I thought I heard/read somewhere the choice of gearing has something to do with emissions testing, is that right? Also loved the Good Will Hunting line!
@@TheSmokingTire I understand the complaint, but isn't an easy work around just using 2nd and 3rd instead of 3rd and 4th for the spirited drives or tight roads?
9:34 “I don’t fall in love with cars because of their investment value. I fall in love with them because of how they make me feel and how much fun I have driving them” Zack, you nailed it here. I’ve been hearing this from so many more people these days and couldn’t agree more. Good stuff.
@ no dealer markup, my build came in at about $138k with front nose lift, no dealer markup at Porsche of Columbus Ohio . I put no other options on the car. If it doesn’t improve performance I personally think they are a waste lol.
@ agreed, and you have a warranty, 25+ year old cars are fun but I don’t have the time to constantly break stuff that isn’t under warranty and deal with it myself. Trying to find a good mechanic for those cars can be a challenge depending on where you live. Sure I’d love to have a 1000hp skyline but just not now. Supras same boat, clean lower mileage manual runs 150k+
As a C2 owner, I can confirm that the base engine has the right amount of power for the canyons and mountains. I have an M-Eng tune and had them dial it back to stockish levels because it was less fun with more power if you like to shift and really ring out your cars. Also, as Zack noted here, Porsche underrates their engines and especially so on the base engine. People are seeing close to the published power numbers at the wheel, not at the crank.
I’ve tried to explain this concept to others before, I’ve dialed my boost back because there’s not really enough time to enjoy yourself…it gets there too quick! I wanna enjoy the experience sometimes…(I can always put my kill map back on 😈)
Zack I really enjoyed this, a well done video essay - a little more scripted/planned/polished (a good thing!) than the One Takes, with just the right amount of technical details, and focusing on driver experience.
IM not gonna lie, same here but I wish it had the 6 pot breaks up front. Im kind of glad I have the 7 speed but wish is was the 6....not sure there, would not buy another, it seems like this one is just too much for what you get for the price.
I have a 991.2 Carrera T and love it. I feel it did needed more power and a stage 1 tune fixed that need. Now it has more power than a GTS and it definitely surprises people who assume it’s a just a stock Carrera T.
@@kehrin the REAL drivers model can be had with a $30k discount (it’s called a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0) 😉 Having only owned 911s for the last 10 years (until this August) I totally get the appeal of the car. And I’d love to have a 992 T. But if we are talking about driving dynamics/purity of experience, the 718 4.0 is the only option you can still order from the Porsche factory (short of a GT car).
I had a 991.2 Carrera T and it was a great car and a pretty decent value too. I got mine at a discount back in 2019. This new car is not a good value and has just become too expensive, in my opinion. The good news is that those cars from 2019 are selling today for basically what I paid back then so this car should hold its value pretty well. Oh and you are absolutely right, I had the dealer tune mine and I got almost another 100 hp out of it!
Happy I got the ‘24 T (992.1) with the analog tachometer, turn-key-start, and 7 speed manual. Still kudos to Porsche for continuing the manual T. I prefer the classic 911 feel w/o rear-wheel-steer but if you’re a track enthusiast then enjoy the new model, it’s just a great car. I have less than 3,000 miles so far and it’s just ridiculously fun.
The 992.1 base C2/C4 is all you need. Porsche really made the base C2/C4 that good of a car. It's the perfect sweet spot and if you want more umfff...just add a tune to it. The only thing the 992 GT3 has is the high revving 9000 rpm exhaust notes but is that worth another $100K...probably not. You will be surprised how good the base C2 drives overall. I was shocked and the car is so good in every aspect. The 992 I find is the nicest and most aggressive look out of all the generations.
The new base and T have the GTS turbos from the .1 generation. That means a tune isn’t an additional 100hp like the base and last years T, but 150hp and almost 200lbft as reported by APR. That’s 911 turbo territory and is 400-500lbs lighter!
The T model in any Porsche line is the best. I have a Cayman specced similar to a T. It’s perfect on the road. I’d rather have all the dynamic goodies and a manual box with a base engine than the next engine up with none of that.
I took delivery of my 2024 T two months ago and am closing in on the 1,800 mile break in period. Have had a few spurts to 7k+ RPM more recently. Not sure about the comments on the feel of the 7 speed manual. It did take some time for it to feel natural, but now that I've adjusted I can't imagine going back to a 6 speed although my experience before is with a 93 Z28, 09 Challenger SRT, and 16 Challenger Hellcat. I'm shifting just the right amount in gears 1-5 around town and get 30mpg highway in 7th gear. Finding myself completely on the fence about getting a tune to add 100hp. Not sure I want to rob myself of going WOT regularly without the risk of a speeding ticket. It sure as heck doesn't feel slow. By contrast, when I switch back over to my JL Wrangler Rubicon on 37s, I often catch myself speeding.
@@LucasErratus there is a LOT to be said for having a car that you can really wring out without the fear of picking up a felony. I traded my 911 turbo for a Cayman GTS 4.0 for this very reason. Similar power level to the Carrera T. I am much happier driving a “slow” car fast than a fast car slow. You have an amazing car - definitely better than the 992.2 equivalent. Enjoy it!!!
In many respects, the best 911 available ! Well done Porsche. A 911 has never been cheap. Even truer with this one. But if you want an engaging 911 and can afford one, this seems to be a very good pick indeed 😎👌
Less than one percent of us have the time, money and desire to track a car. Therefore for 99% of us these monsters with 500+ hp are unusable, besides the fact that 95% of us can’t afford them anyway. I’m typical middle class and own a 981 Boxster S. It’s an amazing car on a mountain road or even just grocery getting. Every time I drive it, it’s like being 12 and riding Space Mountain for the first time. I can enjoy the car everywhere I go.
