Manifold

So are you guys saying that normal mode is fairly adaptive and suitable for both mild and spirited road driving, whereas sport mode is less adaptive and setup mainly for the track?

Macca

PDK "Sport" is fine for spirited driving, but I would use standard PDK and let the system apadt to your requirements.

Quite frankly I was relieved to find that the "only" choice out of the three I really enjoyed was Manual mode for spirited driving. I think Id even use it at the track although I understand PDK-sport will be quicker. Ive never owned an "auto" sports car and was concerned it wouldnt be as fun in manual after full auto so it was a real relief to find I enjoyed hitting those paddles so much!

Mike in CA

Manual mode is by far the best for both mild and spirited road driving. Use it and all of the issues around adaptability, kickdown, early shifting, and unnecessarily high revs for conditions are solved. Period. It's hard for me to understand why anyone who says they prefer a MT car would not use manual mode almost exclusively. I probably use it 99% of the time.

If one insists on using an auto mode on the street, PDK normal mode is highly adaptable and offers a kickdown feature, but when driven easy, it upshifts too early for my taste. But it's fine for just cruising around, assuming you don't want/are too lazy to use the manual interface.

PDK Sport is also adaptive, but because it's default shift map is aggressive, and because it offers no kickdown feature, it is best suited for the track. It can, however, be used on the street. In easy driving it will upshift at about 4500 RPM and downshift between 3500-4000 RPM. That's not unreasonable, and works fine on the street with a light foot, but if you get into the throttle, it will become much more aggressive very quickly. If you want to drive in auto on the track, this mode will be perfect.

neanicu

They can't because they haven't bought the car.

Macca

Nick, thats Bollocks! I bought the car along with dozens of 997.2 GT3 owners on Pistonheads.co.uk - we would all have likely chosen MT if there was a choice but I dont think anyone is unhappy with the PDK at least in Manual mode.

neanicu

I know Macca...I'm just teasing Mike...

0Q991

What?! Teasing on RL?! Sacrilege!

Mike in CA

I'm easy Nick...

I should have said, I can't understand why anyone who says they prefer a MT would even contemplate using an auto mode instead of manual mode.

neanicu

Now you're talking!

Manifold

PDK-S may be great, and its manual mode may be great, but it's still not a 'full' manual, so IMO the auto modes need to be good for all uses of the car on street and track.

Mike in CA

Between the 2 auto modes, I think you'll find one that is suitable for both street and track. And yes, manual mode is not a "full" manual. No need to start that discussion again.

OTOH, I don't quite get the rationale that says "if I can't have a stick and clutch, I'll need to have a proper auto", especially when manual mode with PDK-S is so excellent, quite involving, and more fun than any auto mode for almost all driving. Just my opinion, of course, I understand you feel differently.

Manifold

Of course, I haven't driven the car, and my thoughts could change if I did. But meanwhile, I still think the GT3 needs to have a good auto mode for the street (sport mode in my C63 is fun, I enjoy the show the car puts on).