The manual gearbox is being phased out by many automakers–including exotic sports car makers. The Porsche 911 997 GT3 could be the last Porsche with a manual gearbox. In the past, a manual gearbox was synonymous with proper driving and a fast car, but times they are changing gears. The next generation of the Porsche GT3 appeared in Geneva this year sporting everything but the manual option.
The next gen Porsche took center stage at the Geneva Motor Show this year and evoked rumblings of the missing manual.
The switch from manual to automatic has been going on slowly for years. It seems that a majority of drivers today prefer an automated gearbox because they are easy to operate and easier on the car, should the driver be inexperienced with changing gears. Still, some complain that the hands-on experience of controlling a supercar is eliminated along with the option of a manual transmission.
The automated gearboxes of today are faster than any human and companies argue that they are better for the vehicle by factoring out driver errors in shifting that can ruin a vehicle. Another touted perk of the automated transmission is improved miles per gallon, though that is of little comfort to those who simply love to drive.
The next Porsche 911 997 GT3 at a glance:
- Power is derived via a 3.8-liter flat six mated to a 7-speed automated manual transmission. It will be the last Porsche produced with a manual transmission option, unless in the future they make a comeback.
- 429 bhp
- This one hits the 0-60 mile per hour jump in 4.1 seconds. This is about a half second slower than some supercars, but forgivable with a top speed approaching 200 miles per hour.
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