Next-Gen Porsche 911 to Offer 7-Speed Manual, Plug-in Hybrid
04-29-11 | 11:21 PM
#17
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
Sorry to bump an old thread, but it's funny I commented on this but completely glossed over the following from the press release:
Wait, what? ELECTRIC POWER steering?
This is the #$#$()*& Porsche 911 we're talking about, right??
I don't know how I missed it until today when I ran across the press release on another website. It was shocking enough that I ran back here to do a search and see if no one had posted it. Even more shocking then was that someone had posted it and I even replied to it, haha.
I've always thought Porsche's steering feel was magnificent, and having spent some serious quality time in a 997.2 C2S PDK recently, my opinion was only further bolstered. There's just something about the delicate, variable ratio steering that is a total joy - a lot of it has to do with the lack of weight up front, but even other non-front-engined cars like Ferrari vehicles don't feel this good either.
I don't mind electric steering, but the problem is that once a non-electric steering goes electric, things change - just ask all the BMW heads bemoaning the electrohydraulic systems now prevalent across the BMW product range.
Ugh, so disappointing. Hopefully they do a good job of implementing the electric steering or keep it off the GT3 series - I rather liked the idea of making the 998/991 GT3 (if it released with PDK) a semi-daily driver until I read this news. Admittedly, it is relieved a bit by some murmurs I hear when I'm alone in the forest at night sometimes about Lexus possibly magically conjuring up some LFA derivative (oops, did I say that out loud?). But seriously, I'm surprised Porsche fans aren't way more up in arms about the electric power steering than I seem to have noticed so far on the internet forums...
Wait, what? ELECTRIC POWER steering?
This is the #$#$()*& Porsche 911 we're talking about, right??
I don't know how I missed it until today when I ran across the press release on another website. It was shocking enough that I ran back here to do a search and see if no one had posted it. Even more shocking then was that someone had posted it and I even replied to it, haha.
I've always thought Porsche's steering feel was magnificent, and having spent some serious quality time in a 997.2 C2S PDK recently, my opinion was only further bolstered. There's just something about the delicate, variable ratio steering that is a total joy - a lot of it has to do with the lack of weight up front, but even other non-front-engined cars like Ferrari vehicles don't feel this good either.
I don't mind electric steering, but the problem is that once a non-electric steering goes electric, things change - just ask all the BMW heads bemoaning the electrohydraulic systems now prevalent across the BMW product range.
Ugh, so disappointing. Hopefully they do a good job of implementing the electric steering or keep it off the GT3 series - I rather liked the idea of making the 998/991 GT3 (if it released with PDK) a semi-daily driver until I read this news. Admittedly, it is relieved a bit by some murmurs I hear when I'm alone in the forest at night sometimes about Lexus possibly magically conjuring up some LFA derivative (oops, did I say that out loud?). But seriously, I'm surprised Porsche fans aren't way more up in arms about the electric power steering than I seem to have noticed so far on the internet forums...
.As for a 7 speed manual, that is a LOT of shifting.
04-29-11 | 11:30 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Sorry to bump an old thread, but it's funny I commented on this but completely glossed over the following from the press release:
Wait, what? ELECTRIC POWER steering?
This is the #$#$()*& Porsche 911 we're talking about, right??
I don't know how I missed it until today when I ran across the press release on another website. It was shocking enough that I ran back here to do a search and see if no one had posted it. Even more shocking then was that someone had posted it and I even replied to it, haha.
I've always thought Porsche's steering feel was magnificent, and having spent some serious quality time in a 997.2 C2S PDK recently, my opinion was only further bolstered. There's just something about the delicate, variable ratio steering that is a total joy - a lot of it has to do with the lack of weight up front, but even other non-front-engined cars like Ferrari vehicles don't feel this good either.
I don't mind electric steering, but the problem is that once a non-electric steering goes electric, things change - just ask all the BMW heads bemoaning the electrohydraulic systems now prevalent across the BMW product range.
Ugh, so disappointing. Hopefully they do a good job of implementing the electric steering or keep it off the GT3 series - I rather liked the idea of making the 998/991 GT3 (if it released with PDK) a semi-daily driver until I read this news. Admittedly, it is relieved a bit by some murmurs I hear when I'm alone in the forest at night sometimes about Lexus possibly magically conjuring up some LFA derivative (oops, did I say that out loud?). But seriously, I'm surprised Porsche fans aren't way more up in arms about the electric power steering than I seem to have noticed so far on the internet forums...
Wait, what? ELECTRIC POWER steering?
This is the #$#$()*& Porsche 911 we're talking about, right??
I don't know how I missed it until today when I ran across the press release on another website. It was shocking enough that I ran back here to do a search and see if no one had posted it. Even more shocking then was that someone had posted it and I even replied to it, haha.
I've always thought Porsche's steering feel was magnificent, and having spent some serious quality time in a 997.2 C2S PDK recently, my opinion was only further bolstered. There's just something about the delicate, variable ratio steering that is a total joy - a lot of it has to do with the lack of weight up front, but even other non-front-engined cars like Ferrari vehicles don't feel this good either.
I don't mind electric steering, but the problem is that once a non-electric steering goes electric, things change - just ask all the BMW heads bemoaning the electrohydraulic systems now prevalent across the BMW product range.
Ugh, so disappointing. Hopefully they do a good job of implementing the electric steering or keep it off the GT3 series - I rather liked the idea of making the 998/991 GT3 (if it released with PDK) a semi-daily driver until I read this news. Admittedly, it is relieved a bit by some murmurs I hear when I'm alone in the forest at night sometimes about Lexus possibly magically conjuring up some LFA derivative (oops, did I say that out loud?). But seriously, I'm surprised Porsche fans aren't way more up in arms about the electric power steering than I seem to have noticed so far on the internet forums...
