Porsche’s commitment to manual transmission: A fight against the inevitable?

Porsche’s commitment to manual transmission: A fight against the inevitable?

The manual transmission is becoming increasingly rare in the automotive world, with even performance car manufacturers gradually phasing it out. Supercar brands, once known for their commitment to pure driving experiences, are now prioritizing dual-clutch and automatic gearboxes due to efficiency, performance, and emissions regulations. Porsche, however, remains one of the last defenders of the manual transmission, though even its lineup has begun to shrink.

At present, Porsche offers a manual gearbox in only two model families—the 718 and the 911. However, with the next-generation 718 set to transition into an all-electric vehicle, it’s likely that the 911 will soon be the only Porsche model available with a clutch pedal. The German marque has already dismissed the idea of a synthetic manual transmission for EVs, making the future of traditional manuals even more uncertain.

Despite these challenges, Porsche’s executives remain committed to preserving the manual transmission for as long as possible. Andreas Preuninger, Director of the GT Product Line at Porsche, is one of its strongest advocates.

Andreas Preuninger, Director of the GT Product Line at Porsche

In a recent interview, Preuninger expressed his deep belief in the importance of keeping manual transmissions alive.

“Personally, I believe it is very important to keep manual transmissions alive. I have always considered manual cars to be true driver’s cars, and I still choose to drive MT on the track, even though I know that the PDK automatic shifts faster.”

He further emphasized the importance of offering a choice to customers, recalling how Porsche revived the manual transmission with the 911 R in the 991 generation.

“That project is the reason we still have manual transmissions today.”

The 991 generation Porsche 911R

One of the common arguments against manual transmissions is that they are less fuel-efficient than modern automatic gearboxes. However, Preuninger counters this perception, explaining that manual gearboxes have certain advantages over Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch system.

“Manual transmissions are lighter, which results in better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. They also transfer more power to the wheels since they have less internal friction than a PDK gearbox.”

He further explains that manual transmissions lack hydraulic pressure systems and dual-clutch mechanisms, both of which create internal resistance and reduce efficiency in PDK-equipped cars.

“In the real world, manual cars consume less fuel and emit fewer pollutants than PDK-equipped cars. That’s a fact.”

Successor to the 911R, the 992 generation Porsche 911 S/T

Beyond efficiency and emissions, Porsche’s dedication to manual transmissions is rooted in something deeper—driving pleasure. Preuninger describes the experience of pairing a high-revving, 9,000 rpm internal combustion engine with a manual gearbox as one of the greatest joys in driving.

“At Porsche, we are in the business of creating driving excitement. This isn’t just about transportation—we are here to put smiles on drivers’ faces.”

While Porsche remains one of the last bastions of the manual transmission, the question remains—how long can they hold out? With increasing pressure from emissions regulations and electrification, it may only be a matter of time before even the 911 is forced to go automatic-only.

For now, enthusiasts still have the chance to enjoy Porsche’s legendary driving experience with a clutch pedal. But as the world shifts toward an electrified future, the days of Porsche’s manual transmissions may be numbered.

Jay Dinesh
A car guy with retail experience in the automotive industry and a home mechanic during off days. Jay is living his childhood topgear dreams working with Cars of Malaysia