If you can’t pronounce the name of Porsche’s new double clutch, seven speed transmission technology, you’re not alone. Not to worry, the Porsche marketing folks were kind enough to add to the growing list of alphabet soup options by providing the Porsche Doppelkupplung with its very own acronym: PDK. Originally developed for Porsche Motorsports, over two decades ago, this seven speed, advanced transmission has finally made its way (as an option) into the Porsche 911 line-up for the first time.
What’s the Biggest Benefit of the Porsche PDK
Simple: SPEED. The dual clutch provides barely perceptible shift points with little to no power loss. This translates into more speed and faster lap times, much faster. The latest reports I’ve seen show a 911 Carrera S (equipped with PDK) shaving 8 seconds from the lap time, clocked by the manually equipped model on, “the Ring,” not to mention a few tenths of a second off the zero to sixty time.
Surprisingly, given today’s economic and environmental climate, you would think that Porsche would be pushing some of the other benefits of the PDK transmission. Namely, its ability to provide up to 14% better fuel economy over the manual version. With all the heat Porsche has been taking in the press in recent months about emissions, CAFE regulations, etc. the PR department at Porsche should be all over this aspect of the seven-speed transmission.
How Does Porsche PDK Work?
This video below, produced by Porsche and available on the Porsche microsite, does a great job of breaking down the dual-clutch technology into every day language so even non-gearheads, like me, can understand. My only question is: “When will Porsche make the switch to more standardized paddles vs. those little bitty thumb-shifters?”
View Comments (13)
First, I am no Porsche expert...
But I do have a serious question. What ever happened to the thrill of throwing a perfect shift using a clutch pedal and stick shifter mounted on the transmission? Didn't this very action make up some portion of the excitement... and of expertise of drivers of these great cars? And didn't this action require skill and practice to get it right?
Automatic transmissions and thumb/paddle shifting on the steering column just doesn't seem right to me. it seems it's all about getting from point A to point B in the fastest possible time with the least amount of effort. If this is the motivation, how about a new Honda personal jet?
@Bob I,
I think the thill is still there and that is why PDK is an option. However, I am now seeing some stats that over 80% of new 911s are coming delivered with PDK. If that's true, those are some pretty frightening numbers.
I for one prefer a manual shift and always will. I've driven cars with paddle shifter, tiptronics, etc. The "seat of the pants" feel for the ride/drive just isn't the same. Not to mention it has taken me almost 10 years to master double clutching and heal toe shifting. I'm not about to give that up!!!
Seriously... I am so for this. This is not an automatic tranmission that they give you mild control over and shifts like a beast... This is the real deal. F1-style shifting. The thing that impressed me was the improved times around the 'Ring. I read a press release from Porsche that the PDK 997 is faster around Nordschleife than the stick.
Wish I had the graft for a 997S to replace my 996... I would get this option for sure.
@Steve,
You are correct. A Porsche Carrera S equipped with the PDK will complete a circuit around the "ring" eight (8) seconds faster than a manual version Carerra, that's pretty damn impressive.
Part of the feel of driving is shifting. When I want something to do the work for me I've got a Minivan with an automatic. I can't imagine buying one with the PDK personally.
AGREED I don't know if I would really enjoy my Boxster with standard transmission half as much if I could not run it through the gears with the shifting. It's just part of driving a sports car or a race car, as I see it. I do love the automatic on my Ford 250 Diesel but that's not close to the FUN to drive, as is the TOP DOWN, gear shifting run through the mountains or on a off-the-line get on it. I love my Boxster (standard transmission) better than my Jag XKE (a classic) or any other car — for the FUN of driving it.
I think the PDK might find its niche in the market— girls, guys who can't drive standard transmissions and sissies! :)
Seriously the engineering of it, by Porsche, is very impressive. I might love it in my big truck!
I think that is the best thing Porsche has ever invented. That is brilliant - we should see in the Porsche 911 Turbo the we can shut the Japanese up with the Nissan GTR
"When one gear is engaged, the other gear is already being selected in the other gearbox."
~
Sounds great, for UP-shifting, but when you DOWN-shift it sounds like that "other gear" would have to "change its mind" and make an even bigger move. Is that how it feels?
Not at all. Downshifts differ depending on the driving mode you're in. However, regardless of mode, all are smooth and seamless. You will simply notice a blip in the RPMs and then a slight braking feeling if you're downshifting at speed (same as you would in a manual transmission).
Wow have things changed. Remember back in the day? In 1980's. If you bought a Hi-Performance or Sports car. Same make and model, the Autos were slower and had less HP and TQ than manuals did? Back then, the manuals out ran(faster 0-60 & 1/4 mile) out gunned (higher HP and TQ) out performed (faster around race course) and got better fuel economy (usually 1-2 mpg) than the same make and model automatic car. If you wanted to be faster you had to opt for the 4, 5, or 6 Speed manual. To stay out of the rear view mirror of your opponent, you were in a manual shift car. Does anyone else remember that? Manual Transmission's ruled! Now fast forward 30-35 years the tables have completely turned around. What was true about manuals in the 1980's is no longer true when your talking about manuals. However those same characteristics about yesterday's manuals are now true about automatics and or the PDK. In the 80's the Auto robbed precious power from the wheels through its clutch packs. The manual offered more of a direct link to the wheels through only one clutch. Today, the PDK offers best of both worlds. I think the way I read is it's like two transmissions to one output shaft. One dedicated clutch for gears 1,3,5 and 7. And another dedicated clutch for gear 2,4,6, and R. Lightning quick upshifts done by pre-engaging next forward gear. Each clutch is in constant mesh with main output shaft. electronic engagement separates power through clutch one or two. Micro second shifts done this way. Not sure about downshifts but I know they work well in PDK. As I have driven PDK in 991 TT and 991 TTS. It shifts flawlessly, quickly, and efficiently. Little to no power loss through gear changes. The PDK will promote consistentency needed for racing. The manual will become a enthusiast only machine. To win, we have to use PDK transmissions or similar. The manuals can no longer keep up thanks to evolution and technology. They say,... "Don't hate the player, hate the game." or "Don't complain cause you are weaker than your adversary." Hi Tech PDK transmissions
Audi TT has had this tecnology for many years it is nothing new.. once you have used it you will never question it.. it is instant up or down and gives the driver complete control over the way you wish to handle any driving conditions..
Looking for the constant value, number of theets/layershaft, for the Porsche 928 5-speed gearbox 2,64:1 on first gear (14/37 theets). Need this information for the FIA HistoricTechnical Passport.