04-30-11 | 05:58 PM
#19
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,459
Likes: 1
From: Makati, Philippines
Lol 7-speed manual.
Why bother lol? Porsche should just continue with its plan to expand PDK transmissions and once they've done that, then they can kill the stick shift (just like Ferrari did).
I tell you: Manual gearboxes are losing its place and importance in sport/performance/racing vehicles (and this is happening even as we speak)
Why bother lol? Porsche should just continue with its plan to expand PDK transmissions and once they've done that, then they can kill the stick shift (just like Ferrari did).
I tell you: Manual gearboxes are losing its place and importance in sport/performance/racing vehicles (and this is happening even as we speak)
04-30-11 | 06:35 PM
#20
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,518
Likes: 0
From: MD
I get the point of a 7 speed manual, I'd drive one, but I don't think I'd want one as my DD over a conventional stick...however, since it's possible that you row the first 5 gears like a conventional stick, well perhaps you wouldn't really even notice the difference until you switched into high. Alright, I just talked myself into driving one as my DD.'
Also, I love how whenever these type of threads come up at least 3 people poo poo the standard transmission. If you don't choose to drive one that is fine (and what Lexus is for). But there are those of who do and are interested in the tech. Who knows what a 7 speed manual can do. We'll have to wait and see.
Also, I love how whenever these type of threads come up at least 3 people poo poo the standard transmission. If you don't choose to drive one that is fine (and what Lexus is for). But there are those of who do and are interested in the tech. Who knows what a 7 speed manual can do. We'll have to wait and see.
04-30-11 | 10:39 PM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
I get the point of a 7 speed manual, I'd drive one, but I don't think I'd want one as my DD over a conventional stick...however, since it's possible that you row the first 5 gears like a conventional stick, well perhaps you wouldn't really even notice the difference until you switched into high. Alright, I just talked myself into driving one as my DD.'
Also, I love how whenever these type of threads come up at least 3 people poo poo the standard transmission. If you don't choose to drive one that is fine (and what Lexus is for). But there are those of who do and are interested in the tech. Who knows what a 7 speed manual can do. We'll have to wait and see.
Also, I love how whenever these type of threads come up at least 3 people poo poo the standard transmission. If you don't choose to drive one that is fine (and what Lexus is for). But there are those of who do and are interested in the tech. Who knows what a 7 speed manual can do. We'll have to wait and see.
06-01-11 | 04:58 AM
#23
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,262
Likes: 10
From: NC
7
More isn’t always better. We’ll agree in terms of power, but respectfully pass when we’re talking about weight. Transmission gears? We’re not sure. Some recent automatics have featured 7 and 8forward ratios (and ZF has even announced a 9-speed auto), but the maximum for traditional clutch-and-lever manual transmissions has been 6 for some time. That’s about to change, however, because we’ve confirmed from various corporate sources that Porsche will offer a 7-speed manual in the next-generation 911, a development we 1st reported last November.
The point is to offer a tall, 7th gear for improved efficiency and reduced engine noise during long cruises. The shifting experience is said to be similar to that of the current 6-speed manual—which we love—there’s just a bit more rowing to do, although, depending on the ratio spread, veteran Porsche drivers might also have to slightly tweak their thinking in terms of gear choice for upcoming corners. Unless something changes and the shift pattern is seriously wacky, though, we doubt anyone will get confused during hard driving, since 7th will hardly be anyone’s go-to gear for corner exit.
As to the next 911 itself, it carries the internal 991 designation and is scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt auto show this September. It will be based on the stretched architecture of the 996/997 and offer more rear seat space and a more comfortable, luxurious interior. Vehicle stability will be improved thanks to a longer wheelbase. Future generations of the 911, however, are expected to share many components with the next-gen Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo as part of the VW Group’s highly flexible Modularer Sportbaukasten, or “modular sports architecture.” When and if this platform convergence happens, the 911 will keep its rear-engine layout, although the powerplant may nevertheless be moved forward significantly.
Porsche’s 7-speed manual only adds to the multiple gearbox options in the sports-car segment, which include dual-clutch, torque-converter, and modified automatics; traditional manuals; and even an entirely new single-clutch automatic in the Lamborghini Aventador. Will the 7-speed manual be offered by other automakers as well? At present, a supplier source tells us additional interest in the technology is limited.
06-01-11 | 05:17 AM
#24
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Stuttgart
I don't see any problem with a 7-speed manual transmission.
In the old days many cars only had 3-speed manual transmissions which eventually moved up to four, five and as of late, six.
On a 7-speed manual transmission, I can imagine that most of the gear shifting will take place between gears one and five. Gears six and seven will be used to keep the engine RPMs down (overdrive gears) thus bettering the fuel mileage.
In the old days many cars only had 3-speed manual transmissions which eventually moved up to four, five and as of late, six.
On a 7-speed manual transmission, I can imagine that most of the gear shifting will take place between gears one and five. Gears six and seven will be used to keep the engine RPMs down (overdrive gears) thus bettering the fuel mileage.
06-01-11 | 03:51 PM
#29
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,624
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Also, I love how whenever these type of threads come up at least 3 people poo poo the standard transmission. If you don't choose to drive one that is fine (and what Lexus is for). But there are those of who do and are interested in the tech. Who knows what a 7 speed manual can do. We'll have to wait and see.
As for the prospect of a 7-speed manual, I hope that, if Porsche goes that route, they put in a Ferrari-syle visible shift-gate for the lever so that you can see where the lever is going. With that many gears (and complex H-Pattern), it could be easy to hit the wrong gear just by feel alone.
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