Is the 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T SECRETLY The BEST 911?

The #Porsche #911 #CarreraT is a new 911 variant that splits the difference between the base Carrera and the S. It produces 379 horsepower and weighs around 100 pounds less than the standard car. Buyers can choose between a manual or dual-clutch PDK transmission with a bunch of standard features that were once locked to the Carrera S. Is this the ideal 911 variant?
.............................................................
Instagram - / carbuzz
Tiktok - / carbuzz.com
Facebook - / carbuzzcom
Twitter - / carbuzzcom

[@eyesurgeon69]

The weight savings is basically the manual trans over the PDK. The other weight savings are trivial.

[@johngalt5411]

It might be worth underlining that some of the features included with the T are available only as options on the S and GTS. So the T is really quite a value in the Porsche universe.

[@a.c.e.7568]

Which "features" are you referring to? And for $10,500 over a base, I'm curious.

[@user-mx8py3yv8r]

@@a.c.e.7568 The T comes standard with a limited slip differential, Porsche torque vectoring, sport chrono, sport exhaust, PASM sport suspension, shorter gear shifter, sport-tex seat centers, and some other cosmetic upgrades. It's also the only way you can get a manual transmission with the base engine.

[@a.c.e.7568]

@@user-mx8py3yv8r You can get a manual in any Carrera.

[@markallen2984]

Thanks for the video. This is the most thorough video I have seen on the Carrera T. Bewilderingly, most other videos don't really show the texture of the seat fabric of the seats and don't show the rear seat delete very well.

[@carfan3762]

A very desirable car, especially with the manual gearbox, which is the whole point of it. Like you (and plenty others, no doubt), I imagine this Carrera T would be fantastic with the 4.0 liter naturally aspirated flat-6. But even as such, the 3.0 twin-turbo delivers pretty amazing performance. You can’t go wrong with a 911 as long as it is well cared for.

[@patthonsirilim5739]

they should have use the cayman gts engine in it screaming na engine 394hp is more then enough for some seirous fun car likes this are all about emotion and feel the flat 6 na 4.0 would have been perfect.

[@glennhavinoviski8128]

@@patthonsirilim5739 It is somewhat curious why Porsche developed a standalone NA engine for the 718 GT4 and GTS (essentially the same basic engine for both), basically because of the relatively low sales and lower price points than for the 911. I know they are using the basic 3.0 block but without the twin turbos (which probably take up tons of space that doesn't exist in the 718 engine area, and then boring it out to 4.0L. Another thing that a British reviewer (JayEmm?) noted which no one else has - that the 718s have less legroom with the 4.0 (at least in the case of the Boxster) because the seats cannot be moved back as far, owing to the larger size of the 4.0 motor in the engine bay. If there is a drawback with the manuals on the NA flat-6 718s, it's been the relatively wide ratios of the 6 speed manual. The 7-speed in the 911T has not only a great short-shifter, but also what feel like shorter gear ratios.

[@aviator-kn8zq]

Less is more - Nick Murray

[@dukmahsik]

Mines coming in April 😊

[@Sebastianlx]

Great video! What is the rudder material and how it handles Orca's attacks?

[@bikemike1118]

The standard red is a beautiful color…although I wouldn’t choose it: too sunlight sensitive in the longer run.

[@russcruse7371]

Amazing to me how so many people that review these cars know so little about them. As pointed out above many of the options mentioned are indeed available on the base Carrera. In regards to the front trunk “you can fit a small suitcase”. I have a 911 Carrera S, and you can easily fit two regular size roll-aboard bags in there with room to spare for other items.

[@unclebob4964]

Russ….you’re spot on with some of the amazing ignorance of SOME reviewers. Know your subject before you expose yourself as a “fill in the blanks if I don’t know” journalist. Case in point….and just into this “review”……the sport exhaust ( with round tips ) is an option on the C2……as well as his assessment of the lightweight glass. He points out the lightweight glass and suggests it will allow a louder environment. The option suggests just the opposite…….” Lightweight and Noise Insulated Glass.” And just to be picky……only because his ignorance got my attention…..the base engine is now rated at 385….not 379. Where do they come from ??

