Porsche to give 2008 911 DSG, direct injection

Along with minor exterior revisions, Porsche will introduce two much-anticipated performance enhancements to its 911 lineup for the 2008 model year.

The most notable improvement will be the addition of an optional dual-clutch transmission, according to Automotive News. Similar to the DSG system used by Volkswagen, the transmission will provide far smoother shifts than a sequential manual, while offering higher performance than a Tipronic automatic. The system -- which has no clutch pedal and can operate in an automated mode -- will replace Porsche's automatic transmissions.

The second technology to arrive for 2008 will be Porsche's direct-injection engine, dubbed DFI. It is expected to cut fuel consumption by about 10 percent and improve performance. The Carrera S coupe is expected to go from 355 horsepower to 370.