The function that enables the driver to manually manage an automatic transmission is known by the brand name Tiptronic. The Porsche firm created the technology in 1990, and it was initially only found on Porsche vehicles.
In This Article...
The Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission functions somewhat like two gearboxes combined into one, with one clutch engaging even ratios and the other engaging odd gears. The software is so clever that it already has the next gear selected and ready for you to shift into. The shift mappings are modified in the Sport and Sport Plus modes, along with the suspension dampening and throttle response. Shifts happen more quickly, and if the automatic transmission is on, the engine revs up more before upshifts. Many drivers have realized that letting PDK handle the shifting is the quickest method to navigate curves.
Porsche initially used the renowned 956 Le Mans prototype race vehicle for PDK testing. The fact that PDK maintained the car on boost throughout upshifts was a significant improvement.
The two gearboxes that make up the PDK transmission are thoroughly explained visually in the video link below, explaining why it shifts so much more quickly than a Tiptronic.
Tiptronic is only available in the Cayenne lineup, which includes the incredibly sporty Cayenne Turbo GT, when looking for new Porsches. All other Porsches, including the Panamera, have PDK as the only automatic option offered.
The Tiptronic originally made an appearance on the 964 in 1991, subsequently on the 968, according to the used car market. Mercedes-Benz provided the automatic transmission option for the 928. Along with the 986 and 987.1 Boxster models, the Tiptronic option was still available with the 993, 996, and 997.1 models. In 2009, Porsche debuted the PDK transmission in the 987.2 Boxster/Cayman and 997.2 911, and it became the only automatic transmission option for the two-door sports car models. The Tiptronics have proven to be very reliable and long lasting. Maintenance is simply changing fluid as per your owners manual. The PDK is equally reliable, but fluid changes should be done more frequently if you take your car to the track.
What you should know about Tiptronic
One can easily discover frequent, acrimonious disputes about the advantages of manual versus automatic gears by browsing automotive journals and websites, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of sports vehicles. The 997 Turbo S and 991.1 GT3 are two examples of cars Porsche decided to only offer with the PDK transmission (launched with the 997.2 generation), therefore the 911 hasn’t been exempt from such arguments.
But since the transmission we’re talking about here was the first to give the Neunelfer a true automatic (as opposed to the Sportomatic, which was released in 1967 and was a manual transmission with the clutch controlled by a microswitch in the gear lever), that problem is more recent. Tiptronic made its debut in the 964, a car that already represented a generational shift for the 911.
The four-speed electro-hydraulically controlled Tiptronic gearbox, which was created in collaboration with ZF and Bosch and debuted in 1988, was dubbed “revolutionary” by Porsche at the time. It was a typical torque convertor transmission that seemed to provide the best of both worlds: when in “Drive,” it would automatically shift ratios as with any other automatic transmission, but by sliding the selector lever to one side, the driver could engage in manual shifting by pushing the lever forward to change up or backward to change down.
The mode or gear that was chosen was displayed on the speedometer. The variety of ratios was larger than was genuinely desirable because the Tiptronic ‘box only had four speeds, but Porsche somewhat compensated for this by giving it a “Intelligent Shift Programme.” One of five shift programmes that altered gear change points according to whether the driver wanted to cruise or get the most performance was selectable from an ECU that monitored inputs such vehicle and engine speed, throttle position, and longitudinal and lateral acceleration. Additionally, this electronic control has other advantages, such as preventing gear changes at inconvenient times, including when cornering, and preventing over-revving by automatically upshifting at maximum revs.
Is there a clutch on the Porsche Tiptronic?
Tiptronic transmissions are initially purchased from ZF as a regular torque converter automatic. Power is transferred from the engine to the ground using a torque converter, clutch packs, and a sequence of planetary gear sets in this type of transmission.
Tiptronic—is it a CVT?
Even while modern DSG gearboxes of all designs and CVTs use the same manual gear-shifting operation algorithms as Tiptronic, these transmissions do not fall under the Tiptronic trade name.
The torque converter Tiptronic?
The Tiptronic transmission technology, in contrast to semi-automatics, uses a torque converter in place of a clutch and adapts manual characteristics to an automatic gearbox, allowing drivers to select the appropriate ratios manually rather than relying the on-board computer to regulate standard shifting.
Tiptronic transmission is produced by whom?
With built-in safety features, Tiptronic gearboxes will automatically shift if the driver forgets. Tiptronic transmissions are also found on vehicles from Audi, Land Rover, Lamborghini, and other manufacturers in addition to Volkswagen. Volkswagen is therefore clearly in excellent company.
Tiptronic is it a manual or an automatic?
A Tiptronic gearbox is essentially a hybrid between an automatic and a manual transmission. The ability to manually shift gears is fundamentally provided by an automatic gearbox. Compared to an automatic, this gives you more control and can be particularly helpful when climbing hills. In fact, European and even some Japanese vehicles often have this capability.
A Tiptronic gearbox differs from an automatic one in that you can choose to switch it out of automatic mode at any time, making it operate more like a manual car. Some more recent models come equipped with safety measures that limit the vehicle’s speed when it is in particular ratios to prevent damage to the vehicle, which is something to take into account.
How reliable are Tiptronic transmissions?
An automated gearbox with manual gear selection is known as a tiptronic transmission1. It gives you more control over when you shift gears, which is perfect for climbing hills quickly or for maintaining better control when passing on a motorway.
Tiptronic can it be changed while driving?
A query regarding using a modern automatic transmission with the manual option came from a reader. His query is as follows:
“Top Gear PH, hello! In an automatic vehicle, is it acceptable to switch from drive to manual (+/-) while I’m cruising? I’m hoping you can respond to my query. So excited! I’m grateful.”
There is nothing to worry about and you can. This is what these contemporary automatic transmissions with a manual mode are designed to do. It was designed to go from automated to manual mode, even while traveling at a high speed.
A few improvements to the automatic transmission have been made in the last ten years or so. Modern automatic transmissions now have a manual mode that allows the driver to manually shift gears, a feature that was first offered in exotic automobiles. However, unlike a true manual transmission, which uses a pedal to drive a hydraulic or cable-controlled clutch, modern manual transmissions just have switches or a shifter that needs to be tugged or pushed to change speeds.
With these gearboxes, the driver is free to choose a certain gear whenever they want. The ability to select one gear and maintain it gives the driver additional control in manual mode. The more control you have as a driver, the better.
What distinguishes Tiptronic from a DSG?
DSG employs two wet clutches, while tiptronic uses a standard torque converter. The DSG’s actual transmission resembles the standard 6-speed in many ways. Odd gears are attached to one clutch, while even gears are coupled to the other clutch, which is a benefit of DSG.
How many gears does Porsche have?
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?
Doppelkupplung Porsche (PDK) The Porsche 911 as well as many other brand-new models, such as the 718 Cayman, the 718 Boxster, the Panamera, and the Macan, are available with the PDK transmission, or the company’s PDK dual-clutch transmission.