Those 500hp monsters or in my case 550+ is very usable. Your car is bonkers fun. I recently rode in a GT4 and yes it’s crack level addictive but get your hands on a GT car and you will be smitten too. 😉
I took my 987.2 to 130mph multiple times in one day in August. And yes, it was on a track. It’s a very well cared for example with 80k on it & completely stock. Then I put the top down for the 2 hour drive home. IMO every P car owner should do at least one HPDE so they can appreciate what they own. Best $200 I’ve ever spent..
It’s amazing how you blend the main message of the video with how the video actually feels. It’s the right, working man’s sports car, the price is correct, and the feel is right.
This is what Thomas meant when he said Porsche needed to make the 911 S/T accessible to EVERYONE. THIS is what the S/T should have been, not an unobtanium limited edition, and Porsche knows it.
This is the exact one I will order by summer. I will even do the blue packaging, however the blue stripe on the hood needs to continue over the roof and rear deck lid. Great and unique review.
@ by todays standards, it is still lighter than most everything in the road. Plus, as more and more race towards electrification, most cars are only getting heavier.
With anything in life there is the "Curve of Diminishing Returns". That is the point at which minute improvements become UBER expensive. The T probably gives you 90% of the fun a GT3 Touring would give you for half the price. It IS the APEX of this curve. Great video bud! Cheers
The 7-speed is actually quite good. It only gets clunky from 6th to 7th and back to 5th, where it does not really matter. Anyway, I think it was still good idea to go back to a 6-speed. The gear ratio is still the same. Bye the way my T is without RAS, and I think it suits the car better.
@@diegodivers agreed! people who option their Ts with RAS, moonroofs, burmester sound, etc don’t get the car. Buy an S if you want those things/that experience.
@@timgiorgetta4411 it adds an unnatural feeling of rotation based on my experience. Check out rennthusiasts review of his 992 T. It’s one of the reasons he got rid of it. Amazing technology I just don’t think it belongs on the purist’s spec T
I have a ‘23 T with rear steer and the handling is outstanding. I feel it is most noticeable when going very fast in corners or tight radius turns. Glad to see they made it standard!
@@OneTwoThreePunch compared to your M3 comp, the T will feel down on power but it is a sublime driving experience when going fast and the sound it makes north of 6,000 RPM is incredibly addictive!! You will not be disappointed!!
DUDE, I loved this review and could watch it again and again (like "Star Wars")! I've watched this 3 times already and will probably come back to it a few more times. What a gorgeous car! Keep it up Zack!
This is it. PERFECTION. The Carrera T is the greatest 911 on sale. (Short of the S/T, which is perfection + the GT3 engine but that is also so stupidly hard to get you would feel stupid yourself trying to get one.) It is perfect. I don't care about any other 911 variant (Maybe not even any other Porsche now with electic Boxsters/Caymans) other than the Turbos for their luxury, GT3/Touring and S/T for their engine sound.
Everything Porsche has done with the 992 base and T pushed me to the 718 platform. Why not save $$$ and have a more raw and lighter and better handling Porsche? I was between a 991 and a 718 GTS4.0. But even the base cayman is really fun… and it has loads of physical buttons!
I like this Carrera T concept - a more analogue, hands-on sports car. I like the practicality of it - not a crazy track car, but a road car. I have the 4.0L version of this engine in our 718 Spyder, and I can say that I'd prefer the NA unit rather than the 3.0L turbo version. Overall I love the idea that horsepower isn't the main goal for many Porsche models - it's about the driving experience.
@@Zuffenhouse Hey, I'm happy to have the Spyder. It was actually less money than the T, and has all the analogue feel you want. The new 992.2 GTS looks amazing but is eyewateringly expensive. I might look at a 991 GTS as an alternative - you could order it with a manual IIRC.
@@WestCoastSupercarsandClassics 991.2 GTS manual is one of my all time favorites. I liked the awd better there, because it felt more agile, had this exta traction and more balanced.
And the dealer markups were driven by people flipping the cars. If the real market price of a 911 is $150k then it's just stupid for Porsche to sell them for 104.
I think consumers focus so much on "more, more, more!" and the companies make products to follow that. But something like this 911 is great. The industry needs to refocus on the more important things
My question about the CT is: If you're looking for a driver's car, why not spend $35,000 less, and get a 718 GTS with a normally aspirated engine mounted in the correct place? BTDT.
I’ve had several 991.2 911s including a GT3 Touring. Sold them all because I always wanted to drive my 718 Spyder and 718 GTS 4.0. All the cars were and are manuals. For street driving the 718 4.0 manual cars are much more fun than 911s IMO.
Zach, Great review and important point we seem to miss about the 911 T being more than fast enough for the street. Feel, handling, and driver engagement should be the focus of a "drivers" car. The reality of a fast cars is you can't utilize the speeds on the street for more then a few seconds (unless you just have a total lack of regard for public safety and the law)
Calling the regular Carrera "sporty enough that you won't feel out of sorts on a backroad" is ludicrous. All 911's are driver's cars, they are all sports cars. T is just the step above the base. I do agree with the tall gearing, they kept it the same as the 7 speed, which was also too tall.
I think this is the 911 to have for us relative mortals. After ADM and options, this is probably half of a GT3. On canyon roads, you will not need more power. My 997.1 X51 has nearly the same power with a bit less weight and it’s rare for me to think it needs more hp on mountain roads in the PNW.
Re:power, since the T has the 992.1 GTS turbos (hp is less because it’s tuned to lambda=1 across the rev range) that means for a relatively cheap investment ($2,495) you can get an M-Engineering tune (once they crack the ECU) and have 600+ hp and 500+ torque, MORE than a GTS, and for much, much less. SO much power left on the table if you, in the end, find it lacking in that department!
I bet the hp is more like 410-415 on the dyno. 911 is my dream car. 911’s are now just too expensive for the average person to afford. But we can dream, right?
To the point on tuning that the 992.2 base engine now comes with the old GTS turbo and the Turbos intercooler. You ever get tired of 388 a tune will push 600hp no problem with those parts.
I heard the rumors that they were pretty successful to lock out 3rd parties to perform remapping and changing the motor electronics with late 992.1s and now 992.2s.
