Porsche Carrera
Versatility with
sports car genetics
Comfort in a sports car? A few years ago, many sports-minded drivers would have scoffed at the idea. But things have changed since then. For today‘s sports car owners, comfort and driving dynamics are two sides of the same coin. A case in point is the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission developed jointly by Porsche and ZF that is winning over even hardcore sports fans.
Sportiness or comfort - no contradiction
“You no longer have to choose between sportiness and comfort. Instead, the choice is between comfortable sportiness or sporty comfort,” explains Dr. Peter Ottenbruch, member of the ZF Group Board of Management and in charge of ZF Sachs. Drivers who want to override the perfectly coordinated shifting strategy and shift manually can do so with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Using shift paddles or a shift lever, drivers can decide for themselves when to shift up or down. ZF offers automatic shifting programs for all driving styles. Comfort mode is perfect for cruising comfortably in city traffic at low rpm. Beyond the city limits, the driver can select sport mode for a much faster shifting response. People who want even more acceleration power can select the Launch Control super-sport mode.
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in practice
International media representatives were invited to drive the new Porsche 911 Carrera. As one of the most significant technical innovations, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission attracted a lot attention and garnered praise for transmission supplier ZF.
Double agent
[...] The transmission always starts in standard mode. The first thing you notice is the smooth, almost imperceptible shifting. But it‘s also clear that the shifting strategy is programmed for low fuel consumption: extremely early upshifts frequently put the 7-speed transmission in sixth gear when cruising in city traffic. [...] Touch a button and the transmission switches to sport mode. And the Porsche we know and love is suddenly back. The transmission’s response to accelerator pedal pressure is much quicker and gear changes are lightening fast. The electronically adaptive PDK transmission adjusts to the driver’s personal style. The shifting response becomes sportier as the driver intensifies accelerator and brake pedal activity. Even on winding country roads, the automatic D position is perfect. When braking, the transmission downshifts – skipping gears if necessary with a gentle blip of the throttle to avoid unwanted drag torque on the drive wheels.
Further information
Holger Kirsch
Trade Press Passenger Cars
Tel. +49 7541 77-2488
Fax. +49 7541 77-90 2488
holger.kirsch@zf.com
