http://drive.jalopnik.com/this-is-wh...-gt3-512926880

 

just saw the video. the "no manual" thing is getting so old.

 

Wow! I do hope we will be able to get the steering software reflash? My 991 does feel a little too light up front on acceleration.

 

I read somewhere that Porsche claimed that 96% of GT3s and TTs in recent years were ordered with PDK, so yeah, it's getting old. These are ultra-high-performance cars and standard equipment should make them faster, not slower. To silence the complainers, Porsche ought to offer their splendid 7-speed manual and charge $4-grand for it and see how many customers are willing to pay the up-charge.

 

With respect, you either read something incorrect or your memory is flawed because Porsche has never offered anything other than a three pedal manual in their GT3. Until now. The take rate on tiptronic/PDK for turbo's might very well be that high.

The GT3 is supposed to be the most visceral car that Porsche makes, hence the reason some are so upset. I'm going to personally reserve judgment until I drive one since I was recently blown away by how damned good the PDK is in the new 981 Cayman S. But I understand why some buyers are upset/disappointed.

 

Actually, why not offer both the PDK and the manual at the same time? I've driven simulators that accurately fake manual gear shifting. Porsche could easily offer a car that can be driven manually via stick and clutch pedal, and have a fully auto PDK. The reason is pretty obvious why they don't do this, it simply adds extra weight for something that is not necessary. So that's basically why the manual is dying; as manual gear shifting is no longer a mechanical necessity.

 

I really really hope Porsche offers the software upgrade on the Carrera's steering, it's the exact same system on the GT3. In fact if you order replacement parts for the GT3 and Carrera, they are the same. It's all software and they can do it, but we know how Porsche can be.

 

It was an interview with a Porsche engineer that I read in the past few days and I'm pretty certain he mentioned that 96% of buyers had been ordering the PDK on the Turbo and I erroneously lumped the GT3 in that memory, I guess. His comment was to justify why the Turbo is not being offered with the manual, i.e., due to lack of demand.

 

My memory was indeed flawed: It was the Turbo the engineer was referring to, and I took the mental leap to include the GT3 since both cars are being offered only with the PDK. His exact quote is:

"MT: Will the Turbo be available in with a manual transmission?"

"Dr.M: No, the 997 turbo had roughly 94% PDK installation rate, and for this car with the big amount of torque, it is the right decision to develop a further improved PDK that is faster and more efficient for everyday driving."

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz2W2iniSQ1

 

They couldnt make enough 997 GT3's.....demand was very high.

No manual this go round is due to cost of manufacturing it for ~10%(?) of buyers....nothing else....but I bet there would be MANY buyers willing to pay $4 G's...or more for it.

 

I dont understand the complaining. Because, there is no one to complain to. Porsche is firm in their decision to not limit the car's potential with a MT. They will sell every one the want to make.

If a tree falls in the forest.........


If not being able to "row" will stop you from buying this car, it was never meant for you to begin with.

 

This will happen right after they do the online services upgrade for those that missed out on it from pre 11/2012 991's...............

 

yeap, this is consistent w/ what my local dealer told me. Then again, not surprising given the types i see driving the TT locally.

 

And, what might those 'types' be?

 

What I take away from the vid is that it had no manual so he had to shift it with his fingers and not toes, it is too wide, the wheels are too big and have mind of their own, one doesn't know why the handling is so good all the time, the engine has to be revved too high and doesn't have a famous name, the controls are too logically placed, it needs a heavy lift kit to be street worthy, race track mode for the PDK is no damn good for the street, it goes around corners so well that one has to work to get it sideways, it is too loud and is faster than stink. Who in the world would want such a car?