@diegodivers its always a cat and mouse game. Give them a year and they will crack the new software as they always do. This is especially true for all of the VAG products as they are some of the easiest to tune of the European brand lines.
I got stopped at 165 in my T there is no shortage of trouble this car can get you into, I drove it from Utah back to Chicago it was rough towards the end yet it was good for 17 hours and it resold well
A gateway drug! Well said. Astonishing review and boy, what a 911 with a 6-speed manual to die for with a reasonable price and joy to drive! Thank you, Porsche for believing in your fans' and owners' thoughts. Viva 911 T, S/T, GT3 and Turbo S. The juice is where the manual gearbox lies! Much love. 🔥🙏
The 911 is such a huge spectrum, you can get a 2024 Manual AWD GTS, or a 2025 DTC Hybrid, or both in rwd, or a drop top version of any of those, and a targa
It’s incredible impressive from a car design/engineering standpoint. The problem, from my perspective, is that to be EVERYTHING to EVERYONE requires compromise. Most notably, to produce a comfortable “do everything” grand tourer (an increasingly common use case for 911s), you need lots of room for not only occupants, but systems and tech. Systems and tech that add weight. And size. And we are seeing the 911 get quite large, particularly in the 992 generation. I hope they don’t get any bigger/heavier than this, because there is no car more iconic than the 911.
If you remember this then everything about the Porsche model line and cost will make sense: For every petrol car, they have to roughly sell two electric cars to comply with regulations. Brands like Lamborghini or Aston are low volume so don’t have to but then you won’t get a new Lambo for 911 Carrera money. It’s a very complex balancing act and not a conspiracy
The thing is: every 911 is a joy to ride. That means, if you want the Porsche 911 experience, it really doesn't matter what model you drive. I've driven a 996 for a few years and now I drive a 991.2 GTS, and sure, the second is faster and better, but the experience of driving a 911 is very similar. So, if you want a 911, but you're on a budget, just start with a cheaper, older model and see how happy it'll make you. Ultimately, comparison is the thief of joy.
T is fantastic. It is more than the sum of its parts. One of the underrated aspects is its bespoke chassis tuning by Porsche that is good enough as a purist driver’s car but not too much like the GT cars for real world every day use. I bought a 992.1 T in January this year and just ordered this 992.2 T today, after turning away an offer for a 992.2 GT3. The T is too special to ignore for the 911 purists.
I own a pure spec no RAS 992.1. I don't‘ see much reason to go for a 992.2. Because I don‘t t do track days, there is no need the bigger breaks besides optical reasons..But I will test it out, if I get the opportunity. The only new car I could imagine to upgrade to is indeed a GT3. But there is this price tag and I would feel kind of guilty to drive it too hard and too often.
@@diegodivers I would have the 992.1 T every time. 992.2 foists rear steering and digital dash on us. Rear steer is incongruous with the purist ethos of the T. I struggle to see where the .2 is better, but I can think of several ways it’s worse. I also think the .1 aero kit was a triumph of automotive design, and the new one not so much. Keep your .1….you already have the better variant.
@@Zuffenhouse The .1T is awesome. The tachometer in the center is now a legacy that will be missed forever. I really like the T so I am actually keeping both cars. The new one will be specd very differently so it is kind of like having two variants of a great car.
Hey guys, excellent review and I really appreciate it. Thank you Zack. I have one puzzling question, I am looking at opting one without the front axle lift, is this car low enough to require one or will it be fine without it? I had a 992.1 GTS which definitely needed the front lift as I almost always ended up using it. From the pictures and videos, this 992.2 Carrera T looks like it has a higher front lip than the outgoing 992.1 GTS. Please advise.
I was surprised to hear you say the 7 speed doesn't feel all that great. I have a 2023 T and love the trans feel, but my ND2 Miata feels a bit better. The gearing in the 7 speed is also incredibly tall, its at corvette levels.
I have a 992 Carrera T with the manual and you summed the review up very well. I use it frequently, I have 8k miles on mine. It’s fantastic on a track, mountain road or commuting to work. It puts a smile on my face and is worth the cost. They’re not cheap, no Porsche is, but the value is quite good.
@Zack re: rear steering, not saying it’s not to distinguish from the S/T, but also, I think it makes business sense to add options (perhaps ones that were being ticked by the majority) and up the MSRP and make everyone pay for a more optioned out car 🤷🏽♂️
Porsche could have left the rear steer off and still charged the same price (or reduced the by however much margin they earn on the rear steer option). I don’t think the inclusion of rear steer is the reason anyone will decide that this is the right car at the right price for them. No one sees $136k and says “wow that’s a big number, but it’s justified on account that rear steer is now standard”. On the contrary, I think mandated rear steer will push away some of the true purists who’d otherwise consider the car. It certainly would for me (I’d have a 992.1 T over this exclusively for that reason).
Shame they never did one with the n/a 4.0 motor out of the 718 to make a proper baby GT3. Not sure I love the blue and silver wheels. The wood knob is a fun retro touch that people have been adding to their 911s now aftermarket for years. Nice car but finding it hard to be excited for this. New GTS is cool new tech. GT3 is as advanced as always. This continues to be a bit of a compromise and surely isn’t a value at 160k+. I’m sure it’s a good car, but you could also get a 991.2 GT3 for not much more.
Zack your comment about the steering has me curious, you said it's "pretty good", explain please. I have a 2017 Cayman S and find the steering the best of any car I've ever owned and I don't want to be disappointed as I'm going to upgrade to the 911T. Thx in advance.
I can’t get excited about a Porsche with a manual right now. I drove a 718 with a manual and the gears were too tall. (Cars too small inside) I drove last years 911T and the gears were too tall. It’s sad because I have a Honda Type R and it has better ratios. Now I’m 6 weeks into owning a 992.2 Carrera and the PDK is magical. This new Carrera T could be perfection if they could fix the tall gear ratio problem.
Your original premise is incorrect. Many love the bottom 3 911 offers from Porsche(even just the base or a T), often sight practicability for everyday driving on public roads as a daily.
