Worth Waiting For
PORSCHE DOUBLE CLUTCH 7-SPEED TRANSMISSION BRINGS RACE TRACK PERFORMANCE TO 2009 CAYMANS AND BOXSTERS
BY LARRY MILLER AND KAREN JANKA
In the Porsche world, September has not only meant the end of cabrio season, but also the beginning of the new model year. The curiosity peaks in early August as the first details of the coming tweaks and upgrades are made public. This year, August came and went and the Cayman and Boxster continued to be built as before. It was announced that the 2008 mid-engine Caymans and Boxsters would be built through the end of the calendar year. The question, "wonder what Porsche is up to?" was commonly heard. As always, they were very tight lipped. New model information was finally released in mid-November and now the word is out.
New Porsche double clutch
Both the 2009 Cayman and Boxster will be available with the revolutionary Porsche Double Clutch(PDK) 7-speed transmission. This race-proven technology is finally available for street legal cars. You might think of it as an automatic on steroids!
The best way to describe the operation of the PDK transmission is to consider the process of starting up. The driver begins in first gear and second gear is pre-selected in the second transmission unit, with its clutch still open. When shifting into second gear, the second clutch closes, transferring power to the higher gear while simultaneously releasing the first clutch.
This means that even under full load the full torque of the engine is transferred from one clutch to the other without the slightest interruption of drive power. The transmission glides from first to seventh gear rapidly and almost undetectably.
The same speed and immediacy exists when shifting down. In the automatic mode the PDK transmission may skip several gears, shifting down directly, for example from the seventh to the second gear.
Tiptronic was good but PDK is better!
As with its predecessor transmission, the Tiptronic, PDK lets the driver choose between automatic or manual shifting. The new transmission changes gears up to 60 percent faster than an automatic. If the driver wishes to shift manually he can do so with the shift paddles located on the steering wheel, pressing in to shift up and pressing from the back to shift down. Of course there is also a gear selector where one expects the gear shift to be.
The optional Sport Chrono Package Plus includes a launch control function for optimum acceleration under all conditions and a special gear shift strategy for extremely sporty driving performance with shift points optimized for the race track. And for those who would never take to the track, PDK has something to offer for your everyday driving. Although the exact figures have yet to be published, PDK ups an engine s mile per gallon ratings by about 1 mpg. Yes, an automatic that improves gas mileage over the manual version of the same engine. As in years past, Porsche has placed strong emphasis on fuel efficiency and minimizing carbon emissions, without compromising on performance.
New Caymans and Boxsters
The 2009 model year brings many changes, of which PDK is only one. The 2009 Caymans and Boxsters remain unmistakably purebred. These low slung mid engine sports cars hug the road and provide pure driving pleasure as always. For the casual observer the overall appearance remains unchanged. But the details do make the difference. New and efficient LED lighting provides additional safety and updates the exterior. Inside you will find a communications center with a larger touch screen and optional voice control features. A myriad of new functional and cosmetic options allow you to personalize your 2009 Cayman or Boxster.
Orders are being taken now for the 2009 models which start production in January. The 265 hp Boxster roadster has a starting price of $46,600 with the sport version Boxster S with 320 hp listing for $56,700. The new 265 hp Cayman starts at $50,300 and the base price for the 2009 Cayman S with 320 hp is $60,200.
Cars International/Porsche Military Sales in Stuttgart has been providing U.S. spec Porsches to the military community in Germany for over 25 years. They can be reached at +49 (0)711 - 911 27312 for additional information or to schedule a test drive. Next year's driving season is just around the corner. What are you waiting for?