CONFIRMED? The Next-Gen Porsche 911 GT3 WILL BE Offered With A Manual 'Box?

For Porschephiles, there was quite a bit of discontent when the 991-generation GT3 was first announced. That's because it turned out that Porsche was moving away from what made the GT3 so special.

The GT3 was the track-going, purist pick.

But, the 991 GT3 decided to go a different route. It came only with a dual-clutch, PDK gearbox, the steering went electric and standard was an all-new, rear-wheel steering program. According to the latest reports though, it sounds like Porsche is ready to take a step backwards.

That's because a manual transmission is said to return. The GT3 RS, which is the even more hardcore 911 is said to keep a PDK gearbox.

Could the all-new 911 R's overwhelming reception have played into this end result? We like to think so.

Porsche GT3 guru Andreas Preuninger has confirmed the six-speed manual gearbox used in the 911 R will be available as an option on the next generation of GT3 as well.

However, the track-focused GT3 RS will remain PDK only.

He confirmed his cars will retain natural aspiration “for the foreseeable future” with the sole exception of the next GT2 RS due in 2017. Contrary to those who maintain the new 718 Cayman will only accept four-cylinder engines, Preuninger said there will be a new Cayman GT4 and it will have six cylinders...

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skytop - 3/7/2016 1:11:15 AM

0 Boost

In an automatic equipped car, you ride in it.
In a manual equipped car, you DRIVE it.

PUGPROUD - 3/7/2016 8:06:00 AM

0 Boost

Right on Skytop! It's all about being connected to your car's system not
disconnected. The interface of man and his machine is what makes driving a passion and a pleasure. It's why driving a slow car fast beats driving a fast car slow. It's why MX-5 Miatas put a smile on your face going 45mph on your way to the grocery store. Like Charlton Heston said you will take my manual shifter away "from my cold dead hand!"

MDarringer - 3/7/2016 8:40:23 AM

+1 Boost

While I prefer a manual in sports cars, the reality is that these days automatics are so good that you give up nothing to performance. Throw in paddles and call it good. Manuals are a pain in the ass in an LA traffic jam.

dstampfer - 3/7/2016 4:22:57 PM

+1 Boost

Hate to say it but as a former manual driver I agree with Darringer. Yes I can empathize with the need to rev match and feel that friction point, but I'm much happier on my daily drive with my 2 pedal M3. Plus I still think there is a difference between automated manuals (e.g. M-DCT, PDK) and manually operated automatics (paddle shifters with torque converter automatics).

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 3/8/2016 7:49:47 PM

+1 Boost

Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren etc all have dropped manuals for good. I will be interested to see what the take rate is on this option for customer orders. It was dropped as an option because nobody bought them. My expectation is that it will be very low. Who wants to spend that much on a car and hate it every time you are stuck in traffic. The idea is to DRIVE your Porsche. Not to have it sit in the garage.

ATrain - 3/9/2016 4:30:12 AM

+1 Boost

I think we all should have one of each... :) An RS for track duty and a stick GT3 for pleasure cruising on weekends.

And whatever else your heart desires for traffic.

And if it's financially challenging, dream and perhaps you get there. Some day.

Re market demand, as these stick shifters become rare, a new breed of buyers emerges; flippers. There is demand if only one make does it.