Porsche 911R: The Modern Purist Porsche

One: It has a six-speed manual transmission.

For automotive enthusiasts and Porsche purists alike, this may be one of the biggest changes in favor of a “purer” Porsche experience.  We have nothing against the PDK.  The PDK is a phenomenal transmission that offers lightning quick shifts with proper rev-matching on downshifts, but the manual transmission puts the driver in ultimate control.  There is a greater sense of accomplishment when a driver does a perfect heel-toe-shift and absolutely nails it.

I also love the idea that it is strictly six gears.  Seven gears stretches the ratios deep into overdrive.  If I recall correctly, seventh gear on a PDK comes out to 80 miles per hour at just 2,000rpm.  With a proper sixth gear, the driver is closer to the power-band and may be able to do passing, without a shift at all.  Porsche made a unique set of ratios just for the 911R.