[@Mario-lj7gm]

Yes, the windows on the T are actually quieter and not the source of the louder engine sound because of an insulation film used and that is an option on all the other 992 911s. These people don’t know a thing about these cars.

[@unclebob4964]

Thank you, thank you……..all the above comments are absolutely spot on. They hand out these press cars to thrill-seeking ignorant “journalists” that take stupidity to new levels. If they don’t know, they just fill in the blanks. One on the most common was pointed out above about the glass option. They don’t have a clue. “Light weight, noise INSULATING glass.” GET IT, JOURNALIST……”NOISE INSULATING.” !!! I just wish Porsche would get a bit more discriminating when it comes to “journalists” and “test drives.” Make them take some kind of basic knowledge test to make sure they know what the hell they’re driving. Most have no business in a “base” Carrera, much less a GT car.

[@johngalt5411]

I agree with you 100% because I have the opportunity to purchase a 2023 T but gonna wait for my Cayman GTS allocation instead.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Love that red.

[@fredc9655]

Porsche need to put that 718 GTS/GT4 engine into Carrera T, that would be the perfect T.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Um no.

[@brianljh8982]

2.5 or 4.0?

[@fredc9655]

@@brianljh8982 4.0L

[@fredc9655]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 why not

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

@@fredc9655 Because the current engine is the right balance.

[@gerardmcmillan8591]

Thanks. You answered the question that I had about being able to delete the 911T decal under the doors and the badging on the rear.

[@jeffreykilpatrick3592]

Why would you want to remove the decal and badging. You can easily pull both off - no problem and it would take five minutes. Being a 911 T does deserve some notoriety.

[@gerardmcmillan8591]

@@jeffreykilpatrick3592 My personal preference. I just like a clean understated look. I'm a minimalist...LOL

[@giveyouashot]

@@gerardmcmillan8591 Yes - but as a minimalist you want that Carrera T to be there - it speaks for itself

[@robertlevasseur6843]

I had the decals deleted but retained the rear badging for two reasons. I find that the rear bumper area looks too plain without badging and I have always loved the way Porsche does cursive script. They started using cursive with the 356, now that is heritage.

[@AndersChanTidemann]

Have a T on order….beyond psyched. I checked 1/4 mile numbers recently…faster than a 996 Turbo, faster than a 288GTO, faster than a 959, about as fast as a F40, faster than a 997GT3….everybody’s different but that’s fast enough for me. There’s much more to a car than how fast it is.

[@6lr6ak6]

You're absolutely right, the T well quick enough, a great balance and that manual box, excellent car.

[@AndersChanTidemann]

@@6lr6ak6 I got my T with PDK and LOVE that option. I’ve driven manuals all my life, including for 22 years in my 2001 Boxster S. I don’t get this obsession with manuals. The 992 manual is a PdK with a manual clutch/shifter and one less gear ratio. RSR’s have Pdk’s as does modern F1 cars, enabling the driver to keep the hands on the wheel at all times. Real world it’s nice to have an automatic in modern stop-go traffic. And it’s fun to shift gears through long corners on PdK. I don’t look at it as an inferior option, as a matter of fact I think it’s superior.

[@6lr6ak6]

@@AndersChanTidemann l actually think it'd be PDK I'd choose as well, l like the guards red as well.

[@AndersChanTidemann]

Mine is shark blue and love that color. I do like guards red but I’ve always felt red is more of a Ferrari color. That being said - they all look good, although I don’t get chalk.

[@6lr6ak6]

What a car, just love the Porsche 992s

[@danb2145]

To really save weight you need to get rid of the really heavy 18 way seats! Carbon buckets are the perfect match 👍🏻

[@patrickstarr87]

Yass manual ❤

[@broederbond60]

Sold. That's the one for me.

