Porsche has announced all of the juicy
details related to the PDK transmission now on offer for the 718 Cayman GT4,
718 Boxster Spyder, and 718 Boxster/Cayman GTS 4.0 models. All of these models
have previously been sold exclusively with six-speed manual transmissions but
with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch, Porsche hasn’t just improved the
performance of the models but will also generate additional sales.
Porsche says that the 718 Cayman GT4 and
Boxster Spyder models can sprint to 96 km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds with
the PDK. That’s significantly quicker than models with the standard stick shift
that require 4.2 seconds to reach the same mark. As for the Boxster and Cayman
GTS 4.0 models, they can hit 96 km/h in 3.8 seconds with the PDK down from 4.3
seconds with the manual.
The German automaker’s PDK available for
these 4.0-liter models has a shorter seventh gear ratio than the PDK available
on other 718 models. Additionally, PDK-equipped variants benefit from an extra 10.8 Nm of torque. The PDK also improves handling as Porsche has
coupled it with a new limited-slip differential operating with higher locking
values that reportedly results in 30 per cent more grip in traction mode and 37
per cent more grip in over-run mode. With improved acceleration and even better
handling, there’s no doubt the PDK models will also be faster around a
racetrack.
Buying a PDK-equipped model comes at a bit
of a premium. For Boxster and Cayman GTS 4.0 models, it adds US$ 3,730 to the
sticker price. For 718 Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4 models, the price hike
amounts to US$ 3,210.
