Porsche loves to pay homage to its past. When your halo model has been in production since the 1960s, there’s a rich history to tap into. The 2023 911 Carrera T is the latest to get the retro treatment, although it’s certainly no old-school sports car. Intended to evoke the feeling of the original 1968 Carrera T, the new one adds performance-enhancing goodies from elsewhere in the 911 lineup while reducing weight and trimming luxuries to create a purist’s sports car.

This isn’t Porsche’s first contemporary T model for the 911, as it relaunched the trim during the 991-generation car’s tenure. More recently, Porsche has introduced a Macan T SUV, as well as 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T models, all using a similar lightweight, performance-enhanced formula. The 911 Carrera T feels focused and provides just enough modern-day amenities to avoid being under-equipped.

Base Carrera Meets Carrera S

The entry-level 911 Carrera has a 379-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine but comes only with an eight-speed PDK automatic transmission, whereas the more expensive Carrera S ups output to 443 horsepower and can be had with Porsche’s excellent seven-speed manual. The Carrera T essentially splits the difference, sticking with the 379-hp version of the flat-six but opening up the availability of the seven-speed manual. Porsche will build you a Carrera T with the PDK, but doing so negates some of the T’s weight savings. For what it’s worth, the automatic car is said to be quicker,…