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PDK/DSG the next PCCB?
Porsche's much anticipated F1 style transmission may prove to be far more expensive an option that many anticipate. Conventional wisdom has it that the PDK/DSG will replace the current Tiptronic automatic, but I believe this is a subject of debate within Porsche, and along with technical issues, represents another reason why Porsche has dragged it's collective feet on the debut of this transmission. Let's ask the following questions: 1) How much of a premium would a potential GT3/GT3RS/Turbo buyer pay for a clutchless transmission?; 2) Will Porsche offer this race inspired transmission to its upper end clientelle for the same price as a conventional Tiptronic?; 3) How many "upper end" buyers want PDK/DSG vs. a "pure" manual transmission?; 4) Will Porsche drop the Tiptronic and offer PDK/DSG in the Cayenne?; 5) If Porsche can get $6-7K for PDK/DSG in the GT3 will they turn around and offer it to Cayman buyers for $3-4K?; 6) What is the financial (i.e. profit/loss) downside of offering three different transmissions? The argument within Porsche then becomes how to market this transmission once it's technically ready for prime time. The Cayman with PDK/DSG may in fact be a long way off.
Last edited by DaveC; 08-16-2007 at 04:09 AM.
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