Overview of the 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) automatic transmission from Porsche. Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), which has roots in the classic 956 and 926 sports cars of the 1980s, has transformed how aficionados regard the automatic transmission.
In This Article...
A Porsche PDK transmission: what is it?
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 with hydraulic actuators are used in PDK gearboxes, one encircling the other.
7-speed PDK transmission: what is it?
A new transmission system that gives drivers a sporty, dynamic, and agile driving experience is the 7-speed Porsche PDK transmission. The 7-speed PDK transmission can shift gears quickly and without stopping the power source.
Is PDK’s seven-speed automatic?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Does the Porsche PDK have two clutches?
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.
How quickly can 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.
How is a PDK operated?
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.
Does PDK learn how to drive?
I doubt it, though. However, I’m curious because I used my prior Cayman as a daily vehicle. I observed the car was a touch slow to downshift while braking while driving aggressively on a winding road in automatic mode, and on a few occasions it felt like it should have been in a lower gear when coming off the curve. It was in athletic mode. When I went to manual, I discovered that it operated a little better when I used the paddles to downshift earlier as I approached the corners.
Do you drive differently now than you did then? If so, can it relearn if repeatedly driven in a different way?
When I’m meeting up for a group drive or a track run, I reset the PDK to re-learn and then drive the a$$ out of it because my car is a commuter hack and frequently stop-starts every day, averaging less than 30 MPH.
What does PDK represent?
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 an automatic transmission. The 2009 Porsche 911 introduced the first PDK, which has subsequently become a standard.
What does the term “7-speed automatic” mean?
The S tronic combines the practicality of a contemporary automatic transmission with the effectiveness and sportiness of a traditional manual gearbox. Rapid shifting is possible with almost no audible interruption of the power flow thanks to the dual-clutch transmission. Dynamically and smoothly, the car accelerates.
Two multi-plate clutches and two sub-transmissions make up the 7-speed S tronic. Although both of these are constantly in use, only one of them is ever being powered by the engine. For instance, the second transmission section is already in fourth gear while the driver accelerates in third gear. By switching the clutches, one opens and the other closes, gears are changed. It just takes a few hundredths of a second to switch gears, with hardly any loss of power. The car passes by so swiftly and smoothly that the driver hardly notices it.
The two unique oil systems of the 7-speed S tronic are one of its distinguishing qualities. Gear sets, the center differential, and the front-axle differential are all lubricated independently, while the dual clutch, mechatronics module, and oil pump are all supplied by their own oil circuits. The benefit of this is that there is no need to compromise on the lubricant being used, ensuring a sufficient amount of oil for all components.
S tronic(r) combines the practicality of a modern automatic transmission with the effectiveness and sportiness of a traditional manual transmission.
With the 7-speed S tronic, the driver has the option of manually shifting gears or letting the transmission do it for them. In manual mode, he chooses when to shift gear and does so by pulling the selector lever or using the paddles on the steering wheel. With the Drive program (D) and Sport program, he can alter the way the transmission behaves when shifting gears in automatic mode (S). The efficiency mode can also be chosen in conjunction with Audi drive select(r), which is accessible for several models. This has a modified shift schedule and an energy-saving default configuration. When efficiency mode is engaged, for instance, the car automatically enters coasting mode and keeps moving without any engine braking losses if the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator.
While we put a lot of emphasis on dynamic performance, we also place a high value on efficiency because high efficiency lowers fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
What is meant by PDK Sport?
The PDK transmission switches to a gear-changing map intended for use on racetracks when in “PDK Sport” mode. Instantaneously, the level of sportiness reaches its peak, and the gear-changing points are moved to higher revs. If you want to drive in a moderately sporty manner, this does change back.
Is PDK preferable to automatic?
The fact that PDK is still an automatic transmission makes the contrast between it and a manual transmission clear. As much control over the gears is available as with a manual transmission, but there is no clutch pedal. The PDK transmission will still shift for you when you reach the redline, put your foot on the floor, or decelerate abruptly even though you can control the ratios with paddle shifters.
The major difference, other from having transmission control, is shift speed. Back in the day, manual transmissions were the preferred option for performance. This was due to the fact that manual shifts were quicker than automatic shifts in shifting. Additionally, they provided additional control for applications on the racetrack.
These days, manual transmissions are much slower than PDK and dual clutch transmissions. Today, even standard automatics with one clutch are quicker. However, a PDK transmission’s simultaneous shifting results in speedier acceleration and quicker 0-60 times. Additionally, you may use the PDK gearbox virtually as if it were a manual transmission without having to worry with the clutch pedal, sluggish shifts, or power loss during shifts thanks to advancements in transmission technology.
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.
How durable are PDK clutches?
Porsche advertises the PDK as “lifetime,” and in all likelihood, it is — unless you want to use it as a taxi for 600,000 miles.
Less user mistake, such as incorrect shifts, is possible with PDK. Other issues with the manual transmission could arise, such a bad driver damaging the differential.
Therefore, in terms of durability, PDK is superior. Yet dependability? Manual would have my vote. In any situation, there is nothing to be concerned about. Simply select the preferred transmission.
I’m just so old-fashioned. The PDK transmission is fantastic and can always outshift me because of its flawless rev-matches. But if I’m driving, I’d rather leave my left foot at work.
What does Porsche’s Tiptronic mean?
The function that enables the driver to manually manage an automatic transmission is known by the brand name Tiptronic. The technology was created by the Porsche firm in 1990 and was first only installed on Porsche vehicles.
Does PDK resemble Tiptronic?
finishing up As you can see, the functions of Tiptronic and PDK transmissions are significantly unlike. The Tiptronic is Porsche’s high-tech take on the traditional automatic gearbox, while the PDK is a performance-oriented transmission with racing heritage.