[@jamesburrell8782]

Just bought one - hope it’s a good as people say.

[@unclebob4964]

You better check the lightweight glass….it’s a NOISE REDUCTION issue !

[@QBNTO1]

When you output your video make sure your audio levels are good. Had to turn my TV up all the way to hear you .

[@carbuzzcom]

Sorry. We typically prefer low to high so it doesn't peak.

[@sarge27271]

Great review bud. You forgot to mention the limited slip diff with PTV. Awesome feature. Cheers Ooops.....you mentioned it right after I posted...LMAO Sorry sir. I owe you an apology!!! Cheers

[@alanwayte432]

Sports exhaust not available on stock base Carrera ..strange I must go and check what’s on mine😅😅I paid for it

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

I got he Carrrera 4 GTS with aero kit, IMO, the pick of the range for what you get and no ugly EVs will be getting past me.

[@glennhavinoviski8128]

Good review - but the weight loss assuptions (mainly that the 100 lb. weight loss is due to the missing back seat, reduced sound deadening and the lightweight windows) are not correct. The differential in weight between the PDK and the lighter 7 speed manual is 75 lbs. Which means if you select a PDK, most of the lightweight stuff is a wash (thankfully no fabric door pull handles on this version of the T). My T on order will add the rear seat back (the wife insisted, place for the dog to ride in), but having the 7 speed manual with the base engine is the main driver of my getting the T (plus standard sport chrono, PTV, mechanical limited-slip, sport PASM, sport exhaust). Personally, if there were a no cost option to add back in standard windows (meaning a normal rear defrost, not the dinky one they have with the lightweight rear window), I would do that as well, but that's not a deal killer. What did almost kill the deal for me was Porsche raising base prices $8000+ with June 1 production or later (which is apparently 2024 model year), even though they now allow to option the Bose sound system and the lightweight buckets (though already shown in the video as optional) which were actually N/A on the original 2023 production run through end of May. Thankfully my dealer is just doing the car at MSRP, no added mark-up.

[@hyper_channel]

Good pick man, manual T is the way to go IMO. Also adding the seats back is no extra cost right? If you ever get too purist you can just remove them and store.

[@AndersChanTidemann]

100lbs weight loss is less than 3% weight saving on a T. Don’t know where all these backroad Schumacher’s think they feel it. What they are likely feeling is the lower ride height, listening to more engine, wider tires and the limited slip differential, all contributing to making the car feel more nimble/sportier. Unless you only plan to race through canyons on Sunday drives in the car, or use it on track, then I don’t know why you’d option a car with fixed seat backs. Sure, they are beautiful and fun and if they make you feel more special then why not. But if you also plan to use the car as a GT car then I’d get more comfortable seats for sure.

[@unclebob4964]

Glenn: You should have gotten your “T” by now. Figure out how full of shit some of these “journalists” really are ??? I’ve had my “base” with options for about 6 months now…..and I absolutely adore this car. It took almost 2 years to get it…..and I went through the price increases as well. The benefit was I had plenty of time on the configurator to “perfect” the build. Was it worth the wait ? OOOOOOH YAAAAAA !!!

[@glennhavinoviski8128]

@@unclebob4964 A lot of the reviewers react to whatever Porsche gives them on the press car. If it has rear axle steer, they positively go orgasmic about it and may well have never driven a car without it. As for me, I just picked my car up at PEC in Atlanta last week, and over the next few days drove it back along a couple storied routes (Shutes Loop, Tail o' the Dragon, and the more modernly designed Foothill Parkway), plus in some heavy traffic around Asheville, and then mostly highways back to the DC area. 980 miles total. LOVE IT. The manual is fabulous in 1st through 5th gears (2nd through 4th is all you need on back roads), and it took me a while but I've gotten used to the rubberiness in 6th and 7th gear actuation on the highway. The 4-way Sport Plus seats with SportTex seating areas and the extra bolsters are great. While I might have regretted not getting 18-ways before (even my Boxster had 14-way seats), these are easily the best seats I've ever had on a Porsche (or BMW for that matter). On the highway, while you hear more tire noise and exhaust, it's no noisier than my Boxster was and certainly the 3.0 lacks nothing for power or the glorious sound (especially with sport exhaust on). And no rear axle steer on mine. Not sure what I am missing as it handles brilliantly and U-turns just fine with the natural rear axle (if it's good enough for the S/T.....). Given most of the reviews of the T have been positive and reflect my own experience, I'd grant them some breathing room. Keep in mind they all have their bias.