I want that T-shirt Zack, where did you get it! 🤩 BTW, great review, especially like the narrative about how the car feels and reacts as you are driving it, well done.
This is the S/T Porsche would have made if the GT department didn’t exist. It’s absolutely the perfect drivers 911. No limited numbers, no special order lists. The price is still objectively too high but such is life.
Yes. 911 shares an unbelievable number of parts with the cayman/boxster. Especially higher level 718s (e.g. the GTS 4.0 has the same engine as the 992, sans turbochargers). Margins are much higher on 911s.
Yeah these new turbo motors are making big power from a few companies who remove the cats and tune. The bigger turbo packages are making crazy power! Would absolutely rather have this as a manual over a GTS!
As someone without a lot of 911 experience, but plenty of 718, how does this compare to 718 GTS 4.0? Specs and price seem similar. No rear seats but rear storage.
Something I think missed in this review (and others) - is that this is the 992.2 T has same gearbox as the previous 7 speed with 7th removed and some of the GT3 linkage added. The GT3 gearbox doesn't have the MECOSA tech and is in fact very different. I'm sure the linkage has further improved the feel like has been done on every step along the way (991.2->992.10>992.2). Aftermarket companies like Numeric also make some linkage upgrades over stock.
@@JCviggen1 GT3 box was apparently derived from the 6 speed in the 911R. 7 speed box was derived from the 8 speed PDK box. Maybe the 8 speed PDK was also derived from the 911R 6 speed? Dunno.
@JoshPinkert Actually no. 991R box comes from the 7sp PDK and that R box has been used in subsequent GT3 manuals. 8sp was introduced only with 992.1 non-GT3 and the GT3s kept the old 7sp since the 8sp is significantly heavier by design as it had to support a possible hybrid drive.
Still in love with my 992.1 T, and was considering the "upgrade" to the new model. However, the fact that they have no color available as alluring/unique as Python I'm guessing I'll keep it. Let the modifications begin!
My complaint is not the hard buttons. It's the gearing. Messed up the sequence there. - Zack
Love your content & style Zak!
I thought I heard/read somewhere the choice of gearing has something to do with emissions testing, is that right? Also loved the Good Will Hunting line!
Amazing how TH-cam content creators keep sucking up to Porsche as their dealers continue their fraud practice.
@@markufoto what do you mean??
@@TheSmokingTire I understand the complaint, but isn't an easy work around just using 2nd and 3rd instead of 3rd and 4th for the spirited drives or tight roads?
"I do have some complaints... I love the hard buttons. My second complaint..."
yeah what was he talking about lol
Ooh yeah. That's a sequence fuck up. - Zack
Great review Zack. I love the sentence; “I fall in love with cars because of how they make me feel”. Same!!
9:34 “I don’t fall in love with cars because of their investment value. I fall in love with them because of how they make me feel and how much fun I have driving them”
Zack, you nailed it here. I’ve been hearing this from so many more people these days and couldn’t agree more. Good stuff.
It doesn’t hurt you won’t take a bath should you need to sell. I have one ordered in silver , just waiting on allocation
@@OneTwoThreePunchCongrats! MSRP or was there any dealer markup?
And this is why Skyline R34 prices are ridiculous these days. For $150k, I’d rather get a 992.2 Carrera T hardtop
@ no dealer markup, my build came in at about $138k with front nose lift, no dealer markup at Porsche of Columbus Ohio . I put no other options on the car. If it doesn’t improve performance I personally think they are a waste lol.
@ agreed, and you have a warranty, 25+ year old cars are fun but I don’t have the time to constantly break stuff that isn’t under warranty and deal with it myself. Trying to find a good mechanic for those cars can be a challenge depending on where you live. Sure I’d love to have a 1000hp skyline but just not now. Supras same boat, clean lower mileage manual runs 150k+
As a C2 owner, I can confirm that the base engine has the right amount of power for the canyons and mountains. I have an M-Eng tune and had them dial it back to stockish levels because it was less fun with more power if you like to shift and really ring out your cars.
Also, as Zack noted here, Porsche underrates their engines and especially so on the base engine. People are seeing close to the published power numbers at the wheel, not at the crank.
I’ve tried to explain this concept to others before, I’ve dialed my boost back because there’s not really enough time to enjoy yourself…it gets there too quick! I wanna enjoy the experience sometimes…(I can always put my kill map back on 😈)
Zack I really enjoyed this, a well done video essay - a little more scripted/planned/polished (a good thing!) than the One Takes, with just the right amount of technical details, and focusing on driver experience.
My 2024 992.1 Carrera T Manual, is enough 911 for me. It’s my first and last
Porsche 911 purchase. No further affirmation needed. Enjoy life,
IM not gonna lie, same here but I wish it had the 6 pot breaks up front. Im kind of glad I have the 7 speed but wish is was the 6....not sure there, would not buy another, it seems like this one is just too much for what you get for the price.
I have a 991.2 Carrera T and love it. I feel it did needed more power and a stage 1 tune fixed that need. Now it has more power than a GTS and it definitely surprises people who assume it’s a just a stock Carrera T.
Doesn't the 992.2 carrera have the S size turbos now? Aftermarket tune on these should have huge gains.
991.2 T here as well. Haven’t tuned but will at some point. Absolutely love it.
I have the 992.1 T and I feel like it’s quick enough, but can see why a tune is tempting
991.2 T here w Softronic tune. It's incredible!
Looking at Flat 6 Motorsports in Orlando. Any thoughts welcome!
Great to see Zack developing into a seasoned journalist. Concise with a touch of humor and class. Good stuff man 🤙
I think he used to be a stand up comedian or something.
That there is a need for a "drivers model" within the 911 range is depressing. Great video Zack, as always!
@@kehrin the REAL drivers model can be had with a $30k discount (it’s called a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0) 😉
Having only owned 911s for the last 10 years (until this August) I totally get the appeal of the car. And I’d love to have a 992 T. But if we are talking about driving dynamics/purity of experience, the 718 4.0 is the only option you can still order from the Porsche factory (short of a GT car).
