The top-of-the-line 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 models, as well as the Boxster and Cayman 718 GTS 4.0 variations, are now also offered with an automatic transmission. With PDK, there are no delays in acceleration when changing gears.
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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.
Porsche first used automatic transmissions when?
Porsche unveiled their first automatic transmission way back in 1968. Porsche introduced the Sportomatic transmission in order to appeal to the market that didn’t want to manually change gears.
This transmission wasn’t an actual automatic. The driver was able to change gears by operating a vacuum-controlled clutch with a gear lever similar to one found in a manual transmission car. The absence of a clutch pedal was what made a difference, though. This transmission, which was utilized in Porsches up until 1980, represented an early attempt at a semi-automatic transmission.
The Tiptronic automatic, which was a ZF product, was the next. Porsche altered the ZF transmission to make it more responsive and athletic. Like modern automated vehicles, it also had a manual mode. The Tiptronic transmission was first employed in the 911 of the 964 generation in 1991, and it has since undergone modifications.
Porsche’s racing engineers had been working on a dual-clutch transmission known as the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or PDK, during this time. Porsche eventually installed the PDK transmission in production vehicles starting in 2005 after nearly 30 years of use and development in racing.
What type of transmission is used by Porsche?
Porsche created the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) in the 1980s for use in racing, and it is now a standard feature in all new Porsche cars. It means “Porsche double-clutch gearbox” and functions in a manner similar to other DCTs used in the automobile sector.
Porsche stopped producing manual transmissions when?
Porsche has only made four true supercars, despite the incredible performance that the Porsche 911 and its various variations offer. The later, dual-clutch 918 Spyder is the outlier among those because the original three—the 959, 911 GT1, and Carrera GT—all only had manual transmissions. The Carrera GT was the last Porsche supercar with a manual transmission, and it was a fine manual at that: the six-speed transmission is controlled by an excellent shifter with a beechwood top.
Are the newest Porsches automatic?
Except for the S and GTS models, which come with a 7-speed manual transmission system, every model of the 2022 Porsche comes standard with a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
Almost all Porsches are automatic.
The Sportomatic transmission, then known as “automatic,” was first introduced in 1968.
It did, however, have a single-disc dry vacuum-packed clutch. and a reworked 4-speed transmission. A torque converter was used in place of the flywheel. It made it possible to engage the clutch while the car was still moving.
The PDK was made possible by the Sportomatic, and the PDK was made possible by the Tiptronic of today. Tiptronic transmission’s initial experiments were fraught with issues. However, this patented transmission mechanism has been polished and improved today.
The dual-clutch PDK mechanism, which is actually a manual transmission, enabled for quick, seamless gear changes. Before it was eventually ready for mass production, this system had been in the Porsche pipeline for more than three decades.
Today, PDK transmissions are found in 80% of all Porsches. The new Panameras and Macans are two examples of cars that exclusively have PDK Automatic. The manual option is no longer accessible.
Porsche is it automatic or manual?
In 2019, Porsche released this 911 only with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Only lately has the once standard manual been offered as a free option on the car’s S and 4S variants. As long as you don’t remember that Porsche used to charge $3200 more for the automatic, the “no-cost” part of this seems like a gain.
A Porsche transmission costs how much?
Depending on the vehicle, a new 2019 Porsche 911 transmission could cost over $3,500, but transmission services like fluid changes and a transmission fluid cleanse are significantly less expensive, occasionally costing less than $150.
Which versions of Porsche are automatic?
The top-of-the-line 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 models, as well as the Boxster and Cayman 718 GTS 4.0 variations, are now also offered with an automatic transmission. With PDK, there are no delays in acceleration when changing gears.
Porsche has a clutch, right?
A Porsche dual-clutch (PDK) technology is included in more than three-quarters of all Porsche 718 and 911 cars that have been delivered to date. The Panamera and Macanb, for which a manual transmission is no longer available, bring the percentage up to 100%.
Is there a manual Porsche?
Porsche is well recognized for making opulent automobiles. In addition to offering classic vehicles with manual transmissions, it still produces two manual versions. The 718, 911, 912, and 914 models of Porsche are available with manual transmissions.
Although most automotive enthusiasts prefer manual transmissions to automatic ones, driving stick-shift vehicles may soon become a thing of the past. A staggering 99% of new cars sold in the United States in 2019 have automatic gearboxes.
