2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T

2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T

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The Porsche 911 Carrera T is back for 2023, revived now for the current 992 generation. It slots in above the base Carrera and below the Carrera S, preserving its touring car roots in the best ways possible: it’s fun, sporty, and cool; and it does it in a purist drivers’ package.

Instead of just hitting the streets of LA, we left the city for the Angeles Crest Highway. It was here where the rear-mounted twin-turbo six-cylinder came to life, displacing 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a standard seven-speed manual transmission. According to Porsche, a Carrera T manual can do 0-60 sprints in 4.3 seconds.

But as a touring car, I almost feel like the 0-60 stuff and top speed– 181 mph, by the way– is less important. It’s about how it feels on the road. And this engine is perfect for the Carrera T’s job. Smooth acceleration, accurate response and harmonics you just can’t get enough of. The transmission is slick, and the clutch is firm in actuation without being a burden.

Sticking to the road was easy thanks to the mechanical limited slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring– a standard feature on the Carrera S trickled down to the T. The Porsche Active Suspension Management system and Sport Chrono Package are also included, though rear-axle steering, which my car had, is an option.

After some time driving, I had a realization– thinking back to another T I drove on similar roads…

“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. 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, right? Now, they accomplish this first and foremost by being a 911, right? It’s going to sport. But, uh, standard you get a seven-speed manual and you get a rear-seat delete. Now, you can opt for an 8-speed PDK and you can also throw those rear seats back in if you so choose, and that’s fine, but I think the way I have this one optioned is just perfect. Like, this is how I would want it. 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.”

So, the Carrera T brings in some of the more driver-focused amenities and also does it while saving a little weight in the process, but it does so without stripping away all the premium features you’d realistically still want. 4-way power sport seats are standard, as are the digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen; the latter of which I used for Apple CarPlay.  My car’s seats were the optional 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats– very comfortable, and stylish with the 911 name embroidered up top.

The Carrera T stands apart from the crowd in some obvious ways, like the big side profile designations and rear badging, but it also accentuates the exterior with various trimmings in Agate Gray. The wheels are finished in Titanium Grey and carry the theme well. All in all, it’s nice to have something a little bespoke in a near-entry trim.

Now, I understand that an “entry level Carrera” may sound like an oxymoron to some, but that’s what it is, starting around $118,000 with delivery. My Guards Red tester ultimately optioned out to $137,480, so you can get a little gung-ho with the options– some of which I highly recommend for that driver’s experience, like rear axle steering.

So, to reiterate my opener: the 2023 Porsche Carrera T is a fine addition in the lineup, slotting in perfectly above the Carrera and below the Carrera S. It’s fun, sporty, and– at least in my opinion– undeniably cool.

And we’ll have plenty more cool cars soon, right here on MotorWeek.

2024 Lincoln Nautilus

2024 Lincoln Nautilus

Gorgeous Inside and Out

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When you think of luxury vehicles, you probably think of something German flaunting a high 6-figure price tag. Well, think again! We recently had the chance to fly out to Palm Springs, California to see what Lincoln has been up to with their all new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. So, let’s take a first drive and see what this spruced up utility has to offer.

The most obvious changes are on the inside, where you’ll find quite possibly the most immersive driving experience offered in today’s market. Right in front is the Lincoln digital experience, a panoramic 48 inch display, controlled by an 11.1 inch center screen. This is fully customizable, allowing multitudes of information from weather, to tire pressure. Materials inside are luxurious and beautifully crafted. If music is your jam, enjoy the available Revel Ultima 28 speaker premium sound system, one of the best quality stereos that I have personally experienced.

Lincoln seems to be making the Nautilus more of a spa on wheels. With the digital scent feature, up to three aromas can be held in the housing located in the center armrest. An over-the-air update will be coming later down the line to add the ‘Rejuvenate’ function. After a long day, take 5-10 minutes to lay back with a massage, digital scent, and a selected theme on the display to clear your mind.

When it comes to the powertrain, there are two engine options available for Nautilus. A 2.0 liter turbo four cylinder is standard putting out 250 horsepower and 275 pound feet of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The second offering is a hybrid variant of the 2.0 turbo, with total power output of 310 horsepower, mated to a continuously variable transmission.

“So you might find yourself getting caught up in all these screens and forget to ask yourself, oh yeah, it’s a car… how does it drive? It’s a Lincoln, it’s quiet, it’s comfortable, it provides every amenity needed. And at the starting price point, it’s extremely competitive.”

Speaking of pricing, you can get your hands on the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus for a starting price of $50,415 for the Premiere, while top trim Black Label starts at $74,250, before destination.

This car drives like a luxury vehicle should. Smooth and soft like the materials inside. Carving through the California twisties was a pleasant experience, the car handles itself well, and looks good doing it. The exterior is revamped front to back, but what really catches the eye is the Jet-Appearance package. Available on all trims, this option includes two tone paint, 22 inch high gloss black wheels, anodized black exterior trim, and an exclusive interior. Elegance at its finest.

We can’t wait to get our hands on another Nautilus soon for further evaluation. Stay classy and check back soon for more, right here on MotorWeek.