I had a 991.2 Carrera T and it was a great car and a pretty decent value too. I got mine at a discount back in 2019. This new car is not a good value and has just become too expensive, in my opinion. The good news is that those cars from 2019 are selling today for basically what I paid back then so this car should hold its value pretty well. Oh and you are absolutely right, I had the dealer tune mine and I got almost another 100 hp out of it!
Happy I got the ‘24 T (992.1) with the analog tachometer, turn-key-start, and 7 speed manual. Still kudos to Porsche for continuing the manual T. I prefer the classic 911 feel w/o rear-wheel-steer but if you’re a track enthusiast then enjoy the new model, it’s just a great car. I have less than 3,000 miles so far and it’s just ridiculously fun.
@@RR911T the aero kit on the 992.1 is also miles better than what they came up with on the 992.2. You could really spec a GT3-lite. 992.1 T is epic.
0:17
I’ve literally never heard anyone say that ever. Owning a 911, or any 2 door Porsche for that matter is awesome.
It’s poking fun at the obsession of the internet comment section teenagers with purely the GT line up. Not reflecting reality.
With Porsche coming out with more Manual 911's is awesome because now I don't need to find either a 997 or 991 manual anymore. Definite plus!!!
The 992.1 base C2/C4 is all you need. Porsche really made the base C2/C4 that good of a car. It's the perfect sweet spot and if you want more umfff...just add a tune to it. The only thing the 992 GT3 has is the high revving 9000 rpm exhaust notes but is that worth another $100K...probably not. You will be surprised how good the base C2 drives overall. I was shocked and the car is so good in every aspect. The 992 I find is the nicest and most aggressive look out of all the generations.
Used to hate this dude and the due from autocar with the glasses and balding. Now I love both of them. What a redemption arc
The new base and T have the GTS turbos from the .1 generation. That means a tune isn’t an additional 100hp like the base and last years T, but 150hp and almost 200lbft as reported by APR. That’s 911 turbo territory and is 400-500lbs lighter!
The T model in any Porsche line is the best. I have a Cayman specced similar to a T. It’s perfect on the road. I’d rather have all the dynamic goodies and a manual box with a base engine than the next engine up with none of that.
This is one of the best 911 reviews I’ve seen.
It’s straight up. Thanks.
I took delivery of my 2024 T two months ago and am closing in on the 1,800 mile break in period. Have had a few spurts to 7k+ RPM more recently. Not sure about the comments on the feel of the 7 speed manual. It did take some time for it to feel natural, but now that I've adjusted I can't imagine going back to a 6 speed although my experience before is with a 93 Z28, 09 Challenger SRT, and 16 Challenger Hellcat. I'm shifting just the right amount in gears 1-5 around town and get 30mpg highway in 7th gear. Finding myself completely on the fence about getting a tune to add 100hp. Not sure I want to rob myself of going WOT regularly without the risk of a speeding ticket. It sure as heck doesn't feel slow. By contrast, when I switch back over to my JL Wrangler Rubicon on 37s, I often catch myself speeding.
@@LucasErratus there is a LOT to be said for having a car that you can really wring out without the fear of picking up a felony. I traded my 911 turbo for a Cayman GTS 4.0 for this very reason. Similar power level to the Carrera T. I am much happier driving a “slow” car fast than a fast car slow. You have an amazing car - definitely better than the 992.2 equivalent. Enjoy it!!!
In many respects, the best 911 available ! Well done Porsche. A 911 has never been cheap. Even truer with this one. But if you want an engaging 911 and can afford one, this seems to be a very good pick indeed 😎👌
Less than one percent of us have the time, money and desire to track a car. Therefore for 99% of us these monsters with 500+ hp are unusable, besides the fact that 95% of us can’t afford them anyway. I’m typical middle class and own a 981 Boxster S. It’s an amazing car on a mountain road or even just grocery getting. Every time I drive it, it’s like being 12 and riding Space Mountain for the first time. I can enjoy the car everywhere I go.
Those 500hp monsters or in my case 550+ is very usable. Your car is bonkers fun. I recently rode in a GT4 and yes it’s crack level addictive but get your hands on a GT car and you will be smitten too. 😉
I took my 987.2 to 130mph multiple times in one day in August. And yes, it was on a track. It’s a very well cared for example with 80k on it & completely stock. Then I put the top down for the 2 hour drive home. IMO every P car owner should do at least one HPDE so they can appreciate what they own. Best $200 I’ve ever spent..
It’s amazing how you blend the main message of the video with how the video actually feels. It’s the right, working man’s sports car, the price is correct, and the feel is right.
This is what Thomas meant when he said Porsche needed to make the 911 S/T accessible to EVERYONE. THIS is what the S/T should have been, not an unobtanium limited edition, and Porsche knows it.
Isn’t it 160k?
@@pricepolice834better than 500k buddy
@@spdcrzy If only it had just a little more power.....
@@lewis7515it is 400+ in reality; then again, why and where you think 400+ turbo HPs are insufficient?
@@lewis7515nah it should just be less expensive lol
This is the exact one I will order by summer. I will even do the blue packaging, however the blue stripe on the hood needs to continue over the roof and rear deck lid.
Great and unique review.
Too much weight gain?
@ by todays standards, it is still lighter than most everything in the road. Plus, as more and more race towards electrification, most cars are only getting heavier.
Key word here is driver enjoyment.
Mark it up! Come on dealerships you can do it!
With anything in life there is the "Curve of Diminishing Returns". That is the point at which minute improvements become UBER expensive.
The T probably gives you 90% of the fun a GT3 Touring would give you for half the price. It IS the APEX of this curve.
Great video bud! Cheers
The 7-speed is actually quite good. It only gets clunky from 6th to 7th and back to 5th, where it does not really matter. Anyway, I think it was still good idea to go back to a 6-speed. The gear ratio is still the same. Bye the way my T is without RAS, and I think it suits the car better.
