Friday 7th February 2014

In defence of the paddle shifter: PH Blog

Having spent more time with the 991 GT3's exhilarating engine, Chris has reached an interesting conclusion...

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There's a video coming next week featuring the new 991 GT3. I've had a right-hand-drive UK car since last Friday and now have a far better understanding of how it works in this country and how usable it might be as an only car. We'll explore that subject further in the film.

Yes, we're talking about this again

But it's the gearbox that is still leaving me scratching my head. I can't remember the last time a single component so dominated the discussion surrounding a machine, nor shaped the driving experience itself.

This brings me, circuitously, to the first rule of headlines and magazine covers. Back in the old days at Haymarket we were taught that you could only criticise such things if you could offer a better alternative. So the GT3's two-pedal layout really only deserves criticism if we can identify a better solution - the key factor being that it must be integrate perfectly with the rest of the package.

Now in the case of the Aston V12 Vantage S, I can make that call with confidence. The car is a belter, but it would be better with a manual gearbox. It just would.

Excited for this video much?

But the GT3 is more nuanced than that. In principle, according to wind-bags like me the car should be fitted with a manual, or at least offered with one as an option. That should be the Porsche philosophy, but the balance sheet doesn't allow such things, so we have to accept that paddles sell. Then you drive the 991 GT3 on road and on track and much as you miss the ability to smooth shifts and demonstrate your heel 'n toe technique, it quickly dawns on you that trying to shift manually with an engine that literally races from 7,000 to 9,000rpm and has seven very closely stacked gear ratios to mask a mid-range that isn't quite as potent as some might like for use on the Queen's highway would prove, well, problematic. As in I don't think it would end well.

The 991's engine is a sublime response to the industry obsession with turbocharging. I loved it last year when I first drove it, but somehow it seems even more engaging on these shores. It's everything you could want from a high-performance motor: tractable but with so much spite over the final 1,000rpm that you can't help but visit that place the whole time.

Well it's a divisive issue, that's for sure!

And when you do pull that paddle at 8,900rpm and the exhaust sends a great crack of noise into the surrounding area, you can't help but admit that it wouldn't be as immediate, or bluntly exciting if you couldn't just pull a paddle and grin at the waaaaaaaaaap-pop-waaaaaaaap. Because that high-rpm jolt is the very essence of this engine - a sensation of living right on the edge of what is mechanically possible and, because of those seven ratios, always dropping straight back into the mental zone of the power-band.

And so it's difficult to avoid the conclusion that the 991's motor would not be as exciting if it was accessed via a stick.

As a flat-earther I find it hard to admit such a thing, and I also find it quite strange to find myself digesting that point and then reaching the conclusion that we're actually being offered a choice of extreme atmospheric engine characteristics, or a properly interactive gearshift. But not both; because both almost certainly wouldn't work for road use.

Ah 911 GB, good to have you back

What emerges is actually a very simple choice: motor, or 'box? This is problematic because I rank changing gear as one of my preferred pastimes (yep, just read that and don't feel entirely comfortable with it), but, hell, I need that engine.

It's simply the best motor I've experienced in years. To preclude living with that dreamy engine for the love of a third pedal might just be the great auto-existential question of modern times. And it's one to which, for the moment, the transmission does not form the basis of the answer.

I'd take the engine. I can't believe I'm saying that, but I'd take the engine.

And also buy an NSX to enjoy a real gearchange?

Need to lie down.

Bye.

Chris

[Small pics: Twitter]

 

 

[cerb4.5lee]

Three pedals will always be the preference for me even though they are slower than a twin clutch alternative.

[SuperVM]

I've never driven a quick car that wasn't a manual, but a friend of mine who was a diehard manual enthusiast recently rented a 991 C2S and came to the conclusion the PDK box was what he'd purchase given the opportunity. When he took me out in the car, I found the power delivery was almost seamless and certainly could understand why someone would opt for such a box. I enjoy changing gear and find I can drive a car relatively slowly and just focus on my gearchanges to achieve at least some sense of enjoyment. I suppose in this case, it isn't a debate about whether or not manual or paddle boxes are better, it is about what is the most suited to the car and particularly the engine and gear ratios.

