Pdk Wow

[Original Poster]

Original post.....

[CurtEgerer]

1985 technology finally makes production! It's mind boggling that Porsche pioneered the technology for racing in the 956 and has taken 23 years to put it in a road car. And yes, I'd check off the PDK box for sure.

[WM711]

drive one... you will believe. I have driven a friends f430 f1, no clutch ever again.

[Herr Softie]

I want to drive one on the track. The idea that PASM + PDK in sport mode is smarter that I can ever hope to be, and that the chassis is incapable of being upset by shifts at any point is exciting.

If the Michelin people that brought the Tiptronic Caymans to Parade 2006 for us to test at PIR are reading this, bring PDK cars to the next Parade for us to test.

[naparsei]

drive one... you will believe. I have driven a friends f430 f1, no clutch ever again.

I have an F430 w/ F1, and it is awesome. But I like shifting. Obviously the ability to make flawless multiple downshifts and keep your foot on the brake has great track applications. However, every time I nail a h/t downshift in a manual, I get a sense of joy that doesn't happen once the wonder of the F1 wears off.

I think the F1-style tranny makes sense in cars like the 599, the Panamera, and race cars (of course), but for the more aggressive sports cars (Gt3, GT3RS, 430, etc.) I would prefer the manual. Of course, I think everyone will order PDK because it's cool.

In the US, approximately 75% of 911s are now ordered with the Tip, and in Europe that number is ~50%. PDK is a higher priced option and better transmission than the Tip. PDK/Tip penetration will clearly rise. Ultimately, the hardcore drivers will check the "manual" box 2 generations out, imo.

[evilfij]

"In the US, approximately 75% of 911s are now ordered with the Tip"

That cannot be right.

Ron

[naparsei]

Ron,
I'm open to a more accurate number.

It looks like my Europe number is good, but that perhaps you are correct on the US #? (read 1st paragraph).
http://www.nextautos.com/issue-25/20...urbo-cabriolet

That is almost the exact inversion of my guess, which makes me suspicious. For now, I think we'll have to assume that you are correct, and I am not. However, I suggest you ask your dealer what their mix is.

My industry sources tell me 75% is in the ballpark. I will confirm the number in November for accuracy.

[jaudette3]

New cars are starting to more and more remind me of one of my first rides as a kid -- a merry-go-round. All I had to do was get on the horse, hold on, and wait for the music to start.

It's not hard to believe that a computer can shift faster than a human being. It can probably also steer and brake better. There's a GPS equipped BMW 330i that will run on a track without a human being having to interfere at all. Just dial in the GPS setting for the track you're on and it does the rest.

Be fun to ride, I guess, but I'd rather drive. All we do is steer, brake, accelerate and shift. I enjoy doing all four.

FWIW,
JohnA

[sithot]

PDK and don't look back. The current Turbo is a much better car with the automatic than the manual and that's a TIP'er.

Best,

Tom

[sithot]

PDK and don't look back. The current Turbo is a much better car with the automatic than the manual and that's a TIP'er.

Best,

Tom