THIRDGENERATION PDK

Porsche is so confident in its latest version of automatic gearbox that it’s now the default 911 choice. So what’s new?

When it was launched some three years ago, Porsche stated the 992 was based on the platform of the 991 before it (much like the 997 was on the 996 before that). However, the 992’s changes are substantial, particularly under the surface. An example of this is the engine (which we’ll come to next issue), but sending power from it to the 911’s wheels is the job of what is a new PDK gearbox.

As we know, PDK (Porsche Do pp el ku pp lungs getrie be, or double clutch) was introduced on the 911 for the 997.2 generation using, you guessed it, two clutches: one for ‘odd’ numbered gears and one for even. This gave the auto 911 a much quicker shift, the ‘box being revised for the subsequent 991 generation. For the 992, Porsche uses what is now the third generation of PDK, which promises faster shifting plus a comfortable drive with intelligent mapping. Here’s how it achieves this.

Headline news is the fact that the new PDK unit has eight forward gears, one more than the 991. Efficiency is the driving factor (excuse the pun), Porsche saying the greater spread of gears compared with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in the 991 is also designed to ensure better shift performance and more driving comfort. The tweaked ratios over the 991’s seven-speed means first gear has a shorter gear ratio, for example, which better matches lower gears to the 911’s turbocharged engines. Like its predecessor, top speed is still achieved in sixth gear, with eighth acting as an added overdrive.

Porsche also says the gear ratio spread is now far more harmonious and provides another method via which to reduce consumption, an ever-important aspect of a modern-day vehicle powered by a combustion engine. This last objective is also enhanced by a regulated oil pump which serves to control pressure for all gear shifts and clutch processes as required, and therefore reduces loss of power.

Furthermore, the GT department’s ‘lightning quick shift’ systems from its 991-generation PDK Sport gearbox has been utilised on all models in the

992 lineup, ensuring the automatic gearbox for the latest 911 is faster, more comfortable and more intelligent than ever before, sharing little more than a name with its predecessor in the 991.