@@diegodivers agreed! people who option their Ts with RAS, moonroofs, burmester sound, etc don’t get the car. Buy an S if you want those things/that experience.
The rear steer adds no negatives, only positives
@@timgiorgetta4411 it adds an unnatural feeling of rotation based on my experience. Check out rennthusiasts review of his 992 T. It’s one of the reasons he got rid of it. Amazing technology I just don’t think it belongs on the purist’s spec T
I rarely ever use 7th unless I’m on the hwy cruising with no one around. Otherwise 6th for passing response.
I have a 2023 T, such a damn amazing machine!
Do you have the rear steering option ?
I’m waiting for mine… not sure how long it’s gonna take but I’m excited.
I have a ‘23 T with rear steer and the handling is outstanding. I feel it is most noticeable when going very fast in corners or tight radius turns. Glad to see they made it standard!
@@shecky2236 I have a g80 compx m3 now, can’t wait to add my first Porsche!
@@OneTwoThreePunch compared to your M3 comp, the T will feel down on power but it is a sublime driving experience when going fast and the sound it makes north of 6,000 RPM is incredibly addictive!! You will not be disappointed!!
"Good car. Engine is good"... took me a second to think of why that seemed so familiar. One of my favorite movies.
DUDE, I loved this review and could watch it again and again (like "Star Wars")! I've watched this 3 times already and will probably come back to it a few more times. What a gorgeous car! Keep it up Zack!
This is it. PERFECTION. The Carrera T is the greatest 911 on sale. (Short of the S/T, which is perfection + the GT3 engine but that is also so stupidly hard to get you would feel stupid yourself trying to get one.)
It is perfect. I don't care about any other 911 variant (Maybe not even any other Porsche now with electic Boxsters/Caymans) other than the Turbos for their luxury, GT3/Touring and S/T for their engine sound.
this is the first 911T that make sense to me and i agree that is enough for enthusiast drivers for daily use and more . thanks for great review
Everything Porsche has done with the 992 base and T pushed me to the 718 platform. Why not save $$$ and have a more raw and lighter and better handling Porsche? I was between a 991 and a 718 GTS4.0. But even the base cayman is really fun… and it has loads of physical buttons!
Same here - went with a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 with a manual. Absolutely love it and don’t have any 911 envy… though I was looking at a Carrera T also.
I like this Carrera T concept - a more analogue, hands-on sports car. I like the practicality of it - not a crazy track car, but a road car.
I have the 4.0L version of this engine in our 718 Spyder, and I can say that I'd prefer the NA unit rather than the 3.0L turbo version.
Overall I love the idea that horsepower isn't the main goal for many Porsche models - it's about the driving experience.
The 4.0 in the carrera T is the dream combo. But Porsche can’t make the T TOO good 😂
@@Zuffenhouse And with short gearing for road fun.
@@Zuffenhouse Hey, I'm happy to have the Spyder. It was actually less money than the T, and has all the analogue feel you want.
The new 992.2 GTS looks amazing but is eyewateringly expensive. I might look at a 991 GTS as an alternative - you could order it with a manual IIRC.
@@WestCoastSupercarsandClassics I don’t disagree! I’d have your spyder over the T every day of the week
@@WestCoastSupercarsandClassics 991.2 GTS manual is one of my all time favorites. I liked the awd better there, because it felt more agile, had this exta traction and more balanced.
I had a 991.2T and have a 991GT3Touring. Both great cars with focus on driver’s engagement. Albeit very different cars
I think the pricing is influenced by dealer markups. The old 911t always had a markup now Porsche wants its piece of that pie.
And the dealer markups were driven by people flipping the cars. If the real market price of a 911 is $150k then it's just stupid for Porsche to sell them for 104.
Inflation my man. Their costs have skyrocketed over the last 3 years.
My dealership charged me msrp for a 2025, waiting for delivery
@@meekrab9027 yup, every dollar not going to a flipper is a dollar well charged
My favorite thing is how the 2025 911t now costs what the GT3 did just 5-6 years ago🥶
Yep my gts came in at $184 and that’s going nowhere but up next year. Won’t be able to get a decent spec under 200
Prices have gotten ridiculous across the board. A GT3 is now 222k before options.
@@jays9211 or markup
All the experts say the base car is an absolute gem so i can only imagine how the T must feel
I think consumers focus so much on "more, more, more!" and the companies make products to follow that. But something like this 911 is great. The industry needs to refocus on the more important things
Amazing review keep up the great work! You are crushing it!
Loved the video Zach! Glad you guys are talking about the different trim levels and the value proposition they bring.
I just went with a 718 CGTS 4L manual but I did consider a T.
My question about the CT is: If you're looking for a driver's car, why not spend $35,000 less, and get a 718 GTS with a normally aspirated engine mounted in the correct place? BTDT.
I did the same. And heavily considered the 992.1 T. Both amazing options. But very different cars.
I’ve had several 991.2 911s including a GT3 Touring. Sold them all because I always wanted to drive my 718 Spyder and 718 GTS 4.0. All the cars were and are manuals. For street driving the 718 4.0 manual cars are much more fun than 911s IMO.
718 drives better than any 911. Great choice.
@@billnorblat4047 definitely more lively and playful. I agree with you. Although still love 911s
Zach, Great review and important point we seem to miss about the 911 T being more than fast enough for the street. Feel, handling, and driver engagement should be the focus of a "drivers" car. The reality of a fast cars is you can't utilize the speeds on the street for more then a few seconds (unless you just have a total lack of regard for public safety and the law)
It has rear steer because it needs it with the heaviest component, the engine, sitting behind the rear axle
Calling the regular Carrera "sporty enough that you won't feel out of sorts on a backroad" is ludicrous. All 911's are driver's cars, they are all sports cars. T is just the step above the base. I do agree with the tall gearing, they kept it the same as the 7 speed, which was also too tall.
