Rough down shift
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What was Porsche’s thought on using a ZF which has known issues instead of developing a in house transmission. I’m sure it was a cost savings for them but for what they charge for a cayenne it would make more sense in the long run to offer a robust system that made them even more unique...separate themselves from the rest.
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Joined: Jan 2018
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From: Tennessee
ZF is probably the best transmission manufacturer in the world! They also make the PDK. I dont even think there is a problem at all btw. The 955-958.2 were Japanese built by aisin. I dont see any issue with the new one and it makes no sense about outsourcing it. If there is any issue, its a subjective one that can be remedied with software.
not sure why Porsche can’t develop its own. They are making a bank load on the Cayenne and Macan.
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If they are the best in the World, it’s really sad. They have been plagued with issues from Jeep to Land Rover. I didn’t realize they made the PDK which is great. With all these complaints with the new Cayenne, I am not surprised and did notice some oddities when I test drove the Cay S but figured it would be sorted by more driving as the engine learns your habits. Maybe it’s the transmission timing and an eventual update on the horizon.
not sure why Porsche can’t develop its own. They are making a bank load on the Cayenne and Macan.
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Joined: Jan 2018
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From: Tennessee
I think with a transmission as complex as this one, a test drive will not be enough. This is a very complex transmission and again I do not find any major issue. Hard downshifting is software controlled and can be updated by Porsche if people dont like the feeling. You cannot compare this transmission to a Jeep one just because ZF may have made both. When do you get your new Cayenne and have you owned a Porsche in the past?
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I haven’t ordered it yet as I’m still going back and forth whether to buy the s or E-hybrid. Also, I figure if i wait a little longer for the next model year, some issues will be fixed that others are experiencing, which is typical for most new model first year vehicles. My first Porsche is the MY18 Macan S I bought for my wife and I love driving it when she’s allows me as she’s really in love with it.
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From: Tennessee
Thanks. I’m looking forward to the new Cayenne. I’m going to place my order in September.
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From: Coastal, South Carolina
ZF is probably the best transmission manufacturer in the world! They also make the PDK. I dont even think there is a problem at all btw. The 955-958.2 were Japanese built by aisin. I dont see any issue with the new one and it makes no sense about outsourcing it. If there is any issue, its a subjective one that can be remedied with software.
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Joined: Jun 2017
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From: NY -> MA
ZF is probably the best transmission manufacturer in the world! They also make the PDK. I dont even think there is a problem at all btw. The 955-958.2 were Japanese built by aisin. I dont see any issue with the new one and it makes no sense about outsourcing it. If there is any issue, its a subjective one that can be remedied with software.
If they are the best in the World, it’s really sad. They have been plagued with issues from Jeep to Land Rover. I didn’t realize they made the PDK which is great. With all these complaints with the new Cayenne, I am not surprised and did notice some oddities when I test drove the Cay S but figured it would be sorted by more driving as the engine learns your habits. Maybe it’s the transmission timing and an eventual update on the horizon.
not sure why Porsche can’t develop its own. They are making a bank load on the Cayenne and Macan.
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I am now driving a 2018 Q7 with the air suspension (apparently 3 chamber also), rear axle steering and the 3ltr SC engine. In doing my research, it seems its using the same transmission as the 19' Cayenne. It does not exhibit any strange behavior folks are describing. My Cayenne is supposed to arrive by first of May. I'm thinking about waiting now for a later build or do you guys think this might be resolved by then. Probably wishful thinking. I wonder if my dealer will give me back my deposit if I cancel for a later build or they can keep my deposit and place an order in October. By that time maybe this issue will be resolved.
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!
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From: Coastal, South Carolina
I can only speak for myself, and after drivng it for over 1000 miles I do not find it as an issue, but by design. Porsche is using rev match technology to make quicker downshifts. The engine is momentarily revved up to synchronize the lower gear speed. This allows for faster downshifting. It may cause a slight jerking sensation, but its a trade off for the faster shift. It is very notciable in a 991 PDK in sport mode. I would definitely not cancel my order. I think many SUV owners are not use to this technology on a SUV. I dont think it can be compared to other ZF transmissions in Jeeps or Land Rovers. It may be the same as the latest Q7, but I am not 100% sure. Porsche may decide to offer a software change, to make it more smooth and in my opinion less sporty. Or make is less noticable on non sport settings.
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Short answer: no.
Longer answer: Went to the dealer to have it evaluated after seeing threads like this... they said it was "normal" after doing a 30 second drive around the block. I notice it most when coasting to a stop and braking softly, as opposed to what they were doing which was more "aggressive" driving (accelerating fast, braking hard by a red light). Anyway, there was another thread here that indicated in Europe, there is a recall going around for something related to the transmission and shifting--but, per my service adviser about 3 months ago, it is not in the States yet. No idea if it is helpful for this issue on the Europe side or not... but it's pretty distracting, for sure. It feels lurch-y and occurs most often, although there are some times when it is less obvious.
Longer answer: Went to the dealer to have it evaluated after seeing threads like this... they said it was "normal" after doing a 30 second drive around the block. I notice it most when coasting to a stop and braking softly, as opposed to what they were doing which was more "aggressive" driving (accelerating fast, braking hard by a red light). Anyway, there was another thread here that indicated in Europe, there is a recall going around for something related to the transmission and shifting--but, per my service adviser about 3 months ago, it is not in the States yet. No idea if it is helpful for this issue on the Europe side or not... but it's pretty distracting, for sure. It feels lurch-y and occurs most often, although there are some times when it is less obvious.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,043
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Short answer: no.
Longer answer: Went to the dealer to have it evaluated after seeing threads like this... they said it was "normal" after doing a 30 second drive around the block. I notice it most when coasting to a stop and braking softly, as opposed to what they were doing which was more "aggressive" driving (accelerating fast, braking hard by a red light). Anyway, there was another thread here that indicated in Europe, there is a recall going around for something related to the transmission and shifting--but, per my service adviser about 3 months ago, it is not in the States yet. No idea if it is helpful for this issue on the Europe side or not... but it's pretty distracting, for sure. It feels lurch-y and occurs most often, although there are some times when it is less obvious.
Longer answer: Went to the dealer to have it evaluated after seeing threads like this... they said it was "normal" after doing a 30 second drive around the block. I notice it most when coasting to a stop and braking softly, as opposed to what they were doing which was more "aggressive" driving (accelerating fast, braking hard by a red light). Anyway, there was another thread here that indicated in Europe, there is a recall going around for something related to the transmission and shifting--but, per my service adviser about 3 months ago, it is not in the States yet. No idea if it is helpful for this issue on the Europe side or not... but it's pretty distracting, for sure. It feels lurch-y and occurs most often, although there are some times when it is less obvious.
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Joined: May 2019
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From: St. Paul, MN
I think this is a situation where the drivetrain can be either sporty, or super comfortable, but not a perfect blend of both. Asking the transmission to handle the loads being run through it while still maintaining the vehicle’s towing and off-roading abilities is asking a lot, hence it not being a true PDK. I think, THINK, this transmission is more akin to the one in my S6, which is why I had brought it up earlier. The Audi has a 4.0 twin turbo V8 (so think Cayenne Turbo drive train) and has the exact same over-revved low gear downshifts. There is just so much power being pumped through it. I venture that to lessen or altogether resolve this issue, one would definitely have to sacrifice in another area that Porsche was simply not willing to do.
Of course, I’m not towing or off-roading with my Audi, and the power bands across the three Cayenne models varies greatly, so I don’t know how much my specific personal situation can be made universal. I just keep bringing it up because I’m experiencing the same issues with what I am fairly certain are mechanically similar vehicles.