[Sierra Mike]

I've put some miles on my 991 GT3 now and a manual gearbox just wouldn't work with this car anywhere near as well as the PDK-S in sport mode. That said, I drove my 997.2 GT3 yesterday and I have to say that the steering has always been wonderful but even more so now when compared with the 991 GT3. The issue should be the steering - not the gearbox!

I should add that I believe that one of the causes for concern regarding a PDK on the GT3 is that the PDK on the 991 sucks ... in my not so humble opinion of course! The PDK-S however, is nothing short of outstanding and should be offered across the range.

Edited by Sierra Mike on Friday 7th February 11:30

[gsuk1]

Why not have a proper manual gearbox and adjust the engine to suit???

[exceed]

I owned a 370Z manual, and as soon as we'd had it for about 2-3 weeks both me and my partner both agreed it would be better as a paddleshift (although don't get me wrong the AUTO is shocking!).

Test drove, and placing an order for a GranTurismo Sport and wouldn't even entertain the idea of a manual, although again not the AUTO but the MC Shift (Robotised Manual).

The gearbox really helps make the car into an animal.

As a daily driver I'm currently in a Audi A6 2.0TDI and don't care that it's a manual. Previous DD was a Jag XJ Super V8 and having an automatic was a bit frustrating at times.

So really, what I'm trying to say is that it completely depends on the car!

[TheDeadPrussian]

Most 991 GT3s will be used almost exclusively on the road I would imagine – but I accept there will be exceptions to this rule.

The PDK ‘box undoubtedly makes the car quicker and adds to the experience of ‘the last 1,000 rpm’ – but when (on the road) can you actually use the last 1,000 rpm, in second gear, and probably no further if you wish to remain in possession of your licence for the foreseeable future.

So as a road car, I would prefer the interaction that a manual gearbox provides (and would also forego the electric steering – as good as it may have become).

[cerb4.5lee]

I appreciate what Chris is saying in terms of the transmission suiting that engine as the DCT suits the engine in the E92 M3 better than the manual...but that didn't stop me buying a manual though.

The problem for me is once the initial fun of the paddles wears off you soon start to miss the third pedal but as with everything it is personal preference but I was a little put off by the fact that the GT3 which arguably is one of the best drivers 911`s wasn't available with three pedals...not that I could ever afford one though!

Just proves how emissions are killing the fast road car very slowly...the N/A engine is dying out in most fast cars other than the very high end manufacturers & the manual gearbox too...the future is less about the driver & more about electronics it seems but the performance figures are very impressive without question.

[ORD]

The point is that this car lives in the top-range. That might make it too fast for road use, but so are all super cars.

Lengthening out the gears to give the equivalent performance at lower revs, making loads of high rev manual changes unecessary, would require a lot more power at low revs and therefore probably a turbo and/or a bigger engine.

I agree with CH on this one (although I have not driven a GT3). I also agree that it all depends on the car and how the gears and engine are intended to work together. I think the 987 is a better car in manual (much to my annoyance having bought a PDK), and I think the same is probably true of the 981. The 991 is a different story because its manual box isnt great.

[Crusoe]

Fit an s2000 with a pdk and would you say the same? Quite happy with my manual in that and would have it in a gt3 if I could afford it.

[SammoHNNNG]

So the 991 GT3 really needs an extra 200cc, and the gearbox from the 997 GT3 (and perhaps steering) and then it'd be perfect?

[V8KSN]

Ok Chris.

As a car to keep and own forever, to learn and imporove your driving.

997.2 GT3
or
991 GT3

?

[Sierra Mike]

ORD said:

The point is that this car lives in the top-range. That might make it too fast for road use, but so are all super cars.

Lengthening out the gears to give the equivalent performance at lower revs, making loads of high rev manual changes unecessary, would require a lot more power at low revs and therefore probably a turbo and/or a bigger engine.

I agree with CH on this one (although I have not driven a GT3). I also agree that it all depends on the car and how the gears and engine are intended to work together. I think the 987 is a better car in manual (much to my annoyance having bought a PDK), and I think the same is probably true of the 981. The 991 is a different story because its manual box isnt great.

