When it comes to touring cars, Porsche knows a thing or two. Case in point, the 911 Carrera T, now back for 2023 on the current 992 platform.

This car is all about connected driving without excessive power. The rear-mounted, twin-turbo flat-6 conjures up a relatively modest 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Standard is a seven-speed manual, though an eight-speed PDK automatic is available at no-cost. Same for the rear seats; available for no extra, but deleted as standard.

The T gains some trickle-down performance goodies from the Carrera S, like a mechanical limited slip differential and Porsche’s Active Suspension Management system; though rear-axle steering is an option. And for bespoke looks: gray trim, wheels and graphics.

After all these additions and subtractions, we hit SoCal’s Angeles Crest Highway to see the sum of all the Carrera T’s parts.

ALEXANDER KELLUM: You know, it’s kinda funny. I was out here with the Macan T not that long ago, and I made a comment then about how the Macan T was a little sportier without going full-bore. And that’s exactly the case with the Carrera T. It’s meant to be sort of a sportier ride, a very– almost like a purist kind of experience, without going all out. So that, along with the lightweight glass, less sound deadening to let all the good noises in, um, and the Porsche Active Suspension– all those things, it all culminates into yeah, exactly that: a purist, just totally fun experience.

The 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T slots in perfectly above the base Carrera and below the Carrera S. Starting around $118,000, it’s a bargain in the 911 family tree and a great option for purists.

And we’ll be back around the bend with more Quick Spins… soon!