The reviving Porsche 911 Carrera T is a modern classic

Introduced as a 1968 model, the Porsche 911T replaced the 912 four-cylinder as a point of entry into the 911 family. This new "Touring" variant embarked on a 2.0-liter flat-cooled six-cylinder air-cooled engine. a power of 110 horses. With a selling price of 5195 USD, the price was 2700 USD less than the 911S, more powerful. Great news for Porsche enthusiasts with shallower pockets.

Almost 50 years later, we have another Porsche gift with the same name. Admittedly, with a starting price of $ 116,500, the 911T 2018 is hardly qualified as a gift, but as the second cheapest 911 of the stable, it works a lot like a point of entry . And anyway: with regard to the purest experience of the 911 – read: Immediate and sporty – this special piece carefully worked and slightly stripped nail absolutely.

The starting point is a Carrera rear-wheel-drive base with its six-cylinder flat 3.0 L and 370 horsepower, 331 lb-ft. torque and a seven-speed manual transmission. Porsche adds 20-inch wheels, a 10-millimeter downward adaptive sport suspension, adjustable drive modes, a limited-slip rear differential, a shorter final drive and a sports exhaust system. Weight being the enemy of any performance vehicle, the T is put on a diet; The soundproofing has been reduced to a bare minimum and the thinner side and rear windows of the GT2 RS. These groovy fabric door handles could save just a few grams, but they send the message.

A back seat removal is a free option. The available carbon fiber bucket seats save a few extra kilograms. If you want the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission – and more weight – get ready to pay an additional $ 4,250. In Porsche's words, the new Carrera T "might have received additional power over the original model, but the concept has not changed: the less it's more, the less. "

Well, as we say here at Conduct, the proof is in the pudding. Or rather, imagine a way to have fun in some 911. To this end, we present a 911T 2018 and 1969, separated by nearly 50 years, the latter thanks to the owner and a real pbadionate Porsche, Gerry Taunton. A beautiful autumn weather and dry and winding roads are waiting for you

Gerry's long-bodied 911T is about as original as you'd expect, with the 110-horsepower six-cylinder flat, with a pair of Weber carburettors with three throttles and a lower pull. For 1969, all 911s had a wheelbase of 50 millimeters to improve the handling of the car. Although the more expensive 911E and 911S received fuel injection that year, the T continued with its Webers. And a good old soldier, this clbadic 911; the throttle pedal needs to be mated well enough for the engine to start, after which it slowly settles into idle, which is fantastic, as only an air-cooled Porsche can do. Gerry is delighted to let me drive, stating that "this is the first time I am riding a shotgun in this car".

The clutch plug is surprisingly soft and progressive, but the five-speed dogleg shifter is dragging me every step of the way. The throws are longer than a hail-mary hit and as vague as a politician's promise. Obviously, it takes practice. Gerry is wonderfully tolerant of my unfitness and once on the road, the T feels surprisingly tight, alive and responsive.

The power of the 1969 911T is almost laughable by today's standards, but its weight is just as much. It's not fast, but it makes me want and I feel that once you learn this little 911 aged 50, it could be a real joy to hang out. With a lot of respect, of course.

Back to the future with the 911T 2018 – Gerry falls into the awesome fabric bucket and turns the key. Although this six-cylinder flat has a pair of turbochargers, you'll have a hard time knowing it. The familiar metal emergency of this 3.0-liter engine at idle is not far from the 2.0L of the '69.

Ironically, Gerry struggles to find the speed, probably because the seven-speed selector's short-throw maneuvers are the opposite of his vintage 911. It's really a spectacular touch connection with the gearbox; I turn the steering wheel mode switch on Sport Plus so that Gerry can feel the new 911T in full attack mode: firm suspension, clear exhaust, aggressive gas mapping, and smoother stability control.

Having driven almost all the iterations of the current 911, the T pulls the most on the heart. Porsche has come up with a captivating mix of power, maneuverability and commitment that does not belittle you, but that draws you with an alluring, almost elemental experience of the 911. The Carrera T demands to be pushed and rewards you with a Inspiring exuberance that inspires confidence – no doubt aided here by rear axle steering, an option at $ 2,390. The engine is linear, very greedy and makes beautiful noises. You would not guess that it was turbocharged.

And at a price close to the entry-level, the modern 911 Carrera T is a bit accessible – just like Gerry's 911T in 1969. What's funny, it's a cut-out of it. many years ago when the price of 911 vintage air-cooled rose, this recovered near the sticker on the 2018 model. In the world of the Porsche 911, you have to know how to pay if you want to play. Yet, in the case of these two twinned Ts, purity of purpose sounds true – more play for less pay. And no one can argue with that.