Comments on: Porsche PDK’s Split Personality

By: 993C4S

993C4S — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:53:33 +0000

@JDM/Nick,

I hear you. However, in this case, I have to disagree. I’m not an accomplished track drive. I might like to think I am, but I’m not. PDK really lets me focus on driving and experiencing the track vs. worrying about my shift points, etc. Some might say this is blasphemous, etc., but I like being able to experience my time on the track and in my mind, PDK enhanced that.

By: jdm engines

jdm engines — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:33:22 +0000

I love this concept and I think it is a great design. Faster gear changes and better fuel economy. My only complaint is that the more sophisticated the cars get the less fun they become.

By: Vince Granieri

Vince Granieri — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:10:04 +0000

Nice job as always – not afraid to speak the truth whilst others bloviate. I believe that most purists like to do the 3 pedal driving because they crave control. The PDK option will challenge them as it provides for control and performance – faster than they can do it themselves.

Can’t wait to try it – probably won’t buy it – at least for a few more years!

By: 993C4S

993C4S — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:12:42 +0000

@Dave, I’ll talk more about the balance difference in my next post on the subject. I passed a 911 in the “Museum” turn. Not sure how much that says about the handling of the Boxster, my driving skills or the lack of skills from the other driver.

As for having more time in the car/spending time with PDK. As you may know, I did have the 997 Carrera S with PDK for 5 days and was just strarting to get the hang of it when it was time to turn the car back in (washed with a full tank of gas I might add)

My only problem with the position on the wheel is the fact that with my meaty hand, I was making downshifts when I wasn’t planning on it. However, the PDK was so quick to correct, you couldn’t even tell.

Hopefully I’ll have time in the near future to spend more time driving PDK in Porsche’s new four door!!!

@Nitro/Mohammed,

Turbo PDK is still just one of those vicious internet rumors. However, I think this one has some teeth and we shall see it soon!!

With regard to PDK, lightning fast shifts, nothing weird about them just a little less than intuitive if you want to use the paddle shifters. However, why even bother. Just let it do its thing!!

By: Nitro

Nitro — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:32:12 +0000

@You mentioned turbo with PDK?? is it available already : O? Can’t wait to see that!

Now you pretty much confirm what most reviews say about PDK… Fast but weird gear shifts. I hope I get to try one soon and judge first hand. But as a tip driver, I’m sure I’ll like it

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:26:22 +0000

911 Turbo with PDK? I’d bet it’s another one of those nasty internet rumors…

Nice review! Any thoughts on the balance of the mid-engine car vs. your rear engine 993?

Just an observation, but all the “talk” of the shift buttons on the wheel… is by pundits that don’t own cars with them. However, it’s something you would learn if you drove one for me than two days.

Personally, the column mounted paddle shifters are wrong, as you know have to take a hand off the steering wheel in a turn to reach one. On the track, you might be able to reach them but corners on the street are much tighter requiring more steering wheel input.

Nevertheless, it’s all a moot point. As was pointed out the car is faster than you shifting “manually” anyway. Other than a blip to downshift for a pass on the highway, there really is no need to touch them unless you just had to play with pushing buttons

By: Philip Raby

Philip Raby — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:54:30 +0000

I don’t think there has been an official announcement (correct me if I’m wrong). However, I believe it’s due about September time.

PDK on a Turbo will be very impressive.

You DO need Sports Chrono – best value 911 option there is!

By: 993C4S

993C4S — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:51:48 +0000

@Phil, probably splitting hairs, but my understanding is it has been announced, meaning in the works, just not available yet….

By: Philip Raby

Philip Raby — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:48:21 +0000

Turbo with PDK’s not been announced yet. It’s still got the nasty old Tiptronic.

By: 993C4S

993C4S — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:46:56 +0000

@Rashaad,

I hear you. I’m hoping to get my hands on the Turbo with PDK for a few days or so in order to do a review. I’m also looking forward to eventually driving the Panamera. If ever there was a car meant to have the PDK, the Panamera is it.

I don’t think it will be long before we see PDK offered in some of the track specific cars. It’s just too damn good.

@Kim, I’m with you too. Intellectually, I know that PDK is better. The technology is better, the speed is faster, etc. etc. However, I still like my old manual gearbox and the tactile response you get from it.