Although Porsche developed the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission for the latest 911, it seems that the stick shift might not be in company’s long-term plans for its iconic rear-engined sports car.
Michael Schätzle, project manager of the new 911, told Automobile that he believes the manual could die out within “one or two generations” of new models, putting its possible expiration date at about 2020.
Given that half of U.S. 911 buyers opt for the three pedal gearbox, a prediction of the stick’s demise might seem premature, but Schätzle has his reasons. Globally, 78 percent of last-generation 911 models left the factory with a PDK, and Schätzle claims that customers (as well as Porsche management) prefer the quicker and more fuel efficient dual-clutch unit.
Another issue is the future of the PDK. Though the current seven speed PDK and manual gearboxes share a multitude of parts, Porsche is contemplating shifting to a nine-speed PDK in the future. This would require a major redesign of the transmission that would eliminate much of its similarity to the manual. As a nine-speed manual isn’t going to happen anytime soon (sorry, semi fans), this development could hurt the financial case for the stick if its take rate continues to decline.
Though Schätzle was quick to point out that his prediction was just an opinion rather than an official decision, recent reports have suggested that Porsche is considering dropping the three-pedal option from the next 911 GT3. If that highly driver-focused machine loses its stick, it’s reasonable to fear that the rest of the 911 lineup could eventually follow suit.
