afridi

It's almost amazing that they didnt go the paddle route like every one else.

OTOH, the stick shift should be like any other sequential shifter, brake hard, momentum pushes you forward, and it's easier to downshift <i>pushing</i> rather than pulling the lever.

weneversleep

The trick to the dual-clutch transmissions is the software.

Apparently, Porsche has gotten the software "right" in terms of feel with the PDK. I haven't driven a PDK, though, but I look forward to doing it. Too bad about no paddles, though.

The other manufacturer who has gotten the software "right" is Mitsubishi, in the Evo X MR. I swore I would never buy a "flappy-paddle" transmission until I drove that car. Bought it soon after. (hey, I needed a 4-door car!) Interestingly enough, the software is so good that I don't even drive in the manual mode that often--the automatic mode (especially in "Sport" mode) has you in the right gear in every situation. Blips on downshifts, instantaneous upshifting... it's truly amazing.

The VW/Audi DSG is an example of how the software can screw up what is an otherwise nice transmission. Truly boring to drive. Does the Porsche PDK share any parts with the VW/Audi DSG? If so, it further supports my opinion that it's the software that matters in these new transmissions.

--michael

Chris from Cali

PDK/SST are for drivers - it's a different demographic with DSG. We have DSG (aka S-Tronic) in our A3 and it's great. I put it in manual mode when I drive, my wife leaves it in "D" when she drives. It'll be a real eye-opener for her when she drives my C4S in Sport mode...

Larry Herman

That has been an argument ever since they changed from the 356 to the 911. It lost it's visceral appeal. The 6 cyl motor was too smooth, the chassis too forgiving, the car was too heavy!