• Porsche states the manual transmission will be dead in 8 years by 2020

                    
      		   
      Published on 02-21-2012 04:10 PM
      10 Comments Comments
      Porsche is doing a better job keeping the manual alive than most manufacturers. They offer a 7-speed manual transmission, something that nobody else does, and were the first to do so. However, Michael Schatzle (project manager of the new 911) stated the manual would only likely make it another generation beyond the current one. 78% of new 911 sales have been for the PDK globally. Where is the manual most popular? Oddly enough in the USA where it is currently an even split although we expect the PDK will be favored heavily soon here as well.

      We hope Porsche continues to offer the manual but it would seem the evidence shows a strong preference for PDK both from consumers and producers alike. The new GT3 is almost certain to get the trans and that would be the first major blow to the manual in the Porsche lineup and the first big step toward eliminating it.

      Keep in mind this is coming from Shatzle is is based partially on his opinion as well as trends. Porsche has not stated they will be killing the manual just yet, simply that its extinction seems inevitable.

      This article was originally published in forum thread: Porsche states the manual transmission will be dead in 8 years by 2020 started by Sticky View original post
      Comments 10 Comments
      1. Forced Air's Avatar
        Forced Air - 02-21-2012, 04:56 PM
        That will be a sad day. Click here to enlarge
      1. Yukohama's Avatar
        Yukohama - 02-22-2012, 12:24 AM
        There will always be manual enthusiasts so how could it die? those who want to go as fast as possible will get the PDK while those who want the most engaging driving experience will get the manual.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 02-22-2012, 12:33 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Yukohama Click here to enlarge
        There will always be manual enthusiasts so how could it die? those who want to go as fast as possible will get the PDK while those who want the most engaging driving experience will get the manual.
        I think Porsche is just referring to the manual in their lineup. The manual will always exist as long as internal combustion exists.
      1. Sorena's Avatar
        Sorena - 02-22-2012, 02:07 AM
        It's because people are getting $#@!ing lazy. Engaging a clutch and shifting a stick isn't that hard!
        I won't be surprised if in future people hire robots to help them breathing.
      1. fastgti69's Avatar
        fastgti69 - 02-22-2012, 02:08 AM
        I love manual cars, that's the only real way to drive in my eyes...
      1. Yukohama's Avatar
        Yukohama - 02-22-2012, 02:13 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        I think Porsche is just referring to the manual in their lineup. The manual will always exist as long as internal combustion exists.
        that would be a sad loss indeed. but i would assume there would still be people wanting a new manual porsche in 2020?
      1. dreikraft's Avatar
        dreikraft - 02-22-2012, 02:34 AM
        lol, where's DD GT3 RD
      1. M3_WC's Avatar
        M3_WC - 02-22-2012, 02:39 AM
        I think at the very least the US will get a traditional manual for the GT3.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 02-22-2012, 08:10 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sorena Click here to enlarge
        It's because people are getting $#@!ing lazy. Engaging a clutch and shifting a stick isn't that hard!
        I won't be surprised if in future people hire robots to help them breathing.
        It isn't as much that as technological advancement. PDK offers higher performance, mileage, comfort, everything. It's the best of all worlds. A clutch pedal is overrated.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 02-22-2012, 08:11 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Yukohama Click here to enlarge
        that would be a sad loss indeed. but i would assume there would still be people wanting a new manual porsche in 2020?
        If the world still exists, sure.