Which Porsches are available in manual?
Porsche Models with Manual Transmissions For more control on Matthews roads, the following Porsche models are available with a manual transmission: Cayman 718. 718 Boxster 718 Cayman S
Driving a Porsche manual is it challenging?
My viewpoint is distinct. I’ve operated both manual and automatic vehicles. The Elise has a Toyota transmission and is quite simple to drive. Even the most extreme type Rs are pretty simple, like Hondas, etc. Hell, even the Mitsubishi Evo 6-9 and Subaru STI are simple.
The Porsche Cayman is VERY DIFFICULT. In factory form, it’s one of the hardest manuals to drive smoothly without slipping the clutch too much. The clutch is hefty, just like a 997 clutch, and the clamping force is considerable for a stock car. The accuracy and weight of everything is wonderful, but you have to be a decent stick driver to appreciate it. Because there isn’t much “play” between the bite and non-bite points, the bite point is unyielding, stalling the automobile is highly likely if you don’t apply enough throttle. However, if you use too much throttle, the clutch will slip excessively and the engine will burn out more quickly.
Before you can enjoy heel-toe and rev-matched downshifts, the throttle must be good enough and easy enough for you to master.
To sum up, the Cayman boasts a superb transmission that is particularly gratifying for stick-shift veterans. However, if you’re a guy learning the ropes, it’s much better to start out in a Civic SI or even a Lotus Elise rather than a Cayman and risk burning out the clutch and losing motivation.
How many Porsches are manual transmission?
In America, the manual transmission is struggling to stay alive. In the United States, only 13% of cars for sale in 2020 came with a stick. Only 1.1% of buyers of new cars in 2019 (the most recent year for which we have data) selected the third pedal.
Are Porsche manuals more expensive?
Interesting discussion over the weekend with a longtime PCA member and Porsche lover who has had three 356s and other other Porsches over the past 45+ years. He received delivery of a 911S PDK in 2021 and now prefers it to his previous GT3 for daily driving. But when he saw my GTS with a manual transmission, he made the following comment on the advantages of the stick:
- The only Porsche model that prices more for a PDK than a manual transmission is the 718. I had no idea of this. $3,730 for regular 718s and $3,210 for GT4s.
- The option is a “no cost option” for all 911 cars that feature both PDK and manual transmission.
- According to this Porsche aficionado, older 911 models (997.1 and prior) with manual gearboxes are valued up to 15%+ more than those with Tiptronics. “Much more” in the case of 993 models and earlier. Said that, in general, most car collectors and enthusiasts don’t desire 993s or earlier with a tiptronic.
- He added that current vehicles with manual transmissions are worth more when sold than those with PDKs, sometimes significantly more.
- He presented the following example: His prior 991.2 GT3 had a $15k+/- higher resale value as a manual than it would have had a PDK. He did business with PCA Mart.
- As we move toward even fewer manuals and more electric vehicles, he anticipates that this tendency will continue, if not pick up speed.
- In a 718 GTS 4.0 or GT4, he advised: “Get the transmission that best suits your driving preferences, but figure the total cost of a PDK is closer to $10,000 when you include in the initial cost of $3,700 plus a 5–10% reduced future resale value, presuming you intend to sell the car in 5+/– years.”
It’s obvious from my forum name that I drive a stick. However, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of performance or choosing a manual over a PDK is not the point of this discussion. I’m more interested in knowing if others have thought about the economics when making their own purchases.
Are Porsches trustworthy?
In J.D. Power’s annual automotive survey, Porsche and Toyota tied for second place overall in terms of reliability, while the Porsche 911 sports car took home the first-ever prize for the most dependable car in the sector.
Which Porsche automobile is the least expensive?
A inexpensive Porsche model for 2022 does not exist. Nevertheless, the 2021 Porsche Macan is the most affordable model in the series, with prices starting at $52,100, according to Porsche’s American website. The Macan Turbo, with a starting price of $84,600, is the most expensive of the Macan trims.
Even so, this is far less expensive than Porsche’s other top models. The other SUV in the range, for instance, starts at $166,200 for the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. But is the base-model Macan worth purchasing, or does the low cost indicate a lower level of quality?