First Test: 2009 Porsche 911 S Convertible PDK
Trivia alert: Porsche did not invent the dual-clutch transmission. A French engineer, Adolphe Kegresse, who pioneered the half-track vehicle, envisioned the concept in the 1920s and 30s. Porsche did, however, become the first automaker to develop a working dual-clutch tranny, the PDK (Porsche Dopplkupplung), which it fitted to its 962 group C sports racers in 1985 and 86.
That original PDK transmission was heavy and not entirely reliable. But it’s still difficult to explain why one of the technology’s pioneers has been beaten to the punch by the likes of VW, Mitsubishi, and Nissan when it comes to putting a fast-shifting dual-clutch transmission in a road car. The good news is Porsche’s new seven-speed PDK has been worth the wait. It is — mostly — sensational.
The PDK helps make the 911 faster. Compared with the regular six speed manual, Porsche claims it knocks two-tenths of a second off the 0-60 mph sprint in Sport mode, and four-tenths of a second in Sport Plus mode. Those claims look solid. Blessed with 30 extra horses — courtesy of the new DI 3.8L flat six slung out back — our PDK-equipped Carrera S Cabrio scorched to 60 mph in 3.9 sec., half a second faster than our much-missed, conventional transmissioned 2005 Carrera S Coupe long termer, despite carrying an extra 221 lb (66 lb of which is the PDK tranny). That’s deeply impressive: We can’t think of another fully crashworthy, mass-produced road car with less than 400 hp that will dip into the threes in the 0-60 sprint.
The PDK also helps make the 911 economical. Official EPA numbers for the 2009 Carrera S Cabrio are 19 mpg city, and 26 mpg highway, an 11 and eight percent improvement, respectively, over the numbers for last year’s Tiptronic-equipped S Cab.
The PDK really is an intelligent transmission. Left to its own devices in automatic mode, it quickly figures out how you’re driving, and adjusts accordingly. Loaf around town, and the tranny starts shuffling seamlessly between ratios from as little as 1600 rpm: You can find yourself riding in 5th at as little as 28 mph, and 7th at just 48 mph. Out on the highway, that tall top gear means the 3.8L boxer six is turning a lazy 1650 rpm at 60 mph. Switch modes, and the transmission switches moods immediately — upshifts happen at about 3200 rpm in Sport mode, and a rowdy 6800 rpm in Sport Plus mode, no matter how much you soft-shoe the gas.
[source:MotorTrend]
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