Hold tight! More Porsche 718 models are now available with dual-clutch, 7-speed, automatic transmission that improves acceleration and makes gear changes smoother. So, how does this ‘PDK’ transmission help you behind the wheel? Naturally, in a vehicle with manual transmission you press the clutch pedal, then select the favoured gear. The former disconnects the engine from the gearbox – so you lose momentum. Clearly, this is undesirable in a sports car.
Porsche PDK transmission minimises this issue via dual-clutches. One clutch operates first, third, fifth, seventh, and reverse gears whereas its counterpart works second, fourth, and sixth. So, imagine you accelerate in first. When second is required, separate clutches ensure that first can be replaced with second at blistering speed. No driver can match its pace with a manual gearbox.
New Porsche 718 models with dual-clutch, 7-speed, automatic transmission are therefore quicker than their equivalents with manual transmission. For example:
- Cayman GTS 4.0 PDK: 0 to 62 mph in 4 seconds (0.5 seconds quicker), and 0 to 124 mph in 13.7 seconds (0.4 seconds quicker)
- Boxster GTS 4.0 PDK: 0 to 62 mph in 4 seconds (0.5 seconds quicker), and 0 to 124 mph in 13.7 seconds (0.4 seconds quicker)
- Cayman GT4 PDK: 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds (0.5 seconds quicker), and 0 to 124 mph in 13.4 seconds (0.4 seconds quicker)
- Spyder PDK: 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds (0.5 seconds quicker), and 0 to 124 mph in 13.4 seconds (0.4 seconds quicker).
Porsche PDK transmission can provide smoother gear changes, too. Why? Because, for example, it is impossible to make a mistake with the clutch and make the car jolt. Neither can you accidentality pick a totally inappropriate gear.
Sport Chrono drive modes
Porsche PDK dual-clutch, 7-speed, transmission incorporates further benefits once installed in a 718. For example, the associated Sport Chrono package enables you to choose from various modes that optimise its responses – and those of other systems – to suit your preferences and the conditions. Pick from:
- Normal, i.e. transmission changes gear in its most subtle, nonintrusive manner which is pleasant while cruising gently (but acceleration suffers)
- Sport, i.e. changes gear faster, moves down the gearbox earlier, and changes gear at higher engine revolutions (all to improve acceleration)
- Sport Plus, i.e. enables you to fully exploit the engine’s rev range to further improve performance (launch control is also available)
- Individual, i.e. personalise a wide range of settings such as chassis stiffness.
Furthermore, the Sport Response button provides maximum power for 20 seconds irrespective of which of the aforementioned modes is selected. This is helpful if you want to overtake. The Cayman GT4 PDK and Spyder PDK also have an improved mechanical locking differential. ‘This has a positive effect on the longitudinal and lateral dynamics, and traction’, the manufacturer explained.