Killdog

I've been an admiring reader for quite a while, but never posted before now.

I've had a 2002 Targa, and a 2003 C4S, both with manual transmissions, and just loved my experience with both. In looking to purchase a new C4S in 12-18 months, PDK sounds like the first non-stick shifter I would consider.

In the few reviews I've read, the only universal complaint seems to be the Push-Upshift, Pull-Downshift direction Porsche has chosen for the paddles and gearshift. Since everything communicates electronically instead of by hardwire anyway here is my (hopefully neither naive nor uninformed) question:

Why can't Porsche allow owners to choose the orientation of the paddle actions by programming individual cars 1) at the factory, when the car is ordered, 2) at the dealer, when the car is brought in, or 3) in PCM, when the owner feels like it?

(Sorry so long)

Mark

saltydawg

Seems like an absolutely feasible and reasonable idea. The steering wheel shifters are indeed simply electronic. I would think with the sports chrono option that Porsche could make the polarity of the shifting user selectable. Fantastic idea.

GHills

Germans aren't big on taking feedback. See porsche/paddles/sport chrono, bmw/idrive/bangle, merc/comand/electronic brakes etc etc

Its related to the expression "You can always tell an engineer, you just can't tell him much" but worse.

Circe

Maybe somebody in the aftermarket world will come up with a quick fix.

Marco8

I drove one for an hour and had the same thought. I think it would be easy to do, but I believe it could potentially cause confusion and if somehow someone had an accident ...... legal liability. Hence they will probably never do it.

ExMB

I was just about to ask this when I found it through STFF. I don't understand why the shifting is handled a pilot's way either. maybe one could take apart the steering wheel and repin. Unless that function is controlled by SW and transmitted through MOST.

Alan Smithee

I imagine it isn't user-programmable because it would cause valets, service people, (and maybe owners), etc. grief.

If enough people complain, maybe they'll switch it. BMW did this with their Steptronics starting in ~2002 to match SMG after its introduction.

mdrums

I have been living with my PDK now for 1000 miles. I have been using the PDK 90% in manual mode.

Shifting with the paddles or the stick is very simple to me now and makes a lot of sence. Push forward to go forward/up through the gears and pull back to go back/down through the gears.

I am having no issues at all shifting the PDK manually now.

ADias

Are you coming to PDK from tip or manual? If you were a manual driver it would be interesting to hear how you feel about changing gears sans clutch.

tooloud10

This was my initial reaction as well, but it would be as simple as lighting up the "+" and "-" on the paddle to reflect which mode they were set to. It would probably be best to bury the function deep into the user interface, though.

Anyway, nobody seems to have trouble with reverse being in different places in manual transmissions...don't see how this would be any different than that.

MJones

Its a learned skill....a few hours and all will be fine!
Get use to it!

Chris from Cali

That's what I'm thinking. The same folks that make the power top modules, iPod adapters, etc., should be able to come up with something to change the signal. Since it's not a mechanical thing, strictly an electronic signal, I'd imagine it's possible.

mdrums

I guess I need to tell you my situation. I had my entire left leg amputated 5 years ago due to being hit while riding my motorcycle. I can not push a clutch anymore due to this. Even though I walk fine with a prosthetic leg there is no way to push the clutch or to even keep the prosthetic foot on the clutch pedal.

Before this my Vette's and Porsche's were manuals. Back then the automatics where no where near as good as this new PDK. I had to switch to the Tiptronic for my Porsche's...I had no choice. Plus it was way better than the Vette's auto tranny.

The Tip was not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. On the track I was just as fast as the 6 speed guys and at Barber I was faster due to the track and Tip gearing. The PDK is light years ahead of any automatic and seriously I would probably pick PDK even if I can 2 legs. For everyday driving it is awesome and I can only imagine what it will be like on the track.

The only way I would pick a manual (if I could physically shift it) is if I still had dreams and asperations to try and heel and toe as good as Hurley Haywood...and...we all know that will never ever happen.

The PDK is faster than a manual especially for us hack drivers on this forum....just deal with it guys.

mdrums

+1

brendo

totally agree with mdrums here on this one. it's a fabulous transmission. i don't own one yet, but i'm sure i will.