Manual transmission impressions - Day 1
04-19-2012, 09:08 AM
#1
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Manual transmission impressions - Day 1
I picked up my manual S yesterday. Prior to delivery, I had read a lot of concern regarding pedal placement, footwell width, shifter position, etc. I read that all with a grain of salt, relying on or hoping that Porsche knew what they were doing with this gearbox, and the new platform in general. My trust was well founded.
First, I understand the perspective of traditionalists who think the 911 has become more of a GT car and less of a sports car. I think there's a lot of validity to that. At the same time, given that I have a cup car for the track, and have owned a 996 GT3 for the street, I didn't want this car to be a track oriented vehicle. So, I guess I'm in Porsche's target market, and you should take my comments from that perspective.
From a transmission standpoint, the 991 is all 911. The pedal placement is very good. Heel-toe is no problem. The shifting is smooth, and the 7th gear lock out is actually nice. When you go for 5th, you simply slide the lever all the way to the right, and then voila, you can then shift again to the right into either 6th or 7th.
The interior is beautiful. I have the two-tone black and platinum interior. I like how it creates an internal beltline, and the deviated stitching is a very nice, subtle touch (I'll update photos this weekend). The standard S exhaust is great. I didn't go with PSE, and I'm sure it's fantastic, but when the symposer is on (sport mode), you get a very deep, visceral note from the exhaust. It's plenty good for me.
I have the 18 way adjustable seats. I debated this option. It's expensive and I presume the seats are heavy. On the other hand, the stock seats in my 996 GT3 were horrible, with basically no lateral support, and I just didn't want that in this car. The 18 way seats are awesome. If you are so inclined, you can have the side and seat bottom bolsters lock you into position, and yet they are still very, very comfortable.
My biggest gamble, if you will, was the exterior color. My kids laugh about all of our cars being white, silver, or black. I haven't had a color like this in 20 years, and I have to say that I'm thrilled with it. I think it's very striking without being over the top.
Hope this is interesting reading for all the MT expectant owners out there!
Jim
First, I understand the perspective of traditionalists who think the 911 has become more of a GT car and less of a sports car. I think there's a lot of validity to that. At the same time, given that I have a cup car for the track, and have owned a 996 GT3 for the street, I didn't want this car to be a track oriented vehicle. So, I guess I'm in Porsche's target market, and you should take my comments from that perspective.
From a transmission standpoint, the 991 is all 911. The pedal placement is very good. Heel-toe is no problem. The shifting is smooth, and the 7th gear lock out is actually nice. When you go for 5th, you simply slide the lever all the way to the right, and then voila, you can then shift again to the right into either 6th or 7th.
The interior is beautiful. I have the two-tone black and platinum interior. I like how it creates an internal beltline, and the deviated stitching is a very nice, subtle touch (I'll update photos this weekend). The standard S exhaust is great. I didn't go with PSE, and I'm sure it's fantastic, but when the symposer is on (sport mode), you get a very deep, visceral note from the exhaust. It's plenty good for me.
I have the 18 way adjustable seats. I debated this option. It's expensive and I presume the seats are heavy. On the other hand, the stock seats in my 996 GT3 were horrible, with basically no lateral support, and I just didn't want that in this car. The 18 way seats are awesome. If you are so inclined, you can have the side and seat bottom bolsters lock you into position, and yet they are still very, very comfortable.
My biggest gamble, if you will, was the exterior color. My kids laugh about all of our cars being white, silver, or black. I haven't had a color like this in 20 years, and I have to say that I'm thrilled with it. I think it's very striking without being over the top.
Hope this is interesting reading for all the MT expectant owners out there!
Jim
04-19-2012, 09:37 AM
#4
Nordschleife Master
Congrats!
I was waiting for a long time to hear a first impression of a manual 991. Thanks. I knew Porsche will deliver.
Can't wait to test drive the manual!
Enjoy it in good health!
I was waiting for a long time to hear a first impression of a manual 991. Thanks. I knew Porsche will deliver.
Can't wait to test drive the manual!
Enjoy it in good health!
04-19-2012, 11:01 AM
#6
Burning Brakes
Nice, I see you got it at Carousel!
How different from a normal 6 speed does the 7 speed feel? Are the gears stacked closer together and cause you to shift more frequently because of it, or is it a 6 speed with an overdrive tacked on?
How different from a normal 6 speed does the 7 speed feel? Are the gears stacked closer together and cause you to shift more frequently because of it, or is it a 6 speed with an overdrive tacked on?
04-19-2012, 11:13 AM
#7
Rennlist Member
7th is taller than the 997's 6th...it's an overdrive.
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04-19-2012, 11:21 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
Yes I know that. What I want to know is if the other 6 gears are much closer together which would lead to more frequent shifting. I ask because the PDK seems to shift through gears a lot, up and down. I can see that getting tiring after a while if doing it manually.
04-19-2012, 12:18 PM
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Thanks for the congratulations, guys, I really appreciate it. I think I read that the gearing is basically the same 1-6 as the old transmission with a 7th overdrive tacked on. I would say that this is about how it feels.
04-19-2012, 12:28 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
Can't wait to see the update with more photos / interior photos. Sounds like a great color combination!
Glad to hear that you are happy with the 7 speed so far. I'm leaning that way myself for when I order.
Glad to hear that you are happy with the 7 speed so far. I'm leaning that way myself for when I order.
04-19-2012, 03:13 PM
#13
Race Director
Also, the 7 speed manual is based on the 7 speed PDK. The first six gears ratios in a PDK box currently match very closely the ones in the 6sp MT. 7th is just an extra OD gear, as you know. I'm willing to bet the ratios of the 7sp MT will also closely match PDK right up through 7th gear.
If it seems PDK shifts a lot, it's because the software is making that determination; it's not because the gear ratios are spaced any differently than the MT.
BTW to the OP; that's a great looking car and I love the color. Congrats!
Last edited by Mike in CA; 04-19-2012 at 04:26 PM.
