Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), which has its roots in the classic 956 and 926 sports cars of the 1980s, has transformed how aficionados view automatic transmissions. Porsche PDK, which debuted in 2009, challenges the limits of performance and speed by changing more quickly than standard transmissions.
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There was a significant uproar. When Porsche originally introduced the 911 with a Sportomatic semiautomatic transmission in 1967, the trade press was as dubious as brand aficionados who were devout to the cause. Even the most quiet Porsche enthusiasts expressed their alarm. The clutch pedal was removed in order to increase the comfort of the vehicle. Comfort? in a sporty vehicle? A further two seconds longer from 0 to 100 km/h than with manual transmission? As if all of that weren’t enough, it also used more fuel. It goes without saying that the Sportomatic package did not have a great sales performance.
Step forward fifty years. Due to the Porsche dual-clutch transmission, the initial criticism against the supposed incompatibility of sportiness with automated technology had largely subsided by this point (PDK). The first tests of the new technology, which began in 1980, concluded in a significant accomplishment in 1986.
The PDK gets its name from the way the gears are apportioned across the two distinct clutches. While the even gears are connected to clutch II, the odd gears and reverse are connected to clutch I. Fully automatic gear changes are now possible without losing traction thanks to technology. Similar to a manual shifter, the PDK system uses computer-assisted electrohydraulics to select the different gears; nonetheless, shift forks are still used. An amalgam of manual and automatic shifting is the end outcome. In the PDK, efficiency, dynamics, and comfort are combined in a way that is unmatched.
Despite the PDK system’s widespread use, it was initially only employed in the motorsports industry after its launch in 1983. This transmission type has a number of benefits, especially when used with turbocharged engines. Unlike with a manual transmission, drivers can maintain full throttle throughout gear changes, maintaining the turbocharger’s charge pressure. stoppage of the motion? Not even close.
However, the start of series production took some time. Several stages of development required to be completed on the control electronics first. Above all, the new technology had to become used to not abruptly changing gears.
Porsche began offering an optional PDK in the 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S in 2008.
The Panamera model lineup’s world debut a year later marked the milestone. The four-door sport sedan made history in 2009 when the PDK I, a standard seven-speed PDK, was introduced in numerous models. The eight-speed PDK II has been the only transmission option for the Porsche Panamera since 2016. Additionally, the Porsche 911’s PDK has eight speeds. In fact, compared to 1967, automated gearboxes are becoming more and more popular among Porsche drivers.
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.
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.”
A 911 with PDK or a manual transmission is better to purchase. Yes
Editor-in-chief of the flappy-paddle swatter, Wes Raynal:
I apologize to you manual-transmission aficionados, but I like Porsche’s PDK better. The shift-it-yourself folks has been making the “more-involving” case for years, and I understand it. The PDK, however, has one advantage above me in that it shifts much more quickly and reliably while also being much smoother.
The famed 956 and the 962 were where the PDK initially made its debut on the racetrack. The transmission entered the production automobiles in 2005 after taking home multiple championships in the sports car category. None of that would occur if PDKs weren’t excellent. In addition, according to Porsche experts, a PDK is more compatible with the brand’s most recent turbocharged flat-four and flat-six engines than a manual transmission.
The main line, in my opinion, is that Porsche has improved its PDK to the point where a manual transmission is no longer required. I would choose the PDK while daily operating a Porsche. The time has come.
Andrew Stoy, a freelance digital editor and heeler/toer:
faster and more reliably, huh? Perhaps you need to improve your driving abilities.
Okay, I won’t claim that my dual-clutch transmission is faster than Porsche’s. And while PDK is undoubtedly more commodious to have in constant traffic, why are you operating your 911 at rush hour? The Panamera e-Hybrid is made for such purpose. Although the 911 is arguably the most well-rounded sports vehicle available today, it is not the best choice for commuting.
What do you say? Seven-speed manual or PDK? Remember: One of each is the right response. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Usman Raynal
Wes Raynal, who was born and reared in Detroit, has been a lifelong auto enthusiast.
A Synopsis of Porsche Automatic Transmissions’ History
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.
Only Porsche uses PDK?
All 2020 Porsche models with combustion engines have the option of the PDK transmission, with the exception of the Porsche Cayenne, which exclusively receives the Tiptronic transmission. Therefore, the 7-speed PDK is available for the 718, 911, Panamera, and Macan as well. On the majority of those vehicles, purchasers can choose a 6-speed manual however.
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.