New GT3

video here

Mr. Harris poses and interesting question. Check it out and lets vote/discuss?

3 pedals or floppy paddles . . . .

Haven't watched the video, but everything I've read says the PDK is the best of dual-clutch transmissions. I LOVED the DCT in the new gen M3, so I'm going with flappy paddles.

So it's amazing, then. Chris owned a 911 GT3 4.0 (the gold standard of 997s), yet couldn't stop gushing over the improved agility of this new car.

I'm in agreement that the paddle-shift vs manual transmission issue is really a philosophical debate. But I believe that the debate stems from an much larger issue: does technology truly improve the driving experience?

The GT3 is now at the point where the transmission can be left in full-auto mode all the time, even during performance driving. Its lightning-fast shifts, perfect rev-matching and predictive shift-mapping are a triumph, and they make driving the car to the limit that much easier. But letting the driver opt-out of controlling the gearbox is also removing one more component from the experience of driving.

In the current generation of sports cars (this new 991 GT3, the Ferrari 458 and the Nissan GTR, for example) the automated gearboxes serve up fast, perfect shifts - every time. Their active suspension components continually work to shape the handling experience. Their race-bred ABS and traction control systems work almost imperceptibly to manage the traction envelope better than nearly any driver could. Effectively, the sum of all this technology is to make it easy to drive at the limit.

Damn impressive stuff. But philosophically, it's almost like training wheels.

I was reminded of this a week ago when I went for a drive in the Miata. While it's much slower than the 964, and cheaper to run, and cheaper to buy.... was I having less fun? No, honestly, I wasn't. It was a great reminder that the joy of driving transcends the actual capabilities of the car when on the street....

I think this car proves that racing tech is still making road cars better. The things they've learned about ABS and active suspension and shifting without upsetting the car all make for better road cars. I'm not sure that I actually want a flappy paddle box of my own, but I can't deny the real improvements that they provide.

Having driven the Porsche PDK it really is very good. If they made one in the new viper I actually might get off my butt and order one, the amount of time I loose shifting is enormous. Especially when I am running around with some of the 430's and the like, way down on power but in the powerband just so much more then I am.

If I wanted the absolute lowest track time possible I would actually spec it out on a Porsche. But I would want the manual for sentimental reasons. I do believe him when he says that there are more then likely three people who will now buy the car because of the PDK to the one that will not do to the lack on the manual.

As a ex GT3 owner I would have no trouble with the PDK but they better offer a manual in the GT2.

I appreciate its performance. It does make me feel like if you want the driving "experience" then get a classic 911 with a manual. If you want the car that will just go the fastest easiest then go with all the new wonder tech you can afford

Love the "training wheels" comment. Thanks for that.

Everything I drive has three pedals, would more money make a difference? Don't think so.

Maybe I'd want to go make some wonderful noises just once . . . . . .