What's this then?

This is the new Porsche 911 Carrera T.

Oh, a Turbo, is it?

Technically yes, but it's a small 't' turbo, not the big T version. That means the Carrera T uses the same 370hp 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six engine as the 911 Carrera.

OK, so what's so special about it?

What, seventies-style 911 Carrera T side graphics aren't enough for you? OK, Porsche will throw in a new bodykit, 20-inch alloy wheels, grey-finish mirrors, and lightweight side glass to save a bit of weight. Inside, you get seats trimmed in black leather and fabric, a shorter manual gear shifter (with the shift pattern picked out in red), and retro fabric door pulls instead of handles.

Anything else?

Well yes, but rather than getting anything else, what we really mean is what's been removed. Porsche has binned the back seats and the infotainment system (you can put both back in at no cost, though) and chucked out some sound-deadening material, all to save around 20kg.

So what DO you get for your money?

While the engine is standard Carrera, Porsche has added a lower rear axle ratio and a mechanical locking diff. The shorter gearing means the 0-62mph time is now 4.5 seconds for the manual, a tenth faster than the standard Carrera, and 4.2 seconds for the optional PDK auto. Whichever gearbox you choose, the top speed is a hair over 180mph.

The suspension is lowered by 20mm and active dampers are now fitted as standard, and you can also have, as an option, the rear-wheel steering from the 911 GT3, which hasn't previously been available on any Carrera model. The idea is that the T is the more affordable answer to the GT3 Touring Pack or even the limited edition 911 R. It's a purists' special that's designed to be fun and agile, rather than outright fast.

Can't argue with that.

We wouldn't. Prices for the 911 Carrera T start at £85,576, and deliveries start in January next year.