car that puts the competitive spirit ahead of plush amenities.
From the growl of the 388-horsepower twin-turbo boxer six-cylinder engine to the short-throw shifter adorned with a real walnut knob, this car is as much about having fun as it is about gaining bragging rights. And, unlike many recent Porsches, it comes equipped with enough of the essentials that “you don’t have to add $40,000 in options,” said Michael Roesler, Porsche’s director of model line 911.
Standard features include rear-axle steering and a system that lowers the car about 10 millimetres at speed.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
The standard goodies include rear-axle steering, the clever PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) which lowers the car about 10 millimetres at speed, a classy chrono package that includes Porsche’s Track Precision app and tire temperature display for your racing moments, monstrous six-piston brake calipers (front) and four-piston (rear) mated to massive 350-millimetre carbon rotors. The bossy exhaust system finished in black sends just enough bark to make the neighbours envious but not angry.
Although, fear not, if you want to option up, there are ample ways to do so. One of the more attractive packages in the model journalists drove was the interior package in vibrant Gentian Blue. It adds blue accents to the dashboard, door and centre console trim pieces, stitching and seat belts. Seat centres and doors get coloured plaid patterns. The package also includes a handsome dash-mounted sport chrono dial. Adaptive seats are made of carbon, saving 8.5 kilograms.
An exterior appearance package offers the same blue accents on the quite-acceptable standard vanadium grey metallic 20-inch alloy wheels, and some cool decal treatment on the hood and lower door panels. Upgraded 21-inch wheels are also available.
Six-speed manual? This is now the only Porsche that comes in stick shift only, although it should be noted there is one fewer gear than the outgoing Carrera T it replaces. Porsche engineers said eliminating the seventh “overdrive” gear made it possible to refine the gearbox to produce sharper, more precise shifting. (And a comparison spin in the conveniently available outgoing model proves that out.) Coincidentally, eliminating one gear also trims a little weight – an obsession in the Carrera T.
An interior upgrade adds blue accents to the dashboard, door and centre console trim pieces, stitching and seat belts.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
Other weight-saving moves include the use of lightweight glass, deletion of some sound insulation (who wants it, anyway?) and, yes, those missing rear seats. You can add rear seats at no cost, and Porsche says about half of buyers opt to do so. Those engineers must grind their teeth, knowing the seats add 10 precious kilograms.
The notable weight savings allow for the addition of rear steering, which adds about eight kilograms, and a front axle lift feature that spares the front air dam from curb damage. The coupe we drove checks in at 1,504 kilograms (3,316 pounds), down 12 kilograms (26 pounds) from the outgoing model. Porsche execs admitted with long faces that the cabriolet (we call them convertibles back home) blows the slimdown plan out of the water, at 1,590 kilograms (3,505 pounds). Why a rag top? Porsche says it was simply responding to consumer demand.
The result of all this engineering work is a joyful drive with a car that puts you in command, while at the same time forgiving the little errors that can get you into trouble in tight corners. Journalists drove the Carrera T through a hilly route north of Atlanta with hairpin turns and unpredictable road camber. Both the drivers and the cars were snorting with joy.
The Carrera T has 388 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
Those race-ready brakes allow you to approach corners at frightening speeds. The combination of torque vectoring (which controls how much power is sent to each wheel) and rear-axle turning makes you feel like you’re driving a slot car. And the generous 331 lb-ft of torque quickly sets you up for the next bend. Were it not for the occasional state patrol, it was about as carefree an experience as one could have behind the wheel.
Porsche has increased its market share in recent years by expanding its product line from a pure sports car to wagons, electric vehicles, four-door models and even an SUV. But its identity is rooted in a lightweight, rugged, no-compromise two-seater.
The 2025 911 Carrera T is a shining example of Porsche’s core brand. Deliveries to Canadian dealerships are expected to start early in the new year.
The Carrera T is only available with a manual transmission and the shifter is adorned with a real walnut knob.Doug Firby/The Globe and Mail
Tech specs
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T
- Base price / as tested: $149,200; $196,678 (including tax and delivery)
- Engine: Three-litre six-cylinder, twin turbo.
- Horsepower / torque (lb-ft): 388 / 331
- Transmission / drive: Six-speed manual, Rear-wheel drive
- Fuel consumption (litres per 100 kilometres): Not yet rated by Transport Canada.
- Alternatives: BMW M4, Audi R8
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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