New Turbo = PDK only

I read in the latest Excellence magazine that Porsche was so surprised by the recent out-cry from GT3 affectionatos' that they may reconsider the PDK only GT3...

So you never know.

 

Two quotes from a piece on the demise of the manual in evo #182:

-- Andreas Preuninger, head of Porsche’s GT department:

and,

-- Peter Bourtwood, Managing Director for Noble:

It's one thing to claim that manuals have no place in today's world, as regulations are forcing automakers to consider emissions while keeping both fuel prices and fuel potency at the wrong end of the graph. But I have to disagree with the claim that manuals have no place in the modern world. First, we're talking about a subjective choice. Second, there's a lot to be said about developing and enjoying such skills. Third, there's no reason to permanently pair the manual option to the ever-dating techs of the "classic car experience", no reason to deny manual fans many of the developments we see in materials, suspension, tires, engines, ergonomics, etc., no reason for them to have to keep older cars alive.

 

I think you might have an argument if they didn't offer it on the 911 at all. But, the GT3 and turbo are speed focused machines, so why would you offer a slower transmission in a car that was built to go fast? If you want the manual experience, you can get it in the 911. If speed doesn't matter to you, why do you need a GT3 or a turbo? If it does matter to you, why would you want a slower transmission?

 

Why is it that I either want a manual, in which case I don't care much about speed, or I want speed, in which case I sacrifice a level of involvement to speed? Why can't I want a faster manual version of the slower manual?

And in the case of the GT3, it's far more focussed than the GTish turbo, at least lately. So a focussed manual car is a legitimate desire in my view.

 

You can want it. It just doesn't necessarily make sense to me, that's all. I guess it doesn't make sense to Porsche, either, but they may make one anyway. It's not like they don't try to slice and dice every generation of 911 into every possible configuration they can at some point.

My point was more that if you want a manual trans 911, they make one unlike other manufacturers (ahem Ferrari ahem) that don't.

 

Oh man, feels like thread-rerun season on FChat...

FWIW, Bobzdar has it right. Extreme performance cars get the performance tranny. More casual cars, where performance doesn't matter as much, get the old tranny.

 

Yeah, it's deja vu all over again...


And, no, Scud has it right.

 

That may be true by manufacturer tradition and/or marketing savvy. The only point I want to make is that there's no reason why a more focussed car can't be had with a manual -- as such. Otherwise, paddles seem inevitable across the range with the occasional exception made by either boutique manufacturers or the kit car scene.

 

nuttin' wrong with paddles imho!

 

Hard to argue against this logic.

 

Feel (GT3) and versatility (Turbo) matters.

It's not like people only bought GT3 for lap times and Turbo for their straight line performance.


Edit: Time will reveal sale numbers. Let's let them decide if this was a smart move or not.

 

GT3 is practically sold out already (in US).

 

Correct. Like no sport seats (for track folks), no 6/7 speed, no colors for interior other than black, probably no PTS, but already high demand. Especially since limited production for 2013. I think Porsche wants the GT3 to be more comfortable and fit a niche that is more of a street DD than track type sports car. Then for 2014, they will be ramped up and build as many as they can sell. Clearly, not a limited production, especially since it is a GT world car now.

 

A manual GT3 still offers more speed and focus than either a manual Carrera or a manual Carrera S. It isn't just about speed -- at least not for many of us.

 

According to someone currently visiting the factory.


"I ran this morning into Detlev von Platen, CEO of PCNA, at the Le Meridien Hotel in Stuttgart where we were both staying. "

"I asked him point blank about the lack of a sport bucket seat option on the US 991 gt3. He said they are working on it and will be providing a seat in approx. one year's time for our market! I asked if it would coincide with the introduction of the gt3 RS in the US. He smiled and said 'yes' and 'don't tell anyone'. So I want you all to keep it 'secret', ok! "

 

What an absurd post. I suspect you might want to reconsider your thesis. Well you know on second thought why would I ever derive joy from my 500+ hp 930 turbo with a 4sp box? Shudder at the thought. It would really be fun as a fast shifting automatic!!!

 

Wow, looks great. The vents over the rear haunches look phenomenal and really give it a more exotic look. The price, unfortunately, matches its performance.


Mark

 

The rear looks too busy IMO...

Once this comes out the 997T will be amazing value...

 

I LOVE it, however the front design reminds me way too much of the previous gen Cayman.