[@rustyme1122]

I went back and forth T vs base. When the wallet came out I put down a deposit on a base. The T has its unique options, but I wanted a fancier interior. The back-to-basics T just didn't suit my needs.

[@BoredThatsWhy]

Me in the back @ 3:40 thinking if this was the right buy and how I can explain this to the wife.

[@claudio.goncalves156]

for me the GTS 4 is the best 992 at the moment for use daily

[@MC-nn4ur]

Agreed

[@richt6906]

You may actually want to test out the bucket seats and live with them for a while. I prefer them over the 18 ways and would take the 4 ways over the 18’s as well. I’ve done 4+ hour trips and felt no fatigue in the buckets.

[@carbuzzcom]

We have, the lack of recline drives us nuts.

[@knick11695]

I’m with rich. I daily my 991.2 buckets and they are much better on my back than the comfort seats

[@augustoferreira3647]

Bucket seats are great, but my new car will have 18 way simply because I could not access the back of the car with the bucket seats. I wish they still had the carbon reclining bucket seats that had on the GT cars in Europe

[@paulappache6479]

The buckets I could not get comfortable in. I am ordering the T with the 18 way. But I do know peeps who love the buckets…

[@chrisbynum4940]

How are the standard seats?

[@rvbsoundfactory]

❤ I'm in love.

[@richardwatts9093]

T or Gts ?

[@gwapogreg5837]

It actually has many GT3 parts.

[@jereslavica2618]

Kompromis od klasične carrere i carrere.S!

[@JaredRosenholtz]

Even this 911 is crazy fast. I think I’d buy a Boxster GTS.

[@sunnyboy8644]

....... wtf why?

[@trigganometry168]

@@sunnyboy8644 . Cause it is a 4.0 liter naturally aspirated motor and sounds better plus it's mid engine placement is better then rear engine. But yeah the 911 is more prestigious and looks better. Funny enough they both do 0-60 is the same amount of time.

[@carbuzzcom]

@@sunnyboy8644 Mid-engine dynamics and a naturally aspirated motor

[@nateisright]

Boxster is a Porsche. 911 is THE Porsche!

[@roadrash76]

@@nateisrightI have a 2021 Carrera S manual and I refer to the 911 as THE Porsche as well.

[@unclebob4964]

Sport exhaust IS available on the 911…..

[@luiscouto6543]

Wish they would let opt For carbon brakes

[@carbuzzcom]

Probably overkill for this car

[@luiscouto6543]

@@carbuzzcom I did think of that and in order to keep optioning it up to S money , yet the 30ish lbs off rotational mass is already lightish car would take it that next level of pure driving

[@Flat55Six]

Shortage of carbon brakes. Only available for GT cars now.

[@tommy516]

I just cannot understand why you would not want the rear seats. The carpet can get dirty, you also lose the seatbacks as a block for that rear shelf........ I doubt those seat cushions add THAT much weight!

[@felixdiaz893]

Y ese moco loco 😜

[@sweetlemonade123]

How is this better than s ?

[@iainblack2975]

Ordering one, could take up to 18 mos!!!

[@QuietStormX]

ISMH why would you go light weight for road duty daily? $$$ extra $$$$$$

[@nateisright]

What?!

[@QuietStormX]

@@nateisright For daily driving use. Noise from rods and weather plus the cost for that.

[@houlester]

I agree the GT3 gets old after a few days hearing all the road noise. I would want the thicker glass and sound insulation.