I think this is the 911 to have for us relative mortals. After ADM and options, this is probably half of a GT3. On canyon roads, you will not need more power. My 997.1 X51 has nearly the same power with a bit less weight and it’s rare for me to think it needs more hp on mountain roads in the PNW.
Seems like the sweet spot for a new 911.
Gearing is everything. That’s why I bought the lesser Miata instead of a Porsche Boxster. I encourage people to road test both to see the difference
Re:power, since the T has the 992.1 GTS turbos (hp is less because it’s tuned to lambda=1 across the rev range) that means for a relatively cheap investment ($2,495) you can get an M-Engineering tune (once they crack the ECU) and have 600+ hp and 500+ torque, MORE than a GTS, and for much, much less. SO much power left on the table if you, in the end, find it lacking in that department!
I bet the hp is more like 410-415 on the dyno. 911 is my dream car. 911’s are now just too expensive for the average person to afford. But we can dream, right?
To the point on tuning that the 992.2 base engine now comes with the old GTS turbo and the Turbos intercooler. You ever get tired of 388 a tune will push 600hp no problem with those parts.
I heard the rumors that they were pretty successful to lock out 3rd parties to perform remapping and changing the motor electronics with late 992.1s and now 992.2s.
@diegodivers its always a cat and mouse game. Give them a year and they will crack the new software as they always do. This is especially true for all of the VAG products as they are some of the easiest to tune of the European brand lines.
@@diegodiversIan Litchfield does a cracking ecu upgrade and package for the T
Great production and narration in the vid. Zack is killing it
These 911 Ts will hold their values extraordinarily well.
I got stopped at 165 in my T there is no shortage of trouble this car can get you into, I drove it from Utah back to Chicago it was rough towards the end yet it was good for 17 hours and it resold well
A gateway drug! Well said. Astonishing review and boy, what a 911 with a 6-speed manual to die for with a reasonable price and joy to drive! Thank you, Porsche for believing in your fans' and owners' thoughts. Viva 911 T, S/T, GT3 and Turbo S. The juice is where the manual gearbox lies! Much love. 🔥🙏
Thanks for this awesome review Zack
The 911 is such a huge spectrum, you can get a 2024 Manual AWD GTS, or a 2025 DTC Hybrid, or both in rwd, or a drop top version of any of those, and a targa
they make a sports car and a supercar with the same shell and mostly the same name. its kinda cool
It’s incredible impressive from a car design/engineering standpoint. The problem, from my perspective, is that to be EVERYTHING to EVERYONE requires compromise. Most notably, to produce a comfortable “do everything” grand tourer (an increasingly common use case for 911s), you need lots of room for not only occupants, but systems and tech. Systems and tech that add weight. And size. And we are seeing the 911 get quite large, particularly in the 992 generation. I hope they don’t get any bigger/heavier than this, because there is no car more iconic than the 911.
If you remember this then everything about the Porsche model line and cost will make sense: For every petrol car, they have to roughly sell two electric cars to comply with regulations. Brands like Lamborghini or Aston are low volume so don’t have to but then you won’t get a new Lambo for 911 Carrera money. It’s a very complex
balancing act and not a conspiracy
Perfect example of Porsche listening to their customers and delivering a great car
The thing is: every 911 is a joy to ride. That means, if you want the Porsche 911 experience, it really doesn't matter what model you drive. I've driven a 996 for a few years and now I drive a 991.2 GTS, and sure, the second is faster and better, but the experience of driving a 911 is very similar. So, if you want a 911, but you're on a budget, just start with a cheaper, older model and see how happy it'll make you. Ultimately, comparison is the thief of joy.
Amen about buying cars for how they make you feel instead of their investment value!
What a great, honest review Zack!!!!
T is fantastic. It is more than the sum of its parts. One of the underrated aspects is its bespoke chassis tuning by Porsche that is good enough as a purist driver’s car but not too much like the GT cars for real world every day use.
I bought a 992.1 T in January this year and just ordered this 992.2 T today, after turning away an offer for a 992.2 GT3.
The T is too special to ignore for the 911 purists.
I own a pure spec no RAS 992.1. I don't‘ see much reason to go for a 992.2. Because I don‘t t do track days, there is no need the bigger breaks besides optical reasons..But I will test it out, if I get the opportunity. The only new car I could imagine to upgrade to is indeed a GT3. But there is this price tag and I would feel kind of guilty to drive it too hard and too often.
@@diegodivers I would have the 992.1 T every time. 992.2 foists rear steering and digital dash on us. Rear steer is incongruous with the purist ethos of the T. I struggle to see where the .2 is better, but I can think of several ways it’s worse. I also think the .1 aero kit was a triumph of automotive design, and the new one not so much. Keep your .1….you already have the better variant.
@@diegodivers The NA of the GT3 is to die for especially if you roll your own gears. :) I might go there one day.
@@Zuffenhouse The .1T is awesome. The tachometer in the center is now a legacy that will be missed forever. I really like the T so I am actually keeping both cars. The new one will be specd very differently so it is kind of like having two variants of a great car.
@@RubyStarNeo amazing garage you will have!
Funny thing, I went on Asbestos Rd yesterday coming back from Helen GA
I love the engineering in the carerra GTS tho
Nicely done Zach!! Enjoyed that one and the time was just right 🤙🏼
Hey guys, excellent review and I really appreciate it. Thank you Zack. I have one puzzling question, I am looking at opting one without the front axle lift, is this car low enough to require one or will it be fine without it? I had a 992.1 GTS which definitely needed the front lift as I almost always ended up using it. From the pictures and videos, this 992.2 Carrera T looks like it has a higher front lip than the outgoing 992.1 GTS. Please advise.
Now I know what to buy in 2039! 😂
By then it will be illegal to purchase ICE cars
I was surprised to hear you say the 7 speed doesn't feel all that great. I have a 2023 T and love the trans feel, but my ND2 Miata feels a bit better. The gearing in the 7 speed is also incredibly tall, its at corvette levels.
GTS snails make this a tuner’s dream. Ridiculous headroom.
