The Porsche double-clutch transmission, or PDK—acronym for Porsche Doppel Kupplungsgetriebe—is a cutting-edge transmission that modifies how you drive a Porsche. How does it function? Wet-clutch packs that are hydraulically activated and encircled by one another are used in PDK gearboxes.
In This Article...
A PDK transmission is what? Autoweek clarifies
In the past ten years, if you’ve read about, looked at, or driven a Porsche, you’ve probably heard of the company’s PDK dual-clutch transmission. It shifts more quickly than other transmissions, has a launch control mechanism, and, most of all, never needs a new clutch. However, what precisely is PDK and how does it operate?
Porsche Doppel Kupplungs getriebe, or Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, is referred to as PDK and stands for Porsche double-clutch transmission. It is, as its name implies, a dual-clutch gearbox (DCT) made by Porsche, and it functions essentially in the same way as other DCTs currently available.
A PDK can be compared to a seven-person Olympic relay team. The baton is effectively passed instantly with no loss of speed since by the time one runner is getting close to the end of his stint, another has already started and is up to speed. The oil-soaked wet-clutches don’t overheat or tire out under stress, exactly like perfectly fed and hydrated sportsmen. That is how Porsche uses launch control to prevent part damage. To deliver the most torque to the wheels without spinning them, rev the engine to a high power point and slip the clutches. It works amazingly well.
With PDKs, you cannot rationally disagree. However, fanatics seek more than just the goal. Therefore, we resisted the tendency and, at least in the instance of the GT3, prevailed. Why? As Lingeman noted in his evaluation of the 911 GT3, “Despite my love of lap speeds, I would still choose the free 6MT option. Simply said, it seems right.”
The Porsche PDK transmission is more than simply an automatic, but what exactly is it and how does it operate?
You might have noticed the initials PDK in the specifications of a certain automobile and wondered what they stood for if you were considering buying a new or used Porsche or if you are just a fan of the brand.
The word Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, which translates as Porsche dual-clutch gearbox, derives from the German and stands for a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Since its debut in 2007, the PDK system has essentially taken the role of the traditional Tiptronic gearbox across the Porsche lineup, while the current and prior generation Cayenne models continue to use a normal automatic gearbox.
As most dual-clutch gearboxes have two clutches and, in essence, two gearboxes merged into one casing, the basic operating principles of PDK are the same as those of most dual-clutch gearboxes. First, third, fifth, seventh, and reverse gears are controlled by one clutch, while second, fourth, and sixth gears are controlled by the second clutch.
The technology was first tested by Porsche in the 1960s and installed in its successful 962 Group C racing cars, but it took another two decades of development before it was approved for use in mass-produced road vehicles.
This implies that, unlike a manual gearbox, shift times are less than 100 milliseconds, and the next gear engages so quickly that the loss of power is practically undetectable. A 718 Cayman with a manual transmission needs 5.3 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph, whereas a vehicle with a PDK can complete the same sprint in 4.9 seconds. When you add the Sport Chrono package with launch control, this time is further reduced to 4.7 seconds.
When the gearbox is left in completely automated mode, the quick and nearly seamless change speed improves performance as well as comfort.
On the other hand, all PDK vehicles are equipped with paddle shifters or buttons that let drivers handle their own shifting. In this case, the speed of the shift means that the vehicle will react quickly to the driver’s inputs.
Efficiency with PDK is an additional benefit. Although the more complicated gearbox weighs around 30 kg more than a comparable manual, the transmission’s overall effectiveness is increased. In contrast to the 33.2mpg claimed for the PDK-equipped model, the manual 718 Cayman boasts a maximum WLTP combined consumption of 32.8mpg.
Exists PDK in every Porsche?
All current Panamera and Macan models come equipped with PDKs, and 718 and 911 vehicles are typically purchased with this transmission as well. It makes sense given that it seems to offer the best of both worlds: both automatic and manual
What is Porsche Doppelkupplung at 8 speeds?
Porsche’s newly created 8-Speed PDK combines the original system’s remarkably rapid shifts with improved packaging and increased torque output. The end consequence is that the corresponding engine’s incredible drive force is transferred to a sports car’s blazing acceleration.
When did Porsche PDK start to excel?
First PDK for sports cars debuted in the 911 Carrera in 2008. The PDK was able to change speeds up to 60% faster than an automatic gearbox right away. It made gear changes easier to do without losing any propulsion and used less gasoline.
Do you have an automatic 7 speed Porsche Doppelkupplung PDK?
The PDK Transmission’s Operation. Contrary to popular belief, the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe PDK is not an automatic transmission. While PDK transmissions employ paddle shifters and human input to trigger gear changes, automatic transmissions use a torque converter.
Porsche PDK transmissions are produced by whom?
Porsche transmissions with two clutches. A form of semi-automatic gearbox called an electrohydraulic sequential manual transmission is made to give quick, easy shifting, which improves the skills of the typical driver. The automatic clutch in this concept is managed by hydraulic solenoids and vehicle electronics. In contrast to a conventional manual transmission, car electronics and engine management systems perfectly match engine RPMs to produce a smoother and faster shifting procedure. The technology automatically engages the clutch and regulates the throttle to match engine speed once the driver picks the desired gear with a shift lever or paddle.
