The manual gearbox clearly provides a great combination of performance, flexibility, feedback, reliability and reward for driving enthusiasts...

The PDK/DSG technology clearly offers advantages over auto transmissions and semi-auto manuals, e.g. SMG, F1, etc...

Indeed, the new Nissan GT-R 6-speed dual-clutch transmission has a total shift time of 0.2sec, which might sound slow compared to the Scuderia's reported 0.06sec... but it's worth noting that the Borg Warner clutch pack is designed for a 155,000-mile life, compared to a Ferrari's 6,000-8,000 miles before the F1 gearbox needs a new clutch!

"The six-speed GR6 transaxle was developed especially for the GT-R, partly because it's hooked up to a high-revving engine... Developed partly by Borg Warner, which supplied the very compact clutch pack (designed for a 155,000-mile life), synchromesh and electronic control unit, each transmission is built by a single engineer working in a 'clean room'. The electronic traction control and limited-slip diff are integrated into the transmission casing."

From Porsche's perspective, the PDK will obviously replace the Tiptronic - improving both performance and fuel economy - while the manual transmission is expected to remain the preference for many driving enthusiasts. We may also see Porsche offer the GT2's "launch control" on other future manual transmissions...

The sequential racing gearbox in Porsche's RS Spyder uses a paddle-shift on track, but also has a clutch pedal available for lower speed manoeuvres, stall prevention, or if you just wanna' blip that throttle... now that sounds like a great application of technology!

So it seems that PDK/DSG technology will certainly replace autos and semi-auto/auto-manual transmissions, but the manual gearbox and clutch pedal will continue to be enjoyed by enthusiastic Porsche drivers for many years!