todd.

After 3 weeks of owning my new PDK and putting in some more driving time this week as the weather warmed up I can report that the PDK push in to upshift and pull back to downshift is not natural or intuitive. I had no prior experience and was very willing to learn it the Porsche PDK way, but find that I naturally want to pull back to upshift and push in to downshift. Maybe it's because I'm left handed, but I just can't feel totally confident racking through the gears fast until I subconsciously get it down.

I feel like Steve Martin in The Jerk trying to get the beat. It'll come together for me, but I hope Porsche doesn't reverse the control functionality in 2010, then I'm screwed if I buy another PDK after adapting to my current setup.

jlinmd

I don't mind the controls. I've gotten used to them. The only gripe I have is the shifter, which is opposite of what most manufacturers have.

ADias

There's a rumor (supposedly from a good source) that paddles will be available in 2010... See it HERE.

todd.

That's great for future buyers if Porsche gets it right this time, and bad for '09 PDK owners. An acknowledged critical design flaw like that should be a recall for '09's if Porsche does change the design in 2010. After unintentionally downshifting into 1st instead of up to 3rd once I am apprehensive of the PDK, which now requires thought. Whereas, with a 6 speed it was an extension of my arm, muscle memory, feel, not conscience thought.

This is real dilemma for prospective PDK buyers, as some may never adapt.

ADias

I do not agree that PAG is in error on the '09. It is a user interface and people adapt to that. Heck people went from 3 gears (1st down) to 4, 5 and 6 and dog-legged setups and they had no problem...

And let's be consistent... if you developed hand/arm muscle memory... you can develop finger muscle memory.

And if the paddles are made available, they may be retrofittable.

todd.

My Wife agrees, and told me I'll master the the PDK controls just fine.

PT Doc

You are definitely not the only one that has reported that it is the exact opposite of what one would expect it to be. It would be neat if that functionality could be reversed with through a technician's keystroke. HAs anyone looked into the possibility that this feature is customizable?

DJF1

This may be your solution. Steering wheel with paddles: http://www.speedart-tuning.de/2008/i...&L=2&tx_ttnews[pointer]=1

Go to page 2

mdrums

I adapted to the Push Pull PDK steering wheel control rather quickly, however that is me and my usual mode of cordination. Some people are not so and will take longer.

I do hope Porsche does come out with race style paddles for PDK.

Le Chef

The issue about the poor user interface on PDK has been debated endlessly. Yes you can learn to do anything. The key point though is the interface is a poor design. It's not intuitive. End of discussion. If you don;t believe me ask someone involved in ergonomics and design and you will get your "expert" answer.

Porsche cannot backtrack but can save face (or at least marketing's) by offering an alternative as a priced option. That's likely to be a choice of 2 additional wheels, both with paddles mounted to the back of the wheel. One wheel will be "clean" and the other will have all the radio, phone, latte-maker button-fest all over it.

Having the paddles attached to the wheel is not ideal, but it's better than the current arrangement by a long way.

todd.

Thank you for the link, looks perfect.