This is probably a controversial subject. I'm trying to decide whether I should get the new PDK or stay with the 6-speed manual tranny in the new C4S I am planning to buy. As you can see, this is my first post. I would appreciate your opinions on this subject.

Thanks!

 

I remember going through this same thing when I was buying my m3 a few years ago. It was get the manual or the smgII. In the end I went with the manual because I enjoyed driving it more, and I felt that it kept me more involved. One of the big advantages that I hear about the F1 style transmissions is that they are faster on the track, but my M never saw a day on the track so for me that wasn't even a consideration.

 

I think the PDK is a great transmission. However, I'd never buy it unless Porsche reverses the ergonomics (currently forward to go up a gear, back to go down). They made it this way so the Tip buyers would feel comfortable with the gear changes.

 

I think the PDK is pretty slick and Ferrari is now also using it.

HOWEVER, it is very new, not fully road tested in real numbers, and could be a nightmare.

I had at first thought it would be quite a neat trick but realizing that it has so many parts and is electric/hydraulic controlled (remember F1 Ferrari) I would opt out of that for a while. I will "stick" with the 6 speeds.

If you are a "got to have it" person take a chance.

take a look at this: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/dual-c...ansmission.htm

This might change your mind. There is a lot that can (and will) go wrong!!!

 

Believe it or not, the only thing I almost miss about the M3 is the SMG. Even with the quirks, it made the car better (for me at least). Almost glad the PDK does not use paddles; it it did, I would have a decision to make.

 

It uses a form of thumb paddles but I hear that actual paddles are planned for future models.

 

SMGII on the M3 can be shifted using the paddles or the shifter next to you. Is PDK switches-on-steering only? I see the shifter, but none of the reviews have mentioned anything about being able to use that to change gears.

Even today, I don't use the paddles on my M3, I reach for the shifter next to me and that keeps it a little more interactive. The only time I opt for the paddles is if I am mid-corner and have to shift for some reason.

Cheers,

Z.

 

I believe the driver has that ability and that's why there has been mention of future paddles.

 

100% you can use the shifter to switch gears

http://www.porsche.com/microsite/911/usa.aspx


Do all the 2009 Carreras have the Red bar that goes across the rear of the car? (similar to pre-996 911s)

 

Only the targa and 4s has that.

 

I like the idea of waiting until the PDK passes the test of time . Technology tends to face frequent revisions . In fact the entire 997 line might be slightly beyond mid cycle before a complete redesign . At 100K a pop --no one will sneer at a manual transmission benchmark when resale comes along and all eyes shift to the next generation Porsche . More than the dollar value --the simple bias I admit is that I love rowing my own gears . Especially with Porsches.

 

Very good analogy and very good advice.

My points precisely.

Ask folks with 355 F1's who had to replace the F1 pump for $8K-$10K with a car out of warranty!

 

IIRC the PDK technology has been around for some time (1980's), and has a history of use in the Porsche 956 and 962 Le Mans race cars and the Sport Quattro S1 race car.
Granted, the 09 model pcars will use a renewed version but the underlying tech should be stable - I guess we'll see, looks promising.

Interestingly, why would full on circuit race cars opt for using F1 style shift if rowing is considered better?

 

Because it's being paid for by everyone who buys a Ferrari with the F1!!!