Porsche gives 992-gen 911 three pedals

Wednesday, 29 April 2020

Porsche said it would, and it has delivered. The latest 992-generation of 911 has been given a seven-speed manual transmission.

Well, overseas at least. We're not sure just yet if New Zealand will follow suit.

In any case, the triple-pedal option will be a no-cost option for buyers so long as you ask for the Sport Chrono package. Which you should, given it adds dynamic engine mounts, four driving modes, a tyre temperature monitor and and auto rev-match function for the manual. Punters also get a mechanical limited-slip differential with torque vectoring.

You can now have the 911 with a manual transmission. It's a bit slower but it's more purist.

Unfortunately for those seeking the utmost in 911 performance, the manual can't quite match the lightning-quick PDK dual-clutch automatic. Opting for three pedals in the Carrera S sees 100kmh flash by in 4.2 seconds, 0.5 seconds slower than the PDK version.

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Unfortunately, New Zealand doesn't have the demand for Porsche to bring in the manual option. If you want three pedals, it's Cayman/Boxster or bust.

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It's not like the PDK is a bad thing though, as anyone who has used one will attest to.

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However, Porsche says the manual, with one cog less than the PDK, is 45kg lighter than the auto. But you won't see that at the scales, thanks to that heavy differential. It'll end up closer to 10kg lighter.

Other new tech includes Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system, though that's only for the PDK apparently. InnoDrive is a more precise ACC that 'determines speed limits and topographical road features, such as gradients or corner radii, along your route even before you reach them.'

InnoDrive also has an improved traffic jam assist that tracks road signs as well as other vehicles.

Expect checking the box to hurt though, given the standard adaptive cruise control system adds NZ$3340 by itself.

Another new option is Smartlift, which uses the inbuilt GPS to find speed bumps and automatically raises the nose of the car by up to 40mm to avoid accidental damage to the front splitter.

Buyers can now opt for new lightweight noise-insulating glass too, in order to further drop the 911's kerb weight by a claimed 4kg. Might not sound like much but every gram helps. Just ask Mazda.

New interior options include an ambient light design package with seven different colours and a retro leather trim dubbed the 930 pack, named as a nod to the first generation of 911 Turbo. It gives buyers quilted leather seats and door cards as well as other colours and finishes.

Unfortunately, Porsche New Zealand told us that there isn't enough demand for the manual option here in New Zealand. If you want a manual Porsche, you'll want to look at a Cayman or Boxster.