The 2024 911 Carrera T is Porsche‘s Last Future Classic

by Andrew Maness

June 21, 2024

A few weeks ago Porsche debuted the first 911 to feature a hybrid powertrain and while there was a great deal of grumbling from keyboard warriors who ​can’t afford one, there was also cause for much celebration in the Porsche community. Current owners of any non-hybrid powered 911, from the air-cooled ​classics to the current 992.1 models got a little bump in the value of their cars. 992.1 911 GTS owners in particular should be quite happy right now as they ​now have the last non-hybrid GTS. If you’re not familiar with how things work in the Porsche community it essentially boils down to this, rarity is king. ​Performance is a consideration as well, but not nearly as important as what the option sheet says, especially with regard to the paint and interior. This is ​why the 911 continues to hold its value across the six decades it’s been in production, despite typically coming up short on paper against its competitors. ​Porsche enthusiasts and 911 owners in particular understand a simple truth when it comes to sports cars, less is more. In the modern era it’s become ​difficult to adhere to what with safety rules and environmental regulations. However, I’ll take Porsche at their word when they say they still believe there’s ​room for enthusiast focused models and that by offering the 992.1 911 Carrera T they’re walking the walk.

Look, I get that it’s a stretch to still categorize the 911 as a sports car. Since the debut of the 991 Generation in 2012 the 911 has tipped more into being a GT ​car, albeit a very capable one, from the base Carrera on up to the GT2 RS. I’m not here to argue about what technically constitutes a “pure” sports car vs. a ​“sports GT” vs. a “GT”. Surely everyone who reads this will have an opinion on the matter and they’re entitled to it. As for the automakers, they lost any claim ​to credibility on the subject of defining segments when they started hawking sport-compact crossovers and four door coupes. Call it whatever you like, the ​truth comes out in the drive experience. This is why the 2024 Carrera T is a future classic.

Like many a Porsche before it, the Carrera T is defined by what it’s ​missing more than what it possesses. There’s no worked over version ​of the 3.0L twin-turbo flat-six occupying the backend, just the same ​379-hp/331 lb-ft motor found in the base Carrera. Having driven the full ​suite of 992.1 models (with exception of the Turbo S and S/T) I can say ​with a straight face that the Carrera T has more than enough gusto for ​public roads. Paired with Porsche’s engaging 7spd manual gearbox the ​T feels even more alive. There is a time and place for the technological ​marvel that is their PDK transmission, this ain’t it. My test unit included ​rear-wheel steering and a front-axle lift system, both option boxes I’d ​tick if I were buying one. All Carrera Ts benefit from extensive light-​weighting, with thinner glass, a rear-seat delete (it can be optioned ​back in, if necessary, but it’s not), a smaller battery, and less sound ​deadening. All of that adds up to a 100 lb reduction in weight vs. the ​base car. 100 lbs taken out of a modern car isn’t perceptible to the ​layman, but if Porsche engineers say it makes a difference, again I’ll ​take them at their word The connection between body and machine is ​paramount here. Off the line and across the rev-range, nailing shifts as ​you run through the gearbox will have you feeling like there’s a lot ​more power on tap than what the spec sheet says. A shove in the back, ​that’s the first point where “feel” enters the equation. From there on ​out the Carrera T offers heaps more of it through a steering wheel you ​won’t want to take your hands off and a seat you don’t want to get up ​from. The mechanical limited-slip differential is there for predictable at-​and-beyond-the-limit behavior, and paired with PASM (Porsche Active ​Suspension Management) the T is essentially unflappable. The golden ​rule still applies “play stupid games, win stupid prizes” but with 305-​width rear tires and all the aforementioned qualities, you’d really have ​to drive it like an asshole to upset the car.

Which brings me to another point that makes the T so desirable, it’s not a car for assholes. Not enough raw power, not flashy enough, not cutting edge. ​Perfect. The T is not a braggart’s car, it’s the car that elicits compliments from strangers and whose praises you can sing about without sounding like a ​douche. Well, that last part is on you, but it’s possible. For example, I would point to the ease with which the driver can get comfortable with pushing the ​T. It doesn’t take long to trust the package Porsche has put together here and really get into a rhythm on backroads. The Sport Chrono package allows ​for the quick drive mode changes we’ve all become accustomed to and a sport exhaust encourages unnecessary downshifts just to hear its throaty wail ​as you put your foot down to chase the 6,500 redline.

Additionally it’s important to devote some attention to just how damn easy it is to live with. I have been very fortunate to drive a myriad of modern ​exotic cars with ridiculous amounts of power. I cherish the memories I have of those experiences, but damn, looking back I’m lucky to be here. Like so ​many of us that have “the sickness” I am highly susceptible to the dopamine spiking effect of going fast as hell. I have driven cars that I have just not ​been able to help myself in. Self preservation goes right out the window and there I am at extra, extra, extra legal speeds on public roads. I’m not proud ​of it, I don’t encourage it, I’m also not sorry about it. After all, I’m only human. The difference is that now I’m a human with more experience, more ​perspective and the more of those two things you have, the more a car like the Carrera T becomes attractive. Power you can actually use, a ride that’s ​comfortable around town and on extended journeys, all the amenities you need, reliability, efficiency, style. What more could an enthusiast ask for? I ​suppose more favorable pricing for one thing, but even with an MSRP of $126,500 the T represents a good value. Of course you have a snowball's ​chance in hell of getting one without a dealer markup and that’s if you can find one still on a lot since order books have closed. Still, this is a car that is ​more than worth the effort to find. If you can manage to get a good or even reasonable deal, go for it because the 992.1 911 Carrera T is about as classic ​as a modern sports car gets.