Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) Technology
Porsche Dual clutch transmissions. Electrohydraulic sequential manual transmissions are a type of semi-automatic transmission designed to provide effortless and rapid shifting improving upon the average driver’s abilities. This design uses an automated clutch controlled by vehicle electronics and hydraulic solenoids. Unlike a traditional manual transmission, vehicle electronics and precisely match engine RPMs, and engine management systems to create a smoother and more rapid shifting process. To change gears, the driver selects the desired gear with a shift lever or paddle, and the system automatically operates the clutch and throttle to match engine speed and engage the clutch.
Porsche has developed the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission in-conjunction with ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which operates in both manual and automatic modes. As with other Electrohydraulic manual transmissions, the PDK transmission enables very smooth gear changes and consistent power.
A dual-clutch transmission, such as the Porsche PDK transmission is a type of semi-automatic transmission (also referred to as an automated manual transmission). This transmission is designed to use two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets. This design allows for rapid and smooth shifting across the entire range of the gearbox. The use of electrohydraulics allows the transmission to operate in an automated mode provide more rapid shifting than a driver can typically perform manually.
The Porsche PDK transmission can be thought of as two half gearboxes that have been merged into a single housing. As the design is based on two half gearboxes, two clutches are required driving two input shafts. The engine power is transferred from one of the input shafts through that half of the transmission while the other half is selecting the next gear in the sequence. The Porsche PDK transmission has seven forward gears plus reverse, with 1St, 3rd, 5th and 7th on one shaft and 2nd, 4th, and 6th on the other shaft. When shifting, one clutch open and the other closes simultaneously creating a smoother shifting process. This process takes a few hundredths of a second.
The PDK transmission was first introduced in 2009 and available in the 997 Carrera and Carrera S as well as the Cayman and Boxter. Significant improvements have been made in current models, improving shifting performance and overall fuel efficiency.
German engineering advances of the past ten-years have included numerous engine and power-train modifications. For more detailed information, please see our technical tips section of our website.
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