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I think there's little question that the PDK is somewhat of an engineering marvel.
That said, I recently had the opportunity to drive the Boxster Spyder w/ PDK both through an auto-x course as well as a half dozen hot laps on a 2.8 mi. road course, and I did not like it. I didn't just not like it, I mean I Seriously didn't like it! And, that after a half dozen years with a 2.5 Tiptronic.
I would have much preferred to have had the Tip S. The launch control/throttle response of the PDK seemed to lag like a 1st gen SAAB Turbo and the car shifted twice at the apex. I felt like screaming: "Open the Pod Bay doors HAL...!!!"
It always defaults to saving the motor and you as if it were programmed by the Risk Management Team rather than Test drivers and engineers. The last time I remember being so far removed from the driving experience was in my Great Aunt's old '61 Coupe de Ville. And that's not to say that every other car I've driven didn't have their own disappointments, they all do. But the PDK equipped car was one of the few cars I've driven that actually annoyed me.
I agree with blue2ks, if I owned one, I'd just leave it in 'D' and accept my role as systems monitor and semi-interactive passenger. But, to me at least, this has never been what sports cars were all about.
And, I apologize in advance to those who may think I'm dissing their ride, I'm not. This is one case where perspectives are everything, mine have led me to these conclusions, yours may take you elsewhere. There is no right or wrong here.
Cheers!
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