I don't get it....

[JFP in PA]

Face it guys, without getting into racial comments, "automated sequential gear boxes" (read PDK) are the way the world is moving. Try buying one of the newer super cars from someone like Ferrari with a true manual gearbox in it......you simply can't.

[BYprodriver]

Economy of scale. To get a better price on any part you want to have made you have to commit to buy a certain amount, the more you buy the cheaper it is. Porsche then convinces their dealers to order PDKs for their stock.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

Economy of scale. To get a better price on any part you want to have made you have to commit to buy a certain amount, the more you buy the cheaper it is. Porsche then convinces their dealers to order PDKs for their stock.

Actually, the gearbox section of a PDK is exactly the same as the conventional seven speed manual unit, the PDK just has a wet dual clutch setup and electronic controls. So economy of scale does not come into play.

[shadrach74]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Actually, the gearbox section of a PDK is exactly the same as the conventional seven speed manual unit, the PDK just has a wet dual clutch setup and electronic controls. So economy of scale does not come into play.

I have been singing this tune to the detractors for months. Trying to explain that there is a difference between an automated manual and "manumatic" is like banging you head against a wall... I enjoy PDK a great deal. I'm not ready to give up my clutch pedal yet, but that's my own hang up. I like the gratification that comes with a well executed heal and toe. However I freely admit that with PDK the car simply relieves the driver of the throttle and clutch work and executes both of those functions both faster and smoother than I ever could...and with absolute consistency.

So what I don't get is why people poo poo PDK so much. I was skeptical before I drove one, but was open to the possibilities.

While I look forward to improvements in the driver interface (I'm not a huge fan of +\- stick action), the electronic actuator of the gearbox is a fantastic piece of technology and it will only get better.