Why wasn't the Porsche Cayman mentioned in the video? I would expect that a Cayman GTS4.0 would be fairly competitive with this for a lot less money.
These were the two I was cross-shopping but went with the Cayman GTS 4.0 with manual. No regrets on that!
I have a 992 Carrera T with the manual and you summed the review up very well. I use it frequently, I have 8k miles on mine. It’s fantastic on a track, mountain road or commuting to work. It puts a smile on my face and is worth the cost. They’re not cheap, no Porsche is, but the value is quite good.
@Zack re: rear steering, not saying it’s not to distinguish from the S/T, but also, I think it makes business sense to add options (perhaps ones that were being ticked by the majority) and up the MSRP and make everyone pay for a more optioned out car 🤷🏽♂️
Porsche could have left the rear steer off and still charged the same price (or reduced the by however much margin they earn on the rear steer option).
I don’t think the inclusion of rear steer is the reason anyone will decide that this is the right car at the right price for them. No one sees $136k and says “wow that’s a big number, but it’s justified on account that rear steer is now standard”. On the contrary, I think mandated rear steer will push away some of the true purists who’d otherwise consider the car. It certainly would for me (I’d have a 992.1 T over this exclusively for that reason).
Shame they never did one with the n/a 4.0 motor out of the 718 to make a proper baby GT3. Not sure I love the blue and silver wheels. The wood knob is a fun retro touch that people have been adding to their 911s now aftermarket for years. Nice car but finding it hard to be excited for this. New GTS is cool new tech. GT3 is as advanced as always. This continues to be a bit of a compromise and surely isn’t a value at 160k+. I’m sure it’s a good car, but you could also get a 991.2 GT3 for not much more.
even the T today, mildly optioned goes up to 200k after tax here in Canada, which is INSANE.
Zack your comment about the steering has me curious, you said it's "pretty good", explain please. I have a 2017 Cayman S and find the steering the best of any car I've ever owned and I don't want to be disappointed as I'm going to upgrade to the 911T. Thx in advance.
Hard on the wooden gear knob gorgeous. Wet dream.
I can’t get excited about a Porsche with a manual right now. I drove a 718 with a manual and the gears were too tall. (Cars too small inside) I drove last years 911T and the gears were too tall. It’s sad because I have a Honda Type R and it has better ratios. Now I’m 6 weeks into owning a 992.2 Carrera and the PDK is magical. This new Carrera T could be perfection if they could fix the tall gear ratio problem.
Bingo
This is awesome. I’m tired of all the high horsepower stuff. The 330 HP thru the manual trans is very streetable power for fun time on the roads
I was hoping for some seat time in the soft top T. It would be my pick this time round. Very special model
Your original premise is incorrect. Many love the bottom 3 911 offers from Porsche(even just the base or a T), often sight practicability for everyday driving on public roads as a daily.
I DO want the soft top T. That’s so cool. I don’t have the money but I like the idea of a convertible T
You are of course correct. 388 horsepower is really well suited to this market. More power is more you can’t use.
So basically it's what a base 911 should be.
Nice job on this video! Each one is better and better
At one point, the manual GTS is the best 911 offered. Period. Even over the GT3 variants. The GTS is just more usable.
Another great video Zack! 911 T is the one I'd buy if I was in that position!
What great review, being waiting for this since the day they announced it.
Nice car and looks like Blood Mountain and surrounding locations in North Georgia.
Sold and subbed. Great vid.
But can you get these at list price? They seem so good that I doubt they will be easy to find.
"Good car" So looking forward to March -when I pick up mine .
I want that T-shirt Zack, where did you get it! 🤩 BTW, great review, especially like the narrative about how the car feels and reacts as you are driving it, well done.
This is the S/T Porsche would have made if the GT department didn’t exist. It’s absolutely the perfect drivers 911. No limited numbers, no special order lists. The price is still objectively too high but such is life.
a shame that it's still a 150k car
bonkers
I ordered a base model with nose lift for $138k, my m3 was almost $100k. Cars are expensive these days
My 2007 997 turbo was 129k with euro delivery
I think I got a bargain, now 69k miles zero issues
Yup… There’s no reason this couldn’t be done for under $100K, but that would put a big dent in their other rip-off priced cars.
Yes. 911 shares an unbelievable number of parts with the cayman/boxster. Especially higher level 718s (e.g. the GTS 4.0 has the same engine as the 992, sans turbochargers). Margins are much higher on 911s.
Yeah these new turbo motors are making big power from a few companies who remove the cats and tune. The bigger turbo packages are making crazy power! Would absolutely rather have this as a manual over a GTS!
As someone without a lot of 911 experience, but plenty of 718, how does this compare to 718 GTS 4.0? Specs and price seem similar. No rear seats but rear storage.
Something I think missed in this review (and others) - is that this is the 992.2 T has same gearbox as the previous 7 speed with 7th removed and some of the GT3 linkage added. The GT3 gearbox doesn't have the MECOSA tech and is in fact very different. I'm sure the linkage has further improved the feel like has been done on every step along the way (991.2->992.10>992.2). Aftermarket companies like Numeric also make some linkage upgrades over stock.
The GT3 box is also the 7 speed with 7th removed...every manual 911 gearbox from 991.2 onwards is exactly the same externally.
@@JCviggen1 GT3 box was apparently derived from the 6 speed in the 911R. 7 speed box was derived from the 8 speed PDK box. Maybe the 8 speed PDK was also derived from the 911R 6 speed? Dunno.
@JoshPinkert Actually no. 991R box comes from the 7sp PDK and that R box has been used in subsequent GT3 manuals. 8sp was introduced only with 992.1 non-GT3 and the GT3s kept the old 7sp since the 8sp is significantly heavier by design as it had to support a possible hybrid drive.
Still in love with my 992.1 T, and was considering the "upgrade" to the new model. However, the fact that they have no color available as alluring/unique as Python I'm guessing I'll keep it.
Let the modifications begin!
992.1 T is absolutely the car I would have if presented with both options!
Shark Blue