PDK PLUS 4.0 GOES INTO 718
Mid-engine flat-six models get Porsche’s paddle shifter, but it will cost ya
All of Porsche’s mid-engine, two-seat Porsche 718 models with 4.0-litre sixcylinder boxer engines can now be had with the PDK robotised transmission. That means both the Cayman and Boxster 718 GTS 4.0 variants, as well as the motorsport-inspired 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 models, are now available with the Porsche-developed automatic ’box.
Compared to 718 models featuring the standard manual transmission, the 420hp 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 now accelerate to 62mph in 3.9 seconds. That’s half a second faster than the manual shifter. 125mph arrives in 13.4 seconds (0.4 secs faster).
As for the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 powered by the slightly detuned 400hp version of the 4.0-litre flat six, they also improve by half a second to 62mph, reducing the time to four seconds flat. 125mph is achieved from rest in 13.7 secs, which is again 0.4 seconds quicker than the manual car.
Of course, one of the conspicuous benefits of the PDK ’box is that it combines both superior performance courtesy of uninterrupted acceleration during gearshifts with increased efficiency. The WLTP combined fuel consumption for the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 with PDK and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 with PDK is 28mpg, equivalent to 230g/km CO2, which ain’t half bad for a 400hp sports car with a 4.0-litre lump. When specified with the PDK meanwhile, the WLTP combined consumption for the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder is 26.4mpg or 242g/km CO2.
For the GTS models, Porsche says the standard Sport Chrono package adapts the gear shift characteristics of the PDK according to the four different driving modes – Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual – with increasingly faster gear changes, earlier downshifts and more theatrical throttle blips as you advance through the modes.
Launch Control is also integrated within Sport Plus, activating maximum attack launches from rest. The Sport Response button, meanwhile, allows the driver to activate maximum engine and transmission performance for 20 seconds, irrespective of the current driving mode. Porsche reckons this ‘motorsport-inspired’ function helps with spontaneous overtaking manoeuvres.
As for the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 models, the programming is said to be typical of GT variants from the Porsche Motorsport department. Max performance is toggled directly via the PDK Sport button. The gear selector lever likewise echoes the design of the GT3’S. Seventh gear in all 4.0-litre derivatives with PDK has also been made slightly shorter.
In a final tweak, the mechanicallocking rear limited slip differential has been made more aggressive for the Pdk-equipped cars. In traction and over-run modes, the diff’ achieves locking values of 30 and 37 per cent compared with 22 and 27 per cent for the manual transmission.
Unlike the latest 911 Carrera S, intriguingly, where PDK or manual are essentially no-cost options, Porsche is charging a premium for PDK on these six-pot Caysters. On the 718 GTS 4.0 models it’s yours for £2303, while the PDK premium for the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 is £2000. If that seems like an odd approach given it’s exactly the same gearbox fitted to largely the same car when comparing GTS to GT4 and Spyder, well, Porsche’s option pricing is often rather esoteric, to put it charitably. So, no change there.