Porsche is Not Ready to Say Good Bye to Its Classic Powertrain Design
When you take a look back at Porsche's history, there are specific components that made the German automaker so popular, and they stuck to them for years — naturally aspirated engines paired with manual transmissions.
However, it is undeniable that classic manual
models are gradually forced out from the automobile market (especially in the
USA) under the pressure from modes equipped with more sophisticated and
easy-to-use automatic transmissions and electric vehicles. Many car
manufacturers have already dropped manuals from their line-ups, but Porsche, as
one of the few exceptions, is determined to keep alive its classic powertrain
design (naturally-aspired engine+manual transmission).
Andreas Preuninger
In a recent interview during the presentation
of the 718 Cayman GT4 model, Andreas Preuninger, the representative of Porsche's
GT division, said that many automakers started to give up on manual
transmissions too early and in some sense it plays in the favor of Porsche, as
the company gets rid of the main competitors in this segment. Other automakers
unintentionally created a demand for manual sports cars and impressive GT’s
sales rates prove the point - in some markets half of the sold Porsche cars are
manual.
The latest 718 Cayman GT4 model
Mr. Preuninger pointed out that the automobile
industry craves for more emotional cars, and the new 718 Cayman GT4 with a 6-speed
manual shifter will be a real joy for admirers of classic and speedy sports
cars. Thanks to the flat-six engine, making 414 hp and 420 Nm of torque,
operating in pair with the manual gear shifting unit, the GT4 can speed up to
100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.
However, Mr. Preuninger also said that nowadays
the electrification process in the automobile industry is quite natural and it
helps to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and Porsche has already shifted to
hybrid models in the SUV segment. But, at the same time, the company wants to
find a perfect balance between new technologies and old classic design in order
to please all customers.
It is inevitable that one day naturally-aspired engines and manuals will become obsolete. But right now, Porsche keeps faith in classic powertrain designs and they will remain on the market for at least another 10 years.
