Porsche Engineer Predicts Manual-Transmission 911 Could Die by 2020

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

The manual-transmission Porsche 911 has just eight years left to live. At least that’s the personal prediction of Michael Schätzle, project manager of the new 911. At a media event for the 911 cabriolet, Schätzle gave the three-pedal, rear-engined Porsche until 2020, or “one or two generations,” before going the way of Studebaker.Schätzle staked his claim on the grounds that both customers and management prefer the quicker, more efficient dual-clutch automatic transmission. Globally, 78 percent of the seventh-generation 911 have sold with the PDK dual-clutch automatic, he said. The United States bucks that trend, however, with roughly half of 911 buyers choosing the three-pedal transmission.Ironically, Porsche showed rare innovation and commitment to the manual transmission when it introduced a seven-speed manual in the 2012 911. The manual and dual-clutch transmissions share a large percentage of parts, but Porsche is likely readying a new PDK gearbox that undoes much of the commonality. Schätzle indicated that Porsche is interested in a nine-speed dual-clutch to succeed the current seven-speed gearbox and that adding those two cogs would require a thorough redesign to add a fourth shaft to the current transmission. Lest you get any crazy ideas, a nine-speed manual is out of the question.While he doesn’t see a future for the stick-shift 911, Schätzle also doesn’t forecast total extinction for the manual transmission anytime soon. He believes budget-minded European customers will keep the demand for cheap, stick-shift economy cars high. Perhaps that’s little consolation for enthusiasts in America, where manuals are most popular in pricier sports cars, but at least we have this: despite his role in 911 development, Schätzle is adamant that his prediction isn’t the official word. “This is a personal opinion,” he said. “No decision has been made.”​

Read more: Porsche Engineer Predicts Manual-Transmission 911 Could Die by 2020 - Rumor Central​

 

[Centurion]

Driver engagement will be dead by 2020. The way the Panamera can go around tracks with its ungainly dimensions and weight, is against common sense. The electronics powering the car will be stone age by 2020 during when cars will probably directly talk to authorities and insurance companies.

 

[klier]

^ Nonsense. And the Panamera is not a fun car no, if that's what you mean. You have to be in Munich for that. And in th future too, because BMW has no plans to stop making proper manual gearboxes. Not even for the M5.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

^ Nonsense. And the Panamera is not a fun car no, if that's what you mean. You have to be in Munich for that. And in th future too, because BMW has no plans to stop making proper manual gearboxes. Not even for the M5.

Surprise! The world doesn't revolve around BMW. I agree Centurion, auto's today can shift faster then any human being, and offer the true performance potential of a car.

 

[Zafiro]

I agree Centurion, auto's today can shift faster then any human being, and offer the true performance potential of a car.

but is it more involving and more emotional than a stick? I've tried pretty much every seqventiell gearbox and for me its still not the obvious and only choice.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

but is it more involving and more emotional than a stick? I've tried pretty much every seqventiell gearbox and for me its still not the obvious and only choice.

I don't think they really care. A dual clutch will out shift any humans lap after and offer faster lap times which I think is what matters to them. Isn't that what a performance car is about?

 

[Cashmere]

At first, the argument used to be solely about driving pleasure. As times progress, the new age of automated transmissions offer better fuel economy, faster and smoother gear changes and lower emissions. It is a sad reality but I it's the truth, manual transmissions are going to become an object of rarity.

Also, have a look at this article which soup posted a few days ago, it's quite an informative read on Fiats new TCT transmission
http://www.germancarforum.com/tech-talk-forum/43209-how-dual-clutch-transmission-will-kill-manual-box.html#post564615

 

[Zafiro]

I don't think they really care. A dual clutch will out shift any humans lap after and offer faster lap times which I think is what matters to them. Isn't that what a performance car is about?

Fastest laptimes isnt what its important, its how the car goes and feel that matters. Laptimes only matters if you racing with others and if there are any price awards. As a private person its more important how the car goes and feels. Besides I dont race tracks so why do I want to have the quickest car around a track?

 

[martinbo]

Driving a manual transmission properly is an art form. And like most art forms, due to be relegated to the history of the period. But it's not the quest for lap times or fuel efficiency that will kill it - it will be the mass adoption hybrid and full electric powerplants.

 

[Zafiro]

Maybe I have prejudices but I dont think many americans have been driving cars with a manual gearbox. I have been doing it for 18 years and I still enjoy it, particularly BMW manual gearboxes. They are one of the best manual gearboxes and it will be sad to see them go forever.

 

[Monteverdi]

Fastest laptimes isnt what its important, its how the car goes and feel that matters. Laptimes only matters if you racing with others and if there are any price awards. As a private person its more important how the car goes and feels. Besides I dont race tracks so why do I want to have the quickest car around a track?

Exactly. The thing many companies forget about now in the era of the pursuit of even faster track times. Sure, thats cool my car could go in 7,24s or so around the Nurburgring. But the most important thing for me is if the car is FUN TO DRIVE. And shifting gears with manual gearbox, the control of power is one of things which makes it that way. I dont care if some kind of magic automatic gearbox changes gears by 0,1ms or 0,5s sec faster than me. That doesnt make me any happier at all.

 

[Centurion]

^ Nonsense. And the Panamera is not a fun car no, if that's what you mean. You have to be in Munich for that. And in th future too, because BMW has no plans to stop making proper manual gearboxes. Not even for the M5.

The Panamera is still fun but given that the 991 has adopted steering by wire, it's only a matter of time before the ECU corrects the direction of the wheels for you should the car accidentally start going off course. See it as the second giant leap in driving-on-rails after torque vectoring.

 

[Deckhook]

^ Nonsense. And the Panamera is not a fun car no, if that's what you mean. You have to be in Munich for that. And in th future too, because BMW has no plans to stop making proper manual gearboxes. Not even for the M5.

If that were true then it would be offered in all markets not just the States. Those rose tinted glasses you are wearing are clouding your judgement.