Posted on Tuesday 19 June 2007
Porsche is set to launch its own DSG-style dual-clutch gearbox that will be called ‘PDK’, short for Porsche Doppel Kupplungen or Porsche Double Clutches. Though Volkswagen was one of the first carmakers to offer dual-clutch systems on its cars, Porsche was actually one of the pioneers of the innovative transmission.
The sports carmaker used the design for some of its race cars during the 1980s, and now it’s set to be available in Porsche’s production cars, as reported by What Car? magazine.
Gear changes will be activated via F1-style paddles behind the steering wheel that control two separate clutches, one for the odd numbered gears and the other for the even ones.
There’s no word on when it will first appear on the market or for which vehicles, but considering acceleration will most likely be quicker than regular manual boxes we suspect most of the lineup will get the double-clutch option. Earlier reports suggested that a seven-speed unit would debut in the new 911 Turbo, but the gearbox apparently wasn’t ready in time.
Here is some interesting fact about Porsche and VW in history. Probably the most popular car in the world, Beetle had fascinating past. It was proposed by Adolf Hitler to make peoples car that can fit 5 people and deliver speed of 100km/h (62mph) later known as \”Volks-Wagen\” (\”People\’s Car\”). Beetle was designed by Ferdinand Porsche founder of automotive design company, which is the designer of the Porsche Oxygen sensor, which became known as the company named Porsche Büro. The first Porsche ever build was Porsche 356 created by Ferry Porsche son of Ferdinand Porsche. Porsche currently owns 31% of the Volkswagen car company.
Porsche is one of the laziest car makers in the world.
Their 911 design has basically never changed in the last 30 years…
As for the PDK/DSG, we keep seeing articles for some 2 years now but no real PDK yet.
Eventually they will bring on the PDK, but expect some ridiculous high price for it.
Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if they wanted more for PDK than the cost of ceramic brakes.