The optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), with both manual gearshift and an automatic mode, enables smooth gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power. This results in significantly faster acceleration and lower fuel consumption, without having to sacrifice the ease of automatic transmission.

In total, PDK has seven gears at its disposal. Gears 1 to 6 have a sports ratio and top speed is reached in 6th gear. The 7th gear has a long ratio and reduces fuel consumption even further.

PDK is like having two gearboxes in one and thus requires two clutches – designed as a double wet clutch transmission.

This double clutch provides an alternating, non-positive connection between the gearbox and the engine by means of two separate input shafts (input shaft 1 is nested inside the hollowed-out input shaft 2).

The flow of power from the engine is only ever transmitted through one clutch at a time, while the next gear is preselected by the second clutch. During a gear change, a conventional shift no longer takes place. Instead, one clutch simply opens and the other closes at the same time. Gear changes therefore take place within a few hundredths of a second.

Clutch 1 controls the odd gears (1, 3, 5, 7) and reverse. Clutch 2 controls the even gears (2, 4, 6).

The crankshaft transmits engine torque to the dual-mass flywheel which is then channelled through the clutch housing and onto the multi-plate clutches, or to be more precise, the outer disc carrier.

Under oil pressure, clutch 1 closes and forms a frictional connection with input shaft 1. The torque is now transmitted through the differential to the rear axle or, in the all-wheel drive variants of the 911, the front and rear axles.

At this stage, PDK has already preselected the next gear. Engine torque is already acting on the other outer disc carrier and, in response to a gear change signal, the overlap shift is initiated, i.e. as clutch 1 opens, clutch 2 closes. The non-positive connection with input shaft 2 is established, and power is transmitted to the wheels. The gear which is engaged is displayed on the instrument cluster.

PDK has distinct benefits. The very rapid gearshifts, with no interruption in the flow of power, produce faster acceleration.

Driving feels even sportier and more dynamic, and agility is increased. Depending on the gearshift programme, the gear change is optimised for comfort or for sporty handling.

The compact dimensions of the gearbox reduce rotational masses which means a more direct engine response, and the system is more lightweight.

This, along with the long-ratioed 7th gear, helps to achieve reduced fuel consumption and emission figures comparable with those of a manual gearbox. In conjunction with the new engines, it has been possible to reduce fuel consumption by up to 13% and CO2 emissions by up to 15%, depending on the model.

With the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus, PDK is enhanced by the ‘Launch Control’ and ‘motorsport-derived gearshift strategy’ functions.

In conjunction with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the standard sports steering wheel features two ergonomic switches.

One press with the thumb and PDK shifts up. One pull with the index finger and PDK shifts down. Either the right or left hand can be used.

Also available in conjunction with PDK is the SportDesign steering wheel.

The gear selector for PDK is ergonomic and designed for high functionality, enabling you to change gear manually. The control concept mirrors the logic of the paddles on the sports steering wheel – press forwards to shift up, pull backwards to shift down.

Even if the gear selector is set to automatic mode, you can still change gear manually using the paddles on the steering wheel.

Fuel consumption* of the 911 models: Urban in l/100 km: 19.4-; Extra urban in l/100 km: 9.6-; Combined in l/100 km: 13.2-; Emissions in g/km: 309-.

* These data were obtained using the Euro 5 measurement method (715/2007/EC and 692/2008/EC) in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) with standard equipment. The information does not refer to an individual vehicle and is not part of the offer, but is simply provided so that comparisons can be made between different types of vehicle. Further, up to date information on the individual vehicles can be obtained from your Porsche Centre.

Consumption figures were obtained on the basis of standard equipment. Special equipment may affect consumption and performance.