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.
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What distinguishes PDK transmissions from Tiptronic ones? – PCA Tech Tips
Why is the Porsche Cayenne lacking a PDK whereas the Macan has one? Why does Porsche still produce a Tiptronic when the PDK transmission is so much better?
As PCA’s technical director, I get asked these inquiries frequently. Understanding the differences between the two broadcasts will provide the solution. They both have automated transmissions, therefore there isn’t a clutch pedal. A Tiptronic is also widely renowned for its dependability and need for little maintenance, despite the fact that the PDK is quite sporty and quick to shift.
The Tiptronic has the strongest resemblance to a “typical” automatic transmission. Although it’s simple to write it off as a “slush-box,” Porsche has benefited greatly from it. Manually shifting through the gears is possible, but choosing a lower gear at the incorrect rpm won’t hurt the engine. The torque converter is what it has in common with other automatic transmissions, like the one in your dad’s Buick. The torque converter doubles the torque when transferring power from the engine to the transmission. Towing high loads effectively requires torque converters. The Macan has a lower tow rating than the Cayenne principally because of this. The Cayenne is rated for 7700lbs, however the Macan is only rated for less than 5,000lbs. This video provides a better explanation of the torque converter’s operation.
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. The Panamera is the only Porsche with an automatic transmission option other than PDK.
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. The Porsche PDK transmission made its début in 2009 in the 997.2 911 and 987.2 Boxster/Cayman, becoming the only automatic transmission available for the two-door sports car models. The Tiptronics have demonstrated to be extremely durable and dependable. Simply replacing the fluid as directed in your owner’s handbook constitutes maintenance. Although the PDK is just as dependable, track-day drivers should do more frequent fluid changes.
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.
How does a Porsche Tiptronic transmission function?
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.
Does Tiptronic harm your car in any way?
Nothing will be harmed or weakened by it. It is completely acceptable to use such mode IF the car has a shift gate built into the transmission that allows the stick to be bumped up for an upshift and down for a downshift.
Is Tiptronic an improvement over automatic?
Having a Tiptronic transmission technology has the advantage of allowing you to convert to manual mode when you need more control. You can manually change gear to enable a smoother, safer drive, for instance, when you need to ascend or descend a steep hill.
The majority of drivers also laud the Tiptronic transmission’s natural feel. Given that the paddles are placed behind the steering wheel, it has a layout that is comparable to that of many sports automobiles.
If drivers fail to employ manual shifting for a predetermined period of time when driving in manual, the Tiptronic system may turn itself back on. When this occurs, the Tiptronic software will start operating the gears automatically once more. If the driver wants to return to manual shifting, they must manually turn it on.
So, which transmission type should you pick? Your budget, the make and model of the car you drive, and the level of performance you desire all play a role in this.
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When ought I to employ Tiptronic?
The following benefits of tiptronic mode:
- It is straightforward to utilize a regular automatic transmission when traveling on asphalt; simply start the engine and drive. But a manual transmission is preferable while climbing hills or when the road is slick. Tiptronic is a special solution for all driving situations as a result.
- The automatic transmission with the Tiptronic function will easily handle the chore of overtaking a car. In the past, the manual transmission was a preferable option for these uses because it was impossible to shift into the highest gear instantaneously with normal automatic transmissions. A specific kick-down option on the Tiptronic transmission enables a fast increase in the engine RPM.
- Engine braking is enabled with the Tiptronic function, which is not feasible with other automatic transmissions.
- As soon as the driver shifts into second gear in the winter, Tiptronic prevents wheel slippage. Driving on ice-covered roads is not a problem with Tiptronic.
- Off-road driving will be simple with the Tiptronic transmission since, once in manual mode, it is considerably simpler for the driver to steer and drive around any road obstacles.
- Tiptronic guards against erroneous gear shifting, unlike manual transmissions. The engine and transmission won’t be damaged if the driver quickly changes gears.
- The Tiptronic transmission is more fuel-efficient than regular automatic transmissions in terms of fuel usage, but it is still exceeded by the manual transmission in this area.
- The “smart” software will switch the gearbox to automatic mode if the driver chooses not to use the manual mode, therefore the engine shouldn’t need to be started manually after stopping at a stop sign because the transmission control module will do it automatically.