First long highway drive with PDK

[yrralis1]

Originally Posted by CMOS Thanks for all of the detailed writups of the PDK. ...And I just figured out how to properly heel-toe (now that I got my Rennline pedals installed). Just in time for the clutch to become totally irrelevant. Agreed with afridi above, that once the PDK is available on the GT3, that will be the very end of the manual for new cars, although they will linger on track cars for a longer time. If you want a deal on a used 2010 GT3, just wait until they introduce PDK on the 2011 or 2012. It's going to be a while, but the life of the 6spd is coming to an end. I don't think this is the end of manual transmissions . I really like the PDK but I also like the manual too . Each has qualities that are worthy . I have said all along .. if I had to pick only ONE --it would be a manual . I know the PDK has it all over the manual in many areas except one --basic simplicity . That's where the manual thrives . The wonderful thing is having both cars . I get the variety of driving flavors offering different experiences with the cars . I suppose aPorsche salesperson has al the cars at his fingertips yet it must lose some of its appeal as he faces driving them as ajob task rather than for personal enjoyment . Either way --one of these Porsches ... just one transmission is simply not enough.

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[aggie57]

Originally Posted by yrralis1

I don't think this is the end of manual transmissions . I really like the PDK but I also like the manual too . Each has qualities that are worthy .

I have said all along .. if I had to pick only ONE --it would be a manual . I know the PDK has it all over the manual in many areas except one --basic simplicity . That's where the manual thrives .

The wonderful thing is having both cars . I get the variety of driving flavors offering different experiences with the cars . I suppose aPorsche salesperson has al the cars at his fingertips yet it must lose some of its appeal as he faces driving them as ajob task rather than for personal enjoyment . Either way --one of these Porsches ... just one transmission is simply not enough.

These dual clutch transmissions are replacing auto's not manuals across all manufacturers. Maybe the marketing dudes have done some research....

[skay]

Larry, I've been meaning to ask you and forgive me if I missed this in one of your earlier posts; aside from the PDK and all the new additions to the 997.2, how would you describe the two-wheel versus the four in your Turbo?

[yrralis1]

Originally Posted by skay

Larry, I've been meaning to ask you and forgive me if I missed this in one of your earlier posts; aside from the PDK and all the new additions to the 997.2, how would you describe the two-wheel versus the four in your Turbo?

Since the Turbo has so much power it somewhat hard to contrast the two cars . The AWD does help manage the (estimated) 700+ Hp on tap .
It's probably best to comapre if both had the same engine .

But I will try. The most significant difference in road feel is taht the lighter two wheel drive car feels more nimble and flexible . The DFI gives an immediate throttle response , the pdk split second shifts , and the car is light . The Turbo is more like a sledgehammer where it's more like straight line low level flying and it can take a corner too but not in the same way . My Turbo has almost no lag but look at what it took to get there .. race exaust , modern software, modified Turbos etc . My Turbo is also riding on Damptronics and the 997.2S is stock .
The two cars are in different leagues in terms of development . Even the stock Turbo brakes were not enough to withstand how fast the car can accelerate and the need to stop just as fast . Brembo's are on it.

I would have more fun slicing through turns in the 997.2 S but the Turbo would hold its own and given the slightest free space would pull from the 997.2S effortlessly .

They are in different leagues -- both great in their own special way though --

[skay]

Your Turbo is a monster and has so much going on that it would make a comparison almost impossible. I love the pics!

[J.Seven]

Great pair of cars you have there Larry, and thank you for taking the time to share with us your precious ownership experience. When are we going to have pics os both standing next to each other

[yrralis1]

Originally Posted by J.Seven

Great pair of cars you have there Larry, and thank you for taking the time to share with us your precious ownership experience. When are we going to have pics os both standing next to each other

Coming to the forum gives such a great peek into owning thsese cars . Even having trhem myself I enjoy reading the different experieces shared by other owners with his or her Porsches. Any time in Fla .. shoot me a PM .

[Mugwhump]

I'll throw my $.02 in here, having moved in April from a Boxster S 6 speed to an '09 Carrera C2 with PDK. Mine is Macadamia Brown with tan interior, PDK, 19" wheels with Michelin Pilot Sports, Sports Chrono and a list of other goodies.

First, I was not loking for a PDK, but was persuaded to 'try it out, just for comparison'. Two minutes and I was sold and off I went. So far, two track days and I am leaving others in my dust. Had a comment from a Turbo 6 speed driver who was following me that while he was on my tail in the corners, I just disappeared once we hit the straights until we got going 'damn fast'. He was blown away by the speed of the shifts once he tried it out.

One interesti ng note at the track ws the Porsche rep telling us that the days of the 6 speed were drawing to a close. Porsche's future will be tied to the PDK. Got the attention of some, believe you me!

Around town I put it in sport mode (Sport+ is reserved for the track or other spirited driving) and use the steering wheel shifter. Unlike others I find it perfect and use this shifting mode on the track as well.

I have taken a few trips so far, the furthest being Chicago to Philadelphia. On this trip I out it in full auto mode and just drove normally. The downshifts, when I needed them, were crisp and VERY fast. I just let it shift on it's own the rest of the time and it amazed me with the ability to adapt to the driving conditions.

Overall mileage to Philly was - GASP! - 31.2 mpg at 75 - 80 mph all the way. As of today I have 7,156 miles on it and overall mileage from day one has been a rather astounding 21.3 mpg.

I am very pleased with the car. Only downside is that wife is able to drive it now!

[J.Seven]

Originally Posted by yrralis1

Coming to the forum gives such a great peek into owning thsese cars . Even having trhem myself I enjoy reading the different experieces shared by other owners with his or her Porsches. Any time in Fla .. shoot me a PM .

This is so true. Different people, with different cars in different places from all over the world, come to this place to share one thing in comun, car passion, this is priceless. I have been following your reports regarding PDK experience with great interest because in few hours I spend testing the PDK car, I also felt many of the things you´re stating in your reports. Within few days I´ll have my car and will post here my first impressions.

Thanks for the invite.

[m5_2010]

Originally Posted by afridi

I was very happy with the selection of a normal stick shift. But reading your write ups it seems PDK was the way to go. OTOH, knowing me, I would have got frustrated with the buttons if I had purchased it.

My conclusion, without having done more than an hours worth of test drive with a PDK is that for a primarily street Porsche, the PDK is the way to go. When they introduce it to the GT3 cars, my bet is that the manual transmission days will be numbered despite the expected howls from heel/toe die hards (and I am one of those - never owned an automatic car in my life)

Manaul is the way to go. I have PDK b/c I live in NYC and their is always traffic....

[CCns23]

Damn. I have to stop reading your posts because it just makes me want one that much more