Lots of hope and fingers crossed that Porsche puts PDK or something like it in the 991 GT3 cars. I will be very dissapointed if there is no PDK in Porsche's GT cars.

I have had a 09 Carrera S w/ PDK and currently a GTS with PDK and PDK is an awesome transmission on the track. My cars seem to spend more miles on the track than the street.

 

I agree with Flip. Companies have changed their position: see V10 M5 no manual as evidence. Only Ferrari says, "F-you, we do what you want and you like it." Everyone else listens to their customers if they are smart.

 

I understand how certain guys are feeling about the gt3 being the 'ultimate track tool' and therefore even though they would prefer a proper gearbox, the pdk should be offered. While I don't entirely disagree, I can see where Porsche is coming from. The gt3 is the ultimate track tool for the purist who's looking to get a particular experience from his car. This very niche experience goes hand and hand with the traditional manual box. I am a huge fan of the gt3 and naturally aspirated cars in general, having had two great ones, however the gt3 is simply not the fastest tool for the track job. The most edgy, raw, pure, fun, and best sounding? Almost definitely. Faster than a gt2? Not quite (under most circumstances).

The gt2 is about being the fastest car, whether it be on street or track. Even though we have only seen it offered with a traditional 6 speed manual which caters to the purist, I think this individual would be more inclined to consider a pdk. While he might be seeking out a 'pure' experience, it is certainly a different experience than the gt3 owner is searching for. I think it would be more reasonable to suggest the pdk be offered in a gt2.

And off topic but caught it a few posts up... I think it's hard to criticize Ferrari for their decision to only offer the flappy paddles. Ferrari is interested in taking as much technology from f1 cars as possible and putting it on the street. Many people would argue that it should be the customer's choice to trade performance for 'purity' if he so inclines but I suppose Ferrari decided it would no longer stray from what their brand is and has been about. I'm not saying this is wrong or right but their commitment to technology is pretty cool. They don't make cars for the guy who wants to go out for a cruise and row the gears. They make a car with a boatload of technology for the most advanced driving experience out there.

 

The fastest production cars, aside from the kit cars, are mostly stick shifts still, so I'm not worried about them disappearing anytime soon, especially since the big three (ford, gm, chrysler) can't really afford to develop and service them yet.

If porsche sells out, I'll gladly jump ship back to american made.

 

I would like to clarify my post.

I am not opposed to PDK. I have a GTR, which has one of the best dual-clutch transmissions in the world. The issue has never been about what performs better. The problem is that Dual Clutch gearboxes are replacing manuals, instead of being co-offered. That is my problem. Having Porsche rebuke PDK in the GT3 (which I do not see as their ultimate track car, the GT3RS is their ultimate track car) means that there is still enough demand for people who prefer the purity of a traditional manual and Porsche recognizes it. Rowing gears will live on for just a bit longer. Thank you Porsche.

There is a place in the world for PDK, no question, but I take issue with many people just seeing it as a RE-placement for the manual gearbox. It should be a replacement for the automatic gearbox, not the manual one, IMO.

 

agreed, it shouldn`t be Manual vs Dual Clutch, it should be Manual & Dual Clutch!

 

Its a good thing I guess. Cuz I would never buy a manual car over PDK. at least now, I'm forced to try out the new 7MT!

 

Exactly... I know of more than one potential buyer of both the GT-R and Turbo S, who have complained about the lack of a single clutch manual option.

I know that for the GT-R, this requires a whole different engine/transmission layout, which can affect balance, and ultimately performance. I do not know how extensive the differences are in the 911. I can't imagine too much if most of the 911 line (and the Cayman, etc...) has an option for both. So I'm inclined to think there are other reasons this isn't being offered (as was mentioned earlier).

And I'm curious as to what those reasons are.

 

Thank god. I'm getting tired of all these "flappy paddle gearboxes" I'm old fashioned i like my 3 pedals

 

You're in for a rough future.

 

I'll believe it when i see it (or don't see it).

Porsche would cannibalize current GT sales if they said today that a 991 GT3 with PDK was coming. All those waiting for PDK would hold off. By saying it'll be status quo, those who were thinking of waiting would, if they believed Porsche, step up and buy the current gen GT3 cause they now know no PDK is coming.

Well, I don't believe Porsche so I'll take my chances...

 

Good luck with that.

Porsche is old school, only 1.5 generations ago, the GT3 didn't even have any traction control and that was added reluctantly.

Ultimately the GT3 is not going to be able to keep up in the arms race so Porsche is not concerned about it being the fastest car anymore because it won't be. An NA 6 cylinder not lead the pack again so unless Porsche are planning a flat 8, the GT3 will be a car focused on homologation and driving experience. And the experience goes well south with PDK.

I'd be more inclined to think the 991 GT3 could still show up with a Mertzger engine to start. Probably the 4.0 liter motor from the outgoing GT3 RS (S).

 

One of the trademarks of the GT3 is not being the most powerful car, but being a very high power to weight ratio. The PDK weighs quite a bit more than the manual gearbox. Maybe the decision has to do with keeping true to the lightweight credo that the GT3 and all RS type 911 cars have had before it. Just a thought...

 

very disappointed! they have to offer dct option in 991 gt3. is porsche trying to be like corvette with this?

ps. heavychevy, i noticed your quote about gtr being harder to drift than gt3. i dont agree at all. i had my 07 gt3 on track about 25 times and never managed to drift an inch despite trying. 4 times with new gtr and im beginning to learn how to do it.

 

GT3 has to be a manual. It's not an option. The GT3 is built for the focused enthusiast and to be honest if you prefer PDK is a GT3 then you're missing the point of one. PDK in a turbo is just fine and I would actually have it but it's not the point. It's like a Mercedes AMG sedan with manual, the car is built as a smooth rocket and a comfortable ride possibility daily driven.