Together with ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Porsche developed the PDK transmission, which includes both manual and automatic modes of operation. The PDK transmission offers exceptionally smooth gear changes and reliable power, just like other Electrohydraulic manual transmissions.
A particular kind of semi-automatic transmission is a dual-clutch one, such the Porsche PDK transmission (also referred to as an automated manual transmission). For odd and even gear sets, this gearbox is intended to employ two independent clutches. The complete range of the gearbox may be shifted quickly and smoothly thanks to this design. The transmission can work in an automatic mode and give more quick shifting than a driver can usually do manually thanks to the usage of electrohydraulics.
You can think of the Porsche PDK transmission as two half-gearboxes that have been combined into a single housing. Two clutches are needed to drive two input shafts due to the design’s reliance on two half gearboxes. While the other half of the transmission chooses the following gear in the sequence, the engine power is transferred from one of the input shafts via that half of the transmission. With first, third, fifth, and seventh on one shaft and second, fourth, and sixth on the other, the Porsche PDK transmission has seven forward speeds in addition to reverse. One clutch opens and the other closes simultaneously during shifting, making the process more fluid. A few hundredths of a second are required for this process.
The 997 Carrera and Carrera S, as well as the Cayman and Boxter, were the first vehicles to feature the PDK transmission, which was first launched in 2009. The shifting performance and overall fuel efficiency of modern models have undergone significant upgrades.
Numerous engine and power-train improvements have been made in Germany over the last ten years. Please visit our website’s technical advice area for further information in detail.
Do you have a query regarding your high-end car or does your model require specific maintenance? One of our specialists will respond to your question if you use the comment section below on our German Auto Center Facebook page. Len Gilmore is the owner and operator of German Auto Center.
Is the Porsche PDK superior to the manual?
1. PDK is quicker Even with the best of intentions, a manual shift in a sequential gearbox designed for competition can never come close to matching that number, much less on a road-going sports vehicle. By quickly shifting gears, you maintain drive to the wheels, which accelerates you up the road more quickly.
How is a Porsche PDK shifted?
The fact that fast-shifting automatic transmissions don’t provide drivers as much control as a conventional three-pedal layout is one of the more tired arguments against them. However, that reasoning has been at least partially refuted as transmission technology has advanced over time. Matt Farah, an automobile celebrity, recently demonstrated that it is entirely possible to “clutch kick” with a Porsche 911 GT3 RS equipped with the PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission.
With the engine cranked up, a driver can effectively force the car’s drive wheels to spin by swiftly disengaging the clutch and then reengaging it.
Who would like to do that? Say you want to create a power-slide in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle without oversteering or doing the traditional “Scandinavian flick.” The best method is to use a clutch kick.
How does the Porsche PDK work? You must turn off all of the traction control features, claims Farah. The PDK’s clutch can then be effectively disengaged by pulling back simultaneously on both of the shift paddles positioned on the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving.
Once you’ve done that, accelerate quickly to instantly simulate a PDK clutch kick!
You can watch Farah perform the trick in the video below even though you might not own a costly Porsche to test it on.
How quickly can the Porsche PDK shift?
Faster gear changes were possible with the PDK as early as generation 1. The optional PDK transmission, which was first offered in 2008 for the Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S, moved up to 60% faster and with no loss of traction than the standard Tiptronic S automatic transmission, which was ten kilograms heavier. Naturally, acceleration was affected. In Sport Plus Mode, the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera with a seven-speed PDK shifted 0.4 seconds more quickly than the one with a manual six-speed transmission. It translated to 4.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h for the 2008 all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4 as opposed to 5.0 seconds for the PDK.
The current 911 Carrera 4S is a perfect example of how much Porsche has improved its dual-clutch transmission over the years. Now that eight-speed PDK transmissions are standard, gear changes happen in milliseconds. As a result, the sports vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, and in just 3.4 seconds when the Sport Chrono package is included. That would be impossible in a car with a manual transmission.
Porsche PDK transmission quality: how good?
The PDK transmission was created to provide quicker shifts for Porsche race cars. Drivers would have speedier lap times if the transmission made shifts more quickly. Up to 75% of drivers order their Porsche with the PDK transmission since it is now preferred by most drivers over the regular transmission.
What does PDK represent?
How PDK Works. Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, often known as Porsche dual-clutch transmission, is known by the abbreviation PDK. The PDK system was initially created for competitive racing. It was and still is renowned for producing some of the quickest shifts possible with automatic transmissions.
The Porsche PDK transmission’s dependability
Compared to other dual-clutch gearboxes, the PDK transmission is relatively dependable, but its service life is mostly dependent on regular maintenance and adherence to the manufacturer’s operating guidelines.
Why is PDK effective?
The PDK shifts more quickly than manual gears, enabling quicker acceleration and quicker lap times. Although the PDK transmission was first designed for racing, it also has many more benefits when used on Portsmouth’s streets. There is no clutch, so you may concentrate more on driving.