So watching the GT3 microsite they talk about using the two paddles together simultaneously to put the car in neutral but the explain it can be used on the track.

Anyone know anything about this or when it would be needed or why?

Will people who don't learn to left foot brake be left in the dust by those that do?

 

Everything there is to know about PDK from the Porsche press release :

''Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) with special 911 GT3 layout
The dual-clutch transmission (Porsche Doppelkupplung -- PDK) originates from Porsche racing, and with the 911 GT3 it returns to the racetrack. The motor sports engineers have revised the PDK extensively both in terms of mechanics and control technology for the new car. The resulting transmission provides the driver with all the essential driving dynamics of the previous manual transmission, complemented with the performance benefits of the dual-clutch transmission. During race track use, it can therefore be driven much like a sequential manual gearbox – with even more performance and emotional driving fun.

Two modes are available to the driver: manual shifting or the adaptive shift programme. Manual shifting is achieved using two paddles on the steering wheel, the left-hand for downshifts and the right-hand for upshifts. Shorter shifting travel and optimised actuating force result in even faster gearshifts with concise feedback, similar to the operating characteristics of the 911 GT3 Cup race car. Alternatively, the driver can also shift using the selector lever, with a shift pattern based on that used in professional motor sports: shifting up is done by pulling the lever back, shifting down by pushing it forward.

Ready for the racetrack: ‘lightning shifts’ with extremely short reaction and gearshift times

Gear-shifting strategy and response times of the 911 GT3 PDK have been consistently designed for maximum performance, and both are fundamentally different to other Porsche sports cars. This becomes apparent to the driver during manual upshifts in the form of a ‘lightning shift’, which permits reaction times of less than 100 milliseconds. To enhance driving performance, lightning shifts are implemented with a torque overshoot, and the gear change is conducted with a highly dynamic adaptation of the engine speed to the newly selected gear. The switching times are in a range that was previously reserved for the world of motor sports.

Paddle-neutral: the de-clutching function of the 911 GT3 PDK

The dynamics of a sports car driven to achieve optimum lap times is also determined by the clutch. That is why the PDK comes with a ‘paddle-neutral’ feature. If the driver pulls both shift paddles simultaneously, the clutches of the PDK are opened, and the flow of power between the engine and drive is cut off. Once both shift paddles are released, the clutch engages very rapidly if the PSM is switched off. With PSM switched on, the clutch is closed quickly, but in a less pulsed manner.

This function offers two principal advantages: the driver can, for example, neutralise the driving behaviour of the vehicle when understeering in a wet curve by pulling the paddles, and thus ‘dip the clutch’ and re-direct additional cornering force to the wheels of the front axle.

The second aspect relates to individual influence of the driving dynamics due to the pulsed onset of the driving force when engaging the clutch. Comparable to a traditional clutch with a manual transmission, the rear of the vehicle can be consciously destabilised for dynamic leaning into the curve. Furthermore, the driver can use the paddle-neutral for accelerating from a standstill. As is the case with manual transmission vehicles, the driver alone decides on how to accelerate using clutch and accelerator foot, without any assistance from drive and dynamic handling control systems.

Adaptive shifting with sports strategies
For the first time, the PDK provides the driver of the new 911 GT3 with the alternative of leaving gear shifts to the adaptive transmission control. In principle, the PDK of the new 911 GT3 only comes with two switching strategies: Sport and Race Track. This means that the gear changes are always fast. Gear shifts and shift points are adapted to the dynamic style of the driver. Race Track mode is activated by pressing the correspondingly labelled button on the centre console. In this mode, the PDK uses shift maps that are tailored to the requirements of pure race track operation. Gears are held longer, and upshifts occur at higher engine speeds. The race track optimisation also entails that the shifting programme is still performance-oriented, even at a moderately sporting driving style. The car is therefore always running at the performance-oriented operating points, and increased traction is available at any time without the driver having to shift gears.

Shorter gear ratios
The mechanical changes primarily relate to the internal structure of the PDK. For instance, the use of lighter gears and wheels optimally support the engine speed dynamics of the high-revving motor. Moreover, the total weight of the PDK transmission has been reduced by about two kilogrammes. Shorter gear ratios provide completely new characteristics, meaning that the maximum speed is reached in the seventh and highest gear. In conjunction with the rear axle ratio, which was shortened by 15 per cent, the new 911 GT3 therefore comes with significantly shorter gear ratios than the transmission ratios of a 911 Carrera models – in all gears. ''

 

They already are.

 

Thanks, though a bit more meat around the two bold areas would be nice.

 

So essentially it's a mandatory skill to develop. Just as heel and toe was with the clutch.

 

It's for drifting.

 

That is certainly a change.

 

That is a mistake on the Porsche press release PDF.
The downshift paddle is still on the left and upshift on the right.

 

^ I was wondering the same thing. Isn't the upshift on the RHS??

 

Fixed ^!
You can clearly see in the EVO video the left for downshifts and right for upshifts.

 

I dont understand this? thats not how it was/is?

other makes have been doing this for a while

 

I just updated my DD to an Audi RS5 and it upshifts on the RHS, but it does NOT go into neutral if you pull both paddles in at once. I think in a track car it's important to be able to disengage the drivetrain especially in a spin.
My understanding is that Ferrari disengages with both paddles in as well??

 

Leigh2 a little off topic but deciding for a dd between an rs5 or c63. How do u like the 5?

 

yes Ferrari for years.

 

Doughnut mode, as Andreas Preuninger of Porsche Motorsport joked