Budster:
RC:
Manual sucks. If someone believes he is faster with manual, this is an illusion.
RC, I think you're missing the point. No-one is arguing that manual is necessarily faster, it's just less involving.
As it happens, I'm currently warming to PDK, although it's taken a while. As I get more used to it, I find that:
1. You cannot drive it without either sports or sports plus. Normal mode is lethargic.
2. Sports plus, despite what I initially thought - isnit' just for the track. It's great for spirited driving - you've got to get used to the fact that these cars love to rev to 7000rpm
3. Even in auto, liberal use of the up-shift is not only fun, but it allows you to feel more engaged, allowing it to take over again 4 seconds later (or not).
4. Finally, if you use PDK like a limo driver, you will feel like a limo driver. If you engage with it, you will feel like a sportscar driver. You choose.
I know I'm preaching to the converted - I'm just going through my own experience and evolving views as a novice to both Porsche and PDK after having enjoyed a powerful manual V8 for many years.
So after 2 months, I'm am finally glad I went for PDK - IMO it's the best of both worlds after all - but I can still see that some people prefer manual - it is more engaging.
You actually confirmed what I am trying to tell people all the time: With PDK, you have a choice.
I use PDK the same way you do, incl. Sport Chrono Plus mode (which can sometimes be a little bit annoying...for the outside world) but in the end, you have a choice, well spoken.
Oh, I guess you meant PDK when you referred to "less involving" but the reality is that with PDK, you can get even more involved by actually learning how to control the car better incl. the brake, rather than concentrating on operating the clutch. This is just my personal experience and those who drive manual may not understand that.
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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche Panamera Turbo S (April 2012 delivery), Porsche 997 Carrera GTS Cabriolet PDK, BMW X5M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S Countryman All4