You have a point, but most people have been saying the opposite. The race car needs a third pedal, but there's nothing wrong with an automatic gearbox in the boulevard cruiser.
There is a point when additional power is no longer useful for street cars, or even track cars in the hands of amateurs. The point will no doubt vary from individual to individual. My point was exceeded some years ago. All that's left is bragging rights. Dave
Therefore,a new Turbo,much less Turbo S, would be pointless with a real manual. For 99.9% of Porsche customers,the new C4S with manual that IS available,makes much better case,with more accessible performance and ability to fully appreciate it's new 7 speed gearbox. I don't get this outcry and demands that EVERY Porsche model must be available with manual,the fact that some of them are available with it has to be praised,developing ALL products to work with stick would be cost prohibitive and would not make sense. They would never recover the R&D from the handful of manual fanatics.
Actually, a Cayman S fits my tastes better. What we are witnessing, however, is the gradual elimination of manuals and I think all enthusiasts (even paddle enthusiasts) should find that sad. More choices=good, less choices=bad. I do expect manuals will be all gone in less than 15 years, at least in developed countries. Dave
30% would imply enough demand, what there might not be is enough development $ available for both options and the ability of manufactuerers to BS people that PDK is "better" Certainly its faster to 60. How many times do you go tto 60 in 3 secs or less. What is relevant is fun in driving a car, and there PDK and EPS are loosers, so its a $ based marketing game.
Not every porche, I agree the boulavard crusisers dont need a stick. But the 911 series is in theory a legitmate FUN sportscar. In any event the best hardest most fun one is the GT3, where is the stick there. The first report I have read on the GT3 says the eps is a big improvement on the eps in a 991 but its not the same as the steering on a RS 4.0, I will bet the PDK on the GT3 is more fun than a regular PDK but nowehere near the fun of a well designed 6 speed. BTW the 7 speed MT sucks in comparison to the old 6 speed.. All of these cars are fatser than pretty much any non pro cand rive, so why not have a stick and ecent steering to amp up the entertainment value?
PDK/DCT is better any way you can measure it. It's carburetters versus injection all over again. Carbs lose every way except among those who like hissing and popping noises and the smell of gasoline. Yeah, they're fun and have character, but good luck finding them in a showroom ...
Better is a relative term in auto parlance. While the PDK gearbox is certainly faster and definitely the way to go with a race car or dedicated track toy. But, a three pedal manual is better for having fun while driving...at least it i to me.
Fun and character are the only reason to buy any of these cars. They're not racing cars. They're street cars that are made to be enjoyed, and for many owners find 3-pedal operation is one of the more enjoyable aspects of driving. Nobody bought a sports car for the thrill of operating a manual choke. Cars seem headed toward FADEC, anyway, so enjoy the option of manual gear selection while you've still got it.