[@QuietStormX]

@@houlester Don't go light weight with thin glass windows...

[@fredianocappellaro7406]

GRANDE PORSCHE 🇮🇪 ❤️ 👍 🔝

[@rubioalejo]

Sadly buckets seats and ceramic brakes are not available for this model in USA !

[@jimsteinway695]

The buckets become very uncomfortable after 30-45 minutes and actually weigh more than the standard seats. I’ve had 2 GT3s with PCCBs and they’re not worth the price or the headaches worrying about every pebble than can get stuck and ruin a rotor, which is around $9000 to replace. Believe me 99% of drivers that buy the 911 T won’t be able to drive where they outperform Porsches steel brakes. In fact my last GT3 I just hit rid of the PCCBs and fitted the excellent steel brakes. The point of the T was the minimalist 911. Start putting all the options then it’s no longer a 911 T.

[@paulappache6479]

Buckets will be available for it later this year. Just not now.

[@user-jf8gd3lv7q]

You don't need "ceramic brakes" for a Carrera T at all! Stop talking fucking bullshit, dude!

[@Jwdude123]

Get the manual transmission. You’ll thank me later.

[@ssjlkrillin]

The manual is preferable but I have to be realistic: I'm not going to be driving through desert canyons where I live - I have lots of stop-and-go traffic to contend with so I'll opt for the PDK.

[@unclebob4964]

…..”Iconography”…….serious ? This is going to be good…….

[@Paratguyguy]

This is basically the toned down version of sport classic

[@a.c.e.7568]

0:12 no more "specific" than a base, S or GTS Carrera model.

[@tacom0nsta658]

honestly, TO ME, and feel free to feel differently, I feel Porsche is about high revving NA engines that feel lazy down low and BEG YOU to rev them and stay in that last 3k RPM...

[@ssjlkrillin]

Wait a second; a purist driving experience without the extra power at a lower price point. Wasn't the GTS supposed to accomplish that?

[@augustoferreira3647]

Not the best 911, simply because it is not a naturally aspirated and it is not the Turbo Monster. In my opinion, if money is not an issue, and the title just called for the best 911, or you get a GT3 for the noise and lightness/driving engagement, or you get a full blown Turbo , don’t need to be the Turbo S. The GT3 is the ultimate driving car without going crazy on with the RS and the Turbo is the ultimate speed monster. The Turbo you can tune and make it an even bigger monster.

[@jimsteinway695]

I agree 1000%. I’ve had 3 GT3s and the only car I’ve thought of to replace it would be a turbo S but they all start depreciating sooner or later, where the GT3 just seems to keep it value. I also think the 991.2 RS is just starting to go over the top. I really don’t like the huge wing and now the 992 RS I’d just plain embarrassed to drive it on the street. So my 991.2 GT3 looks organic and it’s not so outlandish that I can’t take it out for a spin even to the grocers. While I’d love to have the money to just park an RS to park in my trailer for track days it’s just a plain waste of money

[@harry-qy2fz]

@@jimsteinway695 very true. The same reason i want to get the gt3. As much as i love the rs its becoming to looked like a jdm cars.. 🤣🤣

[@egosniper]

You get a GT3 only *if* you can. Highly allocated and limited in my part of the world. For the rest of us, The S, T and GTS are pretty nice alternatives.

[@TheHoosiers2008]

Zero mechanical diff. Only PTV on the 992 Carrera t

[@brycecampbell4845]

You videod 2 different colors of cars ha

[@iphoneappverse7631]

