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 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, which helps with fuel efficiency.

PDK is essentially 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 two semi-gearboxes 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 transmitted through one semi-gearbox and one clutch at a time, while the next gear is preselected in the second semi-gearbox. During a gear change, therefore, 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 hundredths of a second.

Clutch 1 controls the first semigearbox, which contains the odd gears (1, 3, 5, 7) and reverse. Clutch 2 controls the second, which contains the even gears (2, 4, 6).

The crankshaft transmits engine torque to the flywheel, which is then channelled through the clutch housing and onto the multiplate 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 that is engaged is displayed on the instrument cluster for convenient reference.

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 program, the gear change is optimized for comfort or for performance driving.

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

With the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus, Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) is enhanced by the Launch Control and motorsport-derived gearshift strategy functions.

In essence, PDK combines sportiness with efficiency and comfort.

What could be more appropriate to a Porsche 911?

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.