PDK-only for next Porsche 911 GT3?
Porsche is seriously considering it, we hear
Currently both manual and twin-clutch PDK versions of the new hardcore 911 are being evaluated, but only one gearbox will eventually find its way into a production-ready GT3. And 911 project chief, August Achleitner, reckons that the winner could well be the PDK.
"When we launched the 911 Turbo S, we did not offer a manual, but we have not had a single complaint," Achleitner told Inside Line.
Pretty telling stuff, but it would be a brave move to risk the wrath of manual-loving Porsche purists for the sake of a more populist 'box. Especially as both the new GT3 and GT2 will get the 991's electromechanical power steering set-up, which has been criticised by some for offering less 'feel'.
The big question is: if you're going to buy a 911 GT3, do you mind that it could have both electric power steering and a PDK transmission...?
Clearly the PDK box can handle the power the new GT3 will be putting out and as far as I'm aware the gearbox setup isn't particularly different on the 997 manual cars.
I think that sometimes we can get too hung up on insisting we need a manual in a drivers car, but if you look at cars like the latest offerings from Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren - they are all paddle shift boxes.
Undoubtedly the next GT3 will sell more units if PDK is available, but will they sell less if it is PDK only, and I think that is the question Porsche are asking themselves right now.
Undoubtedly the next GT3 will sell more units if PDK is available, but will they sell less if it is PDK only, and I think that is the question Porsche are asking themselves right now.
I'd say the GT3 should have both and an RS model should be PDK only as it's supposed to be the track blaster.
For me a track car should be more than a load of computer aided stuff that will flatter my meagre driving talent, it has to have feel and feedback and rawness. For my money you will lose that with both electric power steering and PDK.
My point is that if I buy a track car then I want to be the one driving it.
Also, with all the £££ invested in this:
It would seem odd to omit it from the more performance orientated cars.
Plenty of miles have been covered in both PDK and manual 911's, and I would always take the manual. Even after covering a lot of miles in the very latest Turbo-S PDK. It's good, but I adore the 911 manual gearbox, besides you aren't always 'on it' despite what some PHers say
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