#pdk

It’s rare that Porsche’s PDK transmission meets much criticism, but dropping it into the hardcore track-oriented 911 GT3 might be a place to start. That is, until you learn that the system was improved for the new application.

Porsche brought its 2014 911 GT3 to the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, showcasing its fastest-ever naturally-aspirated car. But just as you would likely expect, there’s an even hotter version coming. 

Perhaps the most pure of sports cars, enthusiasts my cry foul about the next generation Porsche GT3 if the rumors prove true.

The long awaited 991-chassis Porsche 911 made its North American debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, packing more power, less weight and a longer wheelbase.

There have been many amazing Lego creations over the last few decades including life size people and skyscrapers several stories high, but this latest creation might just take the cake.

Documented in this video is a mechanical masterpiece, a Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet PDK made of Lego. Everything on the 911 works, from the retractable hard top roof to the flat-six engine. The Porsche even has the same steering ratio as the actual car. In total, there are over 3,500 parts, including eight electic motors, three remote controls and around 21 feet of wiring. Even’s Porsche’s high-tech PDK dual-clutch transmission is fully functional, coupled to an operational all-wheel drive system.

This will blow you away. Check out the video after the jump!

Porsche is apparently readying some significant changes to its street-legal race car, the GT3. According to a forum member on Rennlist, the next-generation (991) version of the GT3 will adopt a larger engine, a dual-clutch gearbox and several even more significant changes.

Tomorrow at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, for the first time Porsche will show off its new Panamera model to the public. Today, Porsche invited AutoGuide to take the controversially-styled Gran Turismo out for a spin on the winding Northern California roads that surround that world-famous golf course.

Porsche has just released a spattering of details (and a few photos) of the next 911 Turbo, which will make more power, consume less fuel and offer even better performance than the current model.

Porsche continues to tease us with photos of its new Panamera grand-tourer, the latest of which are of the car’s stunning interior.

The interior design of the sports sedan is made up of four separate spaces, with seating for four in individual “cockpit-like” seats. Porsche will even offer an optional four-zone climate control system so every individual in the car can adjust the temperate to his or her liking.

Both the Panamera S and Panamera 4S will have eight-way power adjustable seats with a driver memory package. Panamera Turbo models will come with a memory function that includes the steering wheel. An 18-way adjustable front Sport Seats and eight-way power rear seas will be offered.

Porsche will offer 13 color and material combinations for the Panamera models, including four two-tone options and seven trim options, ranging from carbon fiber (yum yum) to Natural Olive wood.

For the audiophile, Porsche will offer a 1,000 watt Burmester 17-speaker sound system.

In terms of safety, the Panamera comes equipped with front, side and curtain airbags with standard rear side airbags in the rear. Cargo room is significant with 15.7 cubic feet of space in the trunk and 44.6 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

The Panamera S, featuring a 400hp 4.8-liter V8, a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph will retail for $89,800 ($115,100 CDN). The all-wheel drive Panamera 4S, featuring the same powerplant and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.8 seconds will retail for $93,800 ($120,300). The top-line Panamera Turbo, with a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8, a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 188 mph will retail for $132,600 ($155,000 CDN).

The Panamera will officially go on sale October 17, 2009.

Official release after the jump:

Chrysler continues to expand the use of its new dual-clutch transmission, offering it in a total of three models – just not in North American. Originally offered in the Dodge Journey in European markets, the transmission will now also be available in the Avenger and Sebring.

Designed in partnership with Getrag, the state of the art transmission is similar in design to Audi’s DSG unit or the new PDK transmission found on new Porsches. Essentially it operates like an automatic transmission from the driver’s perspective, and gears can be selected through a manumatic-type system. Because of the dual-clutches, the next gear is always pre-loaded, meaning gear changes are incredibly quick and smooth.

According to Chrysler, it also makes for an improvement in fuel economy of six percent.

Currently the dual-clutch transmission is only available on 2.0-liter turbo diesel engines found in the Journey, Avenger and Sebring overseas.

Official release after the jump: