I simply can't get used to the multifunction steering wheel shifters on my Panamera S. I'm considering adding the TechArt paddle shifter conversion kit OR replacing the multifunction steering wheel with the new Porsche 3 spoke sport wheel with paddle shifters. Dealer has told me that they will need to reprogram the car if I add the TechArt conversion kit - does anyone know if this is correct? Any preferences or suggestions for which way to go? Is the TechArt conversion kit a DIY project? Thanks.

Use the floor shifter and save yourself a ton of money!!

That is what is in the GT3 Cup and RSR sequential shift transmissions; They do not use paddle shifters. Although the push/pull sequence is reversed.

Cheers, JohnnyB

I would love to use tunnel mount gear lever, but I the Really HATE the direction for up and down shift.

To upshift on acceleration you should pull back on the gear lever. To shift down under braking you should push forward on the lever.

Who the hell came up with the reverse direction?????

Is there a way to reprogram the upshift/downshift direction?

Plus I HATE the shifter buttons on the steering wheel

I went with Paddles because I could not stand the buttons either.
I would love to have the direction of the console shifter reversed. It really is counter intuitive. These cars accelerate so fast nowadays that it makes so much more sense to pull back to upshift. If my brother's boat of a 750il got it right, why can't Porsche!!

Have you considered the Champion Motorsport Paddle Shifter Kit for your Panny?

Details below =)
http://www.championmotorsport.com/Pr...de=CMS-POR-PDK


Where in Florida are you located?

I'm coming out of a BMW and into the Panamera. I repeatedly downshift when I intend to upshift. Which Paddles did you go with? Thanks, Rich

Hello there,
We have done quite a few of these installs so far. Not one of these installs requires a visit to the dealership. No re-programming is involved with adding the Techart Paddle Shift Retrofit kit. This is about a 2 hour installation time, and I would recommend a professional installation.

If you add the Porsche 3-spoke wheel, that might require a re-program due to having to remove the airbag, and re-install it. The 3-spoke has many functions, so I'm guessing they would also need to program those functions to suit your options.

Here are some installed photos in a Panamera along with a Techart Steering Wheel.
Thank you.

I seriously looked at the Champion paddle kit, but I was STUNNED when I saw the price. Coming out my AMG, where the paddle kit cost less than 1/4 of the Champion price, there is no way that I can consider it. I suspect the Tech Art kit is just as expensive, but maybe I am wrong

The pricing of even the simplest things for this Porsche is really having a negative influence on my enjoyment of this car.

I was also stunned by the Champion price - $1,500. Still researching the TechArt price which appears to be less and more negotiable.

i also hated the buttons in my p4s but trust me you will get used to them and its not so bad anymore. the reality is you hardly ever use manual function anyway

I buy 1800cc crate motors from Mazda for my racing program. A complete motor costs me $3,200. So I can get 4 shifter paddles from Champion for the same price. Seriously.....?

Of course I understand the economies of scale, the economies of mature products with the development fully amortized, and I also understand and, in part, subscribe to the economies of luxury brands too, but $1,500 for a set of paddles......ARE YOU KIDDING ME????????????????????

I remember the ascent of SAB now SAB Miller, the 2nd largest brewing company in the world. They started in South Africa and grew with one shrewd business strategy. Produce and sell beer in Southern Africa so cheaply that no one as attracted to their market. Several did try, but could never get their prices low enough to compete, and guess what, that little regional brewing company parlayed that approach into becoming the 2nd largest brewer in the world.

At $1,500 a pair, complete with the associated obscene margins, expect many Johnny-come-lately's to enter the Porsche paddle shifter market and mess it up for good.

They will only have themselves to blame.

A factory option or retrofit is available

i dont get why everyone doesnt order the oem retrofit?? looks better... its oem.. warrantied... its win/win

The oem retrofit, 3 spoke wheel with paddle shifters, does not have the multifunction buttons. I find the multifunction buttons very useful and do not want to give them up. The TechArt paddle shifter retrofit kit allows you to add the paddle shifters to your existing multifunction wheel. It sure would be nice if Porsche would offer a multifunction wheel with paddle shifters. Does anyone know if they will?

How are the in-dash screen functions handled?