991S Test Drive - PDK box
Discussion
Went for a test drive in the demo 991S at Reading, lovely drive but couldn't really get on with the PDK box.
I suspect with time I'm sure I would get use to it but as its the opposite of the BMW E92 DCT/E46 SMG controls I found it difficult, that's both the steering wheel and pdk gearknob. It had the multifunction steering wheel so could change up or down either side.
I've been using SMG/DCT Track/Road for about 7yrs and you get use to shifting with the paddles and S-mode gearknob what seems the correct way !
The Instructor was saying the new GT3 they changed it, is this a move for the other cars as well ?
I suspect with time I'm sure I would get use to it but as its the opposite of the BMW E92 DCT/E46 SMG controls I found it difficult, that's both the steering wheel and pdk gearknob. It had the multifunction steering wheel so could change up or down either side.
I've been using SMG/DCT Track/Road for about 7yrs and you get use to shifting with the paddles and S-mode gearknob what seems the correct way !
The Instructor was saying the new GT3 they changed it, is this a move for the other cars as well ?
Edited by AndrewO on Saturday 21st December 23:01
I've driven the 991 C2S with the multi function wheel and I must admit, I found the steering wheel shift controls unnatural. I think with the other wheel (non-multifunction with conventional paddles) it would make a lot more sense though.
A manual makes for a much more involving drive, but it is hard to argue the PDK isn't the superior technology. Effortless progress, but lacking in involvement. That said, I could see an argument that on an interesting road the PDK box would be the one to have if you are pressing on...
A manual makes for a much more involving drive, but it is hard to argue the PDK isn't the superior technology. Effortless progress, but lacking in involvement. That said, I could see an argument that on an interesting road the PDK box would be the one to have if you are pressing on...
Edited by dave87 on Sunday 22 December 22:53
David W. said:
I had one try for a couple of days with paddles which was fun but will be looking for a rare manual when it's time to change the 997.
Best read here first http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
The 997s and 991s I've driven with PDK have been much better with the 'paddle shifts'
Owning a 996 C4S Tip which I drive in manual all the time, I went to the Silverstone PEC last Mon and drove a 991 50yr Anniversary Edition PDK. Going straight to manual the instructor said dont bother, keep it in Auto. And he was right, I forgot all about it but what helped was Sports Chrono which was holding the gears longer. But am I right in thinking there are different incarnations of PDK in the 991 models?
Is it possibly that above a certain price point you're not actually getting keen drivers, more I've hit a certain age and level of wealth and the car is indicative of that success?
As a result of that demographic there are more auto's specced full stop and sadly for those of us who like a manual we're losing the battle. At the end of the day Porsche are a business and making money is really what matters to them.
As a result of that demographic there are more auto's specced full stop and sadly for those of us who like a manual we're losing the battle. At the end of the day Porsche are a business and making money is really what matters to them.
ellroy said:
Is it possibly that above a certain price point you're not actually getting keen drivers, more I've hit a certain age and level of wealth and the car is indicative of that success?
As a result of that demographic there are more auto's specced full stop and sadly for those of us who like a manual we're losing the battle. At the end of the day Porsche are a business and making money is really what matters to them.
You've got it in one I suspect.As a result of that demographic there are more auto's specced full stop and sadly for those of us who like a manual we're losing the battle. At the end of the day Porsche are a business and making money is really what matters to them.
ellroy said:
Is it possibly that above a certain price point you're not actually getting keen drivers, more I've hit a certain age and level of wealth and the car is indicative of that success?
As a result of that demographic there are more auto's specced full stop and sadly for those of us who like a manual we're losing the battle. At the end of the day Porsche are a business and making money is really what matters to them.
I am sure that is generally true and has always been so.As a result of that demographic there are more auto's specced full stop and sadly for those of us who like a manual we're losing the battle. At the end of the day Porsche are a business and making money is really what matters to them.
But there is a chicken and egg situation going on here. Perhaps those buyers will buy what Porsche say is the thing to buy? Porsche are very good at marketing. Maybe the best.
Or maybe we are reaching a level of performance now where all of these systems are needed to save us from ourselves.
Imagine the new 991 turbo with all of the electronic and mechanical controls removed. And I mean everything, TVR style.
It would probably be a death trap in most buyers hands.
mollytherocker said:
David W. said:
mollytherocker said:
Rare? Wow, never thought I would ever read that! How times have changed.
Only 10 manual 991s on used car locator.It would be illuminating to know the manual/PDK split for Boxster/Caymans.
SS7
The paddle shift on the Porsche matches all other cars. It's just the button arrangement that's weird and the stick shifting is back to front. I avoid the buttons and just use the stick when I feel the need. Most of the time either Sports mode or a bit of throttle prodding will get the job done.
i guess one of the questions is for the very few guys that actually bought a F 599 in manual.
Do you think they would sell for anything less than the auto version? I dunno, but i actually think a 991 in manual would be quite cherished in the years to come. But, they are never going to be as rare a an aero Fiat 599 in manual. For the manual cars the last bastion of hold out appears to be in the U.S, may they continue to request for manuals.
Do you think they would sell for anything less than the auto version? I dunno, but i actually think a 991 in manual would be quite cherished in the years to come. But, they are never going to be as rare a an aero Fiat 599 in manual. For the manual cars the last bastion of hold out appears to be in the U.S, may they continue to request for manuals.
I, on the other hand, think the present setup on my 991 PDK with multi function wheel is the best. As in forward to go forward and back to go back. AND I can do it with either button and/or stick as well. Not that I actually do, much, as I leave it in drive 90% of the time! Happy days.
HokumPokum said:
i guess one of the questions is for the very few guys that actually bought a F 599 in manual.
Do you think they would sell for anything less than the auto version? I dunno, but i actually think a 991 in manual would be quite cherished in the years to come. But, they are never going to be as rare a an aero Fiat 599 in manual. For the manual cars the last bastion of hold out appears to be in the U.S, may they continue to request for manuals.
A ferrari 575 in manual goes for a much larger Ammount of £Do you think they would sell for anything less than the auto version? I dunno, but i actually think a 991 in manual would be quite cherished in the years to come. But, they are never going to be as rare a an aero Fiat 599 in manual. For the manual cars the last bastion of hold out appears to be in the U.S, may they continue to request for manuals.
nsm3 said:
I think the stick is counter intuitive, so I don't use it, but the paddles are bang on IMHO?
I find stick shifts are useful only e.g when exiting a junction and the rotating steering wheel prevents a paddle change.I drive a PDK GTS and SMG M3 and the opposite stick direction of the two cars can be interesting but is never a problem! Variety and all that!
Was offered one of the last 997 Turbo S but didn t buy it as it had the strange and compromised multifunction wheel gearchange.
Having owned various "manuel" and PDK/SMG/DCT 911s/M3s and M5s, I personally much prefer the flexibility of involvement and technical innovation of the latter with paddle change and would never go back to a clutch pressing gearchange. But I do understand (to a degree) why some people mourn their gradual demise.....
Roll on the PDK GT3!
With the exception of the GT3, the 991 has moved firmly out of the sports car segment and into the luxury GT market. In my opinion, buying a manual 991 would be akin to buying a manual Mercedes SL/CL. The fact that the manual box is based on the PDK box seals its fate. I very much doubt that there will be a manual option with the next iteration of the 991 or, at best, it will be a no cost option.
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