Porsche GT3 Proves Buyers Prefer Manual Over PDK Despite Speed
A breed of elite drivers have made a statement with Porsche’s GT3—drivers pick manual transmission 7 out of 10 times, report shows.
Porsche would have you believe that their intent is to make their cars as fast as possible. For generations, each model has evolved to be the fastest in its segment. And there’s no doubting the 911 has grown (literally) to be the fastest it has ever been. But the problem is, buyers apparently don’t want fast. They want fun instead.
Proof? Bloomberg has a report out showcasing that 70 percent of GT3 buyers preferred to row their own gears. You may recall that years ago, the GT3 RS was available only with an automatic gearbox. Call the PDK an adapted manual all you like, but if it lacks a clutch, it’s not a manual. Such was the demand for manual transmissions overlooked, that Rennlist users started creating manual swap conversions.
The new GT3 very much fixed that problem.
While the PDK may have the on-paper stats, the justification for buying a PDK is made even more uncomfortable due to Porsche’s 6-speed gearbox being that good. But interestingly, TheDrive notes it took Porsche by surprise. Porsche says that 911’s around the globe usually opt for a manual transmission about 30% of the time. Using that knowledge, 911 model line vice president Frank-Steffen Walliser said, “we lost several bottles of wine by betting on the take rate when we reintroduced the manual option.” Most notably and interestingly with US buyers. GT3 owners stateside preferred their manual transmissions by a 40% higher margin than other markets in the world.
Bloomberg news relayed the words of Porsche spokesperson Luke Vandezande. He claims the manual gearbox popularity shows “exactly how meaningful the connection to the car associated with a manual gearbox is.”
It’s fair to say the 911R may have played a part in this manual transmission take-rate. Are some folks buying a manual GT3 for its value-holding properties? Maybe. But perhaps Porsche enthusiasts are seeing the writing on the wall. The inevitable electrification of cars means the GT3’s years are numbered. Might as well get the one that returns the most amount of joy, right?
Photos: Porsche
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