Porsche Sticking With Manual Transmissions to the Bitter End

Porsche doesn’t plan on following in the footsteps of other automakers that are dumping their manual transmissions.

You may recall that when the 2014 Porsche GT3 debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the German automaker did something that left enthusiasts in shock: it was no longer available with a manual transmission. In a way, it makes sense for automakers to steer away from manual transmissions, with dual-clutch automatic units able to shift faster while offering better fuel economy. But Porsche learned its lesson following the GT3’s debut, outfitting enthusiast-oriented models like the Cayman GT4 exclusively with a manual transmission.

Thankfully, Porsche doesn’t intend on phasing out a manual transmission option for its 911 lineup anytime soon. Speaking to Car and Driver, the Porsche engineering boss for the 911 Turbo, Carrera 4 and Targa promised that a manual transmission will be used in the 911 for the foreseeable future.

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“It’s a unique selling proposition for Porsche to have a manual in the 911 range, and I think we will fight for that as long as possible,” said Erhard Mössle. “Even if it’s only 10 percent of the market, it’s important for some customers and for some markets, especially the U.S., to have that kind of gearbox.”

Around 85 percent of Porsche’s global 911 models are currently equipped with the company’s PDK automatic transmission. Mössle’s reasoning reflects what many sports car enthusiasts believe, that although the car isn’t as fast with a manual transmission, it’s more fun to drive. He added that Porsche plans on keeping a manual transmission for the next generation, which isn’t due until 2020. So for now, we can sleep at night knowing at the very least the Porsche 911 will let us row its own gears until 2028 or so.

[Source: Car and Driver]

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