@CarBuzz: Many mistakes in the video. Please do some more research next time. It's shocking to also know that you own a 911 and yet aren't aware of these details. Just to name a few: 2:28: Sports exhaust is indeed available on the base Carrera, and is not a differentiator between the base and the T. It’s a $2,950 US option in the configurator. 5:14: The carbon bucket seats are not mostly fixed. They are electric height adjustment, and manual fore/aft adjustment for driver and passenger. It’s effectively a 4-way adjustable seat, while the base comfort seats adjust in 6 total directions (electric adjustment of seat backrest and seat height for the 4-ways, and Manual adjustment of fore/aft position for 2 additional ways) 5:23: This is the GT Sport Steering Wheel, not the Sport Steering Wheel. The standard carrera has a Sport Steering Wheel, which has an overall thinner wheel shape. 5:51: The 7th gear can be accessed from 5 or 6 with the lockout, or from neutral when in any other gear. Pop it into neutral, and then move it to the right and up. The same applies when coming out of 7th. Some drivers opt to shift from the top of 5 directly into 7. Also at 3:29, you are closing the frunk incorrectly. You should NEVER be pushing down on the center / Porsche emblem to close the frunk. Instead, you should be letting the hood down until you hear the click of the latch, and then apply even pressure on both sides of the emblem.

[@jimsteinway695]

Do you guys all copy each other? Ever since the T came out everyone is saying it’s the purest 911 ever of the best 911 ever. I’ve driven several in the club and it’s a brilliant canyon carver but it’ll never be a GT3 ever. To be the purest 911 EVER it must be normally aspirated

[@k.w5804]

Agree on that. It’s probably the purest 992 911 that you can actually buy if we exclude the gts. Best value too.

[@jpnphom5470]

too slow for a Porsche

[@Hessam101]

Hmm... Nissan offers a twin turbo six with 400 hp for half the price. Is Porsche being delusional?

[@jeffreykilpatrick3592]

There is no substitute. Comparing a Nissan to a Porsche? Really? Drive this car.

[@andresmattos7541]

It's stupidly overpriced

[@damont99]

Yeah totally agree. I would buy a c8 z06 for the price.

[@unclebob4964]

“ If you want to go crazy on the options, get a Carrera S “…… This was the frosting on the cake and was the final straw demonstrating that this is another poser pretending to know what they’re taking about. They’ll give the keys to a press car to a homeless body if they asked to “ do a review “…….

[@saltlake6577]

I strongly recommend to make yourself familiar with the specs and options before going public with your videos. There‘s so much wrong Information that you should better record a new video on the 911 Carrera T model.

[@carbuzzcom]

Such as?

[@iphoneappverse7631]

@@carbuzzcom I second Salt Lake's post. Appreciate you putting together this video to share the car, but please make sure the information is not incorrect or misleading. Eg: you claimed the Carrera T has the sports exhaust, and that this option is not available on the base 992 911. Couldn't be farther from the truth. There were some other mistakes also noted in your narration. Please go through your video again and correct these statements so that potential buyers are not misinformed. Thanks.

[@iphoneappverse7631]

​@@carbuzzcom Here is a short list of mistakes that you made in the video, that should certainly be corrected -> 2:28: Sports exhaust is indeed available on the base Carrera, and is not a differentiator between the base and the T. It’s a $2,950 US option in the configurator. 5:14: The carbon bucket seats are not mostly fixed. They are electric height adjustment, and manual fore/aft adjustment for driver and passenger. It’s effectively a 4-way adjustable seat, while the base comfort seats adjust in 6 total directions (electric adjustment of seat backrest and seat height for the 4-ways, and Manual adjustment of fore/aft position for 2 additional ways) 5:23: This is the GT Sport Steering Wheel, not the Sport Steering Wheel. The standard carrera has a Sport Steering Wheel, which has an overall thinner wheel shape. 5:51: The 7th gear can be accessed from 5 or 6 with the lockout, or from neutral when in any other gear. Pop it into neutral, and then move it to the right and up. The same applies when coming out of 7th. Some drivers opt to shift from the top of 5 directly into 7. Also at 3:29, you are closing the frunk incorrectly. You should NEVER be pushing down on the center / Porsche emblem to close the frunk. Instead, you should be letting the hood down until you hear the click of the latch, and then apply even pressure on both sides of the emblem. Details are important, and I request that you correct these in the video.