+1 however PDK-S in sport mode good in the GT3 not just because the 991's manual sucks but it really is that much better than the regular PDK. The manual gearbox in the 997 is fantastic but regardless of that, the 991 GT3 is better suited to PDK-S (in sport mode). You need to 'work' the car for it to feel 'special' and that's just really difficult on public roads. Shorter gearing helps and I wouldn't change that just to have a manual box. To me the steering feels wooly and is by far the weakest link in this package. If they could sort that out, the 991GT3 would be out of this world - I don't doubt they've tried but it's simply not there.

Back on point however, totally agree with CH on this and the only way for anyone to know for sure how well suited the PDK-S is to the GT3 is to drive it.

SammoHNNNG said:

So the 991 GT3 really needs an extra 200cc, and the gearbox from the 997 GT3 (and perhaps steering) and then it'd be perfect?

Just the steering from the 997 and the 991 would be perfect.

V8KSN said:

Ok Chris.

As a car to keep and own forever, to learn and imporove your driving.

997.2 GT3
or
991 GT3

?

My name's not Chris but given the choice of just one, the 997.2 GT3 is a mechanical work of art and a keeper. It's more engaging and more fun whereas the 991 is faster and easier. Anyone can get into a 991 GT3 and drive whereas you need to want to drive to enjoy the previous GT3s.

Edited by Sierra Mike on Friday 7th February 12:05

[V8KSN]

gsuk1 said:

Why not have a proper manual gearbox and adjust the engine to suit???

Emissions regs I guess...

[alock]

I think it depends how long you plan on having the car.

If I was offered a GT3 for anything up-to about 3 months usage, I would want a PDK because this would give me a better chance of extracting the most from an unfamiliar car.

If I wanted to buy a car and own it for many years (have had my S2000 for nearly 6 years now) then I would get bored of a PDK and would have to get the manual.

[Ollieb7]

This Hypothesis is all well and good but it will not get rid of that nagging need to find out which would be better - auto or manual. And to do that you need the two real things back to back. The fact there is no manual to do that or indeed offer the choice to customers and avid readers is just Poo.

There is the real conclusion (for now?) POO.

[mikeveal]

I've a bike engined car, which I think does offer the best of both worlds, a sequential manual box hooked to a purely mechanical paddle shift and a silly power curve that tops out around 11k rpm.

If you're not getting what you want from the big manufacturers - look elsewhere.

[havoc]

I think I understand Chris' perspective on this one.

I've always owned manual cars, and my preferred powertrain is high-revving nat-asp together with a sweet manual 'box.

But just yesterday I watched his C63 AMG Ed-507 video, which resurrected an ongoing itch for me...namely the AMG 6.2 engine. Arguably (given I've a family now and can't afford anything exotic) in C63 flavour. And this can't be bought with a manual 'box...but I think I'd pick it over the RS4 or E90 M3 anyway, for the engine and the chassis.


So logically, if I would pick an automatic car for the engine/chassis combination, then a manual gearbox isn't a must-have...it's just high on a list of priorities for me. Wasn't the greatest revelation in the world, but it made me pause.







...of course, I'd have to have a manual weekend toy too!

[moribund]

...and that article is exactly why Mr Harris is worth whatever it is you're paying him. A proper, in-depth passionate discussion based on first hand experience.

[OlberJ]

Arris said:

you can't help but admit that it wouldn't be as immediate, or bluntly exciting if you couldn't just pull a paddle and grin at the waaaaaaaaaap-pop-waaaaaaaap. Because that high-rpm jolt is the very essence of this engine - a sensation of living right on the edge of what is mechanically possible

I get this, advancements in such should be for pushing the envelope beyond what is possible, rather than making what you can already do easier.

But that's only for a small part of the time driving. Is it worth losing the enjoyment on the way down and around the box other than flat out upshifts?

I revel in that pause between gears that's now missing. There's no anticipation any more, it's just there, pow.

Edited by OlberJ on Friday 7th February 14:06

[P4ROT]

I think I'd rather have a 997 GT3(because it's a manual with the creamy torque that a 911 flat six should have).

As a Porsche nut I've always been able to stomach the Cayenne and Panamera stuff because they enable cars like the rs 4.0 to be built; but now there is no proper manual for the gt3 I can't help but worry whether this sets a bad precedent (will the future performance Porsches become increasingly compromised to appeal to majority who buy Porsche Cayennes and Macans?). I'm not stating any of this as fact, but I must admit the new GT3 doesn't turn me into a pointing child like when I see a 996 gt3 et al.