Lap Time: 2:53.4
Class: LL3 | Base: $124,463 | As-Tested: $125,373
Power and Weight: 370 hp • 3214 lb • 8.7 lb/hp
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Corsa PZC4, F:245/35ZR-20 (91Y) N0 R: 305/30ZR-20 (103Y) N0
In the latest chapter of the Porsche 911 at VIR, we have the Carrera T, a 911 equipped with the outgoing base car's 370-hp engine, a few weight-saving measures like thinner rear-window glass, and some sticky dealer-installed Pirelli P Zero Corsa PZC4 tires. Dropping a few pounds and adding grip will always improve performance, but since we've never lapped a base 911 at Lightning Lap, we don't know how much quicker the T's tweaks make it. We can say that it's 5.5 seconds quicker than the 2013 Carrera S, which made 400 naturally aspirated horsepower but wore less aggressive P Zeros.
As on all of Porsche's sports cars, the controls, the brakes, and the handling are set up to get you comfortable with probing limits and pushing harder. A lower ride height and brake-based torque vectoring are standard. Even with stability control fully off, the T never makes a false move, and the security and response of the car seemingly widen the track, making the tire walls feel so much farther away.
For Sale Near You
See all results for used 2018 Porsche 911 for sale near 60323
In the Porsche tradition, the T's brakes deliver the same speed-erasing power lap after lap, and the dual-clutch automatic transmission knows exactly when to downshift and when to upshift. Not a lot of vehicles can satisfy the poles of driving skills and everything in between, but whether it's for a newbie or a track pro, the 911 Carrera T never fails to be exciting and fun.
Tony Quiroga is a 20-year-veteran Car and Driver editor, writer, and car reviewer and the 19th editor-in-chief for the magazine since its founding in 1955. He has subscribed to Car and Driver since age six. "Growing up, I read every issue of Car and Driver cover to cover, sometimes three or more times. It's the place I wanted to work since I could read," Quiroga says. He moved from Automobile Magazine to an associate editor position at Car and Driver in 2004. Over the years, he has held nearly every editorial position in print and digital, edited several special issues, and also helped produce C/D's early YouTube efforts. He is also the longest-tenured test driver for Lightning Lap, having lapped Virginia International Raceway's Grand Course more than 2000 times over 12 years.
