Thoughts on the 7-Speed Manual?

The refinement and perfection of propulsion, in the name of fuel economy, is at a fever pitch. The benefit for you and I has been the increase in both horsepower and efficiency in any engine available. But the most perfect engine in the world is nothing if it reaches the ground through a two-speed box that has the engine running up and down its RPM range like a bike messenger in Manhattan; transmissions are playing just as important a role in this game.

It has been an interesting arms race. Between CVTs that cause narcolepsy, indecisive eight and nine-speed automatics, and the Corvette and 991 911 being offered with 7-speed manuals, manufacturers are clearly frantically searching for the perfect temperature for our transmission porridge. I understand the technical benefit of keeping a car right in its power-band, but with the wrong programming it’s like your car is controlled by a nervous housewife on The Price is Right, “4th- no, 5th! No wait! 7th! Oh wait, did you let off the gas for .002 seconds? 6th! Go to 6th!”

The manuals will always do what you ask, but since they’ve gained gears too, I’m curious to know how you feel about it? I’ve driven the new C7, I didn’t miss any gears, and I can appreciate having a gear for “brisk” long-distance highway travel. 29MPG in a sports car? It’s like the invention of Diet Coke all over again.

When knowledge of Porsche’s 7-speed first came to light, some people were whipped into a frenzy. Trucker jokes flew and people worried about their inability to properly place the shifter. But it was all based on speculation. Who has actually driven the 991 with the manual? Were you happy with the 6-speed 911? Have you had any problems with the new 7?

Jump over to the forum and let us know.