“IT DOESN’T HESITATE IN RACING TO THE REDLINE WHILE FILLING THE SURROUNDS WITH ITS THROATY FLAT-SIX EXHAUST NOTE”
7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) auto, zero to 100 km/h comes up in 4 seconds and 200 km/h 10.5 seconds later. Top speed is 290 km/h and while it’s not the most powerful engine in the 911 line-up it doesn’t hesitate in racing to the redline in each cog while filling the surrounds, and cabin, with its throaty, characteristic flat-six exhaust note.
Raising your senses and adrenalin even further are the Sport, Sport+ and individual powertrain modes that increasingly sharpen the Carrera T’s scalpel-like dynamic precision.
Ahead of the engine sits the PDK dual-clutch auto that is the best in the business with rifle fast shifts up and down the seven gears – it’s the first time I have driven a car of this ilk and not wanted a manual.
But best of all is how manual the PDK auto is in its execution. It kicks down the gears with a throttle blip, even in full in auto mode and won’t upshift unless the next gear is selected, it just bounces off the rev limiter.
On some surfaces the 911 Carrera T can be noisy, but that’s down to the wide and grippy 20-inch Pirelli P-Zero tyres more than anything, unless you have the flat-six twin turbo operating above 5000rpm. Then you block out the tyre noise with the instantly recognisable wail of the turbo engine.
I hadn’t driven a 911 for close to a decade and I was quickly falling in love with the Carrera T’s astonishingly high levels of traction, steering, handling, braking and roadholding.
Nail it and characteristically the bum dips, the P-Zeros bite the bitumen, and it fires out of the blocks quicker than Usain Bolt. Stand on the brakes and speed vanishes equally impressively.
But the highest accolades go to its steering and roadholding. Feedback through the alcantara trimmed steering wheel is constant and extensive. You feel every imperfection in the road and unlike the Porsches of old that would pitch you into the scenery if you lifted off mid corner, the 911 Carrera T sticks to the road like paint and corners with incredible stability. Even a deliberate big lift and unexpected mid-corner crater failed to upset its line and composure.
Playing its part in the sensory-overloading driving experience is the superbly sorted suspension and chassis setup. Porsche has been honing this configuration for 55 years and they’ve perfected its dynamic performance in every way. For those looking for a plush ride forget the Carrera T, or any 911. But I have to say the firm ride never became harsh or tiring and it would be an easy car to live with as an everyday driver.
Moreover, for all its electronic wizardry the Porsche 911 Carrera T still gives the driver loads of feedback and a totally unadulterated driving experience that is simply unrivalled.
The driving position is what I remember of the 911, low slung and the snug-fitting electrically adjustable sport seats hold you in place and are extremely comfortable.
Looking you right in the eye is the big circular, analogue tachometer that has been there for the past 55 years. To the left is the speedo with minor instruments flanking the tacho on the other side and all the controls are logically laid out and easy to reach and use.
On board are the usual apps, phone and music streaming Bluetooth, Satnav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all encased in an easy-to-use central infotainment screen.
Unlike most other modern cars the key fob starts the Porsche and with a dash of almost French quirkiness, the electronic handbrake switch is snuggled under the dash on the right.
I wonder if it was going to be located there on the 901… I mean original 911.