German Car Zone

Instead of bitching and moaning about the GTR we should all be glad that GTR came along and changed the performance paradigm. It is only going to force others to do better. I am already salivating thinking about the next GT3.

^^
Although over-hyped it's worth all the attention, very good car. On Sunday I actually saw my first GT-R on the roads, it was a red one with UK plates. Most likely imported.

Is the 911 with PDK really that diluted - it is definitely (IMO) leaps and bounds over and above that ancient Tiptronic S. When compared to the manual, of course it's gonna feel sterile.

PDK is a definitely a welcomed option, perfect replacement for the Tiptronic. Is the better than manual? Difficult to say, some of those who've tested the new 911 say that the PDK tranny works perfectly but at the sametime it's not as involving as manual gearbox. The buttons combined with the very smooth transition between the gears does result in a slightly clinical experience.

That clinical feeling is what is to be expected from the system when applied in a volume model such as the Carrera S. The experience will be totally different when introduced in, for example, the GT3. Just take a look at the differences between SMG in the 330i E46 and that in the M3 E46.

Meh, not at all. M3 has always been 'destroyed' by others in sheer perfermance and costs. M3 doesn't need to be the fastest. 911 Turbo however always used to be the car to get if you wanted to be really fast, but had not enough money for a supercar...that's not the case anymore.
Plus the fact that cars like C63 and M3 are much more practical than 911/GTR, with 4 proper seats. 911 and GTR however are of the same breed.

I'm sure Porsche will make a better car than Nissan did with the Skyline, but at what cost? Surely it'll be extremely expensive again...

I called it on that hideously unergonomic and contrived looking gearchange switchgear on the steering wheel of PDK equipped cars months ago. Porsche what were you thinking?

Some cars you ought to buy with an automated or sequential 'box vis a vis S85 M Cars, GT-Rs, Scuderias and 599s. Other cars you just mustn't have with anything other than a manual. Like an RS4, M3 or a 911. It's all about the benefits of the technology not detracting from the overall character of the car - a question of appropriateness if you will.

All 4 cars are absolutely marvellous - even the Aston Martin.

Almost all the negativity I have heard and read about the PDK only seems to be about the interface and the placement of the paddles. Other then that, I believe its an excellent upgrade to the old tiptronic.

Video online including track video

http://www.drivers-republic.com/flas...flv& replay=1