2012 Porsche 911 7-Speed Manual transmission - YouTube

2012 Porsche 911 7-Speed Manual transmission

The design of this manual gearbox is based in principle on that of Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK). Gears 1 to 6 have a sports ratio and top speed is reached in 6th gear. The additional 7th gear, however, has a long ratio, which reduces torque and helps to reduce fuel consumption. Lower engine revs at fast driving speeds also ensure a high level of comfort on long stretches of road.

In addition, a gear indicator in the rev counter reminds you which gear has been selected. The upshift indicator in the instrument cluster helps you actively conserve fuel. Thanks to the elevated center console, the gear lever is within easy reach -- ideal for sporty gear changes.

2012 Porsche 911 PDK Coasting - YouTube

2012 Porsche 911 PDK Coasting

The 'coasting' function available with PDK enables you to save even more fuel where the situation allows. The engine is decoupled from the transmission to prevent deceleration caused by engine braking.

In this way, optimum use is made of the vehicle's momentum, allowing it to coast for longer distances. For example, you may want to slow down from 100 km/h to 80 km/h in anticipation of the change of speed limit ahead. As soon as you release the accelerator pedal, PDK deselects the current gear automatically and you begin to coast in neutral until you have reached your desired speed. The moment you engage the accelerator or brake pedal, PDK selects the appropriate gear smoothly and seamlessly within a fraction of a second.

Another way to reduce fuel consumption is to utilize the coasting function on downhill gradients that are gentle enough for you to maintain a constant speed. Efficient on long journeys, such as on the motorway, PDK remains ready to respond as swiftly and precisely as you would expect.

In short, driving in coasting mode makes a real impact on fuel consumption without any need for compromise on comfort or sporty performance.

2012 Porsche 911 Engine AUTO START/STOP feature - YouTube

2012 Porsche 911 Engine AUTO START/STOP feature

The auto start/stop function is standard in the new 911 models. In cars with the manual gearbox, the engine switches off automatically when, for example, you stop at traffic lights, select neutral and release the clutch pedal. In cars with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the engine switches off whenever you stop and leave your foot on the brake pedal.

All audio and communication systems remain switched on and the climate con- trol continues to maintain your selected temperature. The only differences you will notice are the silence at the rear and the fuel saving. As soon as you operate the clutch or release the brake, the engine will restart swiftly and smoothly.

The auto start/stop function may remain inactive under particular circumstances, extreme outside temperatures, when the SPORT button is selected or if battery charge is low. It is also possible to deactivate the function manually using a separate button on the center console.

Source [Porsche via Youtbue]

 

7 speed manual=stupid

 

1. Its better than NO MANUAL at all
2. I think the 7th gear will be fantastic for cruising on the highway.

 

Why? I think it's terrific that Porsche has not only kept, but further developed a manual gearbox for performance and efficiency.

The 7th gear is essentially the same concept that GM has used with the Corvette's 6th gear for ages.

 

It's a manual. Just ignore there is a 7th.

 

Hopefully the engine start stop function can be disabled. Always hated cars that have it.

 

In what way is it "stupid"? It's a great way to achieve better mileage and therefore conform with the increasingly tightening efficiency requirements. It also helps having better gear ratios (ie more power available throughout the whole rpm range) since 6th gear is for top speed and not fuel economy, there's 7th for that. There will always be tons of used Porsches on the market for the purists.

 

7 Speed manual is a very well needed and ingenious idea today, as manuals are quickly fading away.
There's a button on the center console that does just that.

 

Plus it doesn't engage if it's in SPORT mode, or if external temperature is really low.

 

US Cars also don't have Auto Start/Stop ON as the default setting (at least that's how it is on the Panamera.) In the US, A-S/S has to be manually engaged by the button on the Center Console.


Also, what I got out of the Coasting & Auto Stop-Start videos is that the improved efficiency really isn't related to advancements in the power train, but rather from Lower Weight as well as Electronic Systems (Coasting & A-S/S for instance).