First Drive: Porsche’s Carrera T Cabriolet brings an even more engaging 911 experience
The Carrera T has often been seen as the ‘true’ 911 model, but can this latest version bring something extra? Jack Evans finds out.
What is it?
Now, for the 992.2-generation Carrera T, things have changed. Whereas the previous generations of this car have been Coupe-only, a drop-top has been added into the equation for the first time and it’s this model that we’re looking at in closer detail.
What’s new?
As with other 911 Cabriolets, the Carrera T adopts a fabric-folding setup which can open or close in around 12 seconds. It’s quick enough to get you out of the rain should a sudden downpour hit.
What’s under the bonnet?
It’s a very potent setup, mind you, with 0-60mph coming in 4.5 seconds – you’ll go a shade quicker in the hard-top version – and flat-out, the T will manage 182mph. This 911’s 21.9 combined fuel consumption figure is about what you’d expect for a sports car of this type, too.
What’s it like to drive?
It’s pleasing to note that despite the removal of sound deadneing and thinner windows – not to mention a folding cloth roof – that the Carrera T remains impressively hushed at speed. The drop in ride height over a regular Carrera hasn’t made the car’s ride too fraught, either, and though larger potholes do shock this 911 it manages to deal with them well enough.
How does it look?
As with other 911 models there’s plenty of scope for personalisation, too, with the Carrera T’s ‘Legends’ paint selection bring a wide number of choices, while our test car’s ‘Lugano Blue’ exterior shade sits within the the ‘Shades’ colour selection.
What’s it like inside?
Elsewhere, we’ve got a good combination of physical controls and high-definition displays. As in other 911 models the Carrera T’s steering wheel is a joy to navigate and, fortunately for this drop-top version, is heated. The button to activate the wheel heating is hidden away, mind you, in the middle of the lower spoke. It’s almost like a hidden ‘Easter Egg’ that has been equipped to many 911 models but missed by a lot of owners.
What’s the spec like?
Standard equipment levels are good, mind you, with four-way adjustable sport seats coming included on all cars alongside 20-inch alloy wheels and the very usable central infotainment system. As with any Porsche model, go too wild and you’ll quickly ramp up the car’s price.
Verdict
The Porsche 911 Carrera T Cabriolet continues a long line of models that bring an extra layer of engagement over standard cars but without the drawbacks of a fully track-focused GT model. This latest version is no different; it’s just as usable as a ‘regular’ 911, but feels more spirited as and when you need it to be.
Is the Cabriolet the one to choose? Well, it certainly broadens the appeal of the Carrera T, but its significant extra cost over the coupe means you’re going to have to get the top down on a regular basis to make it worthwhile.
