stauren1203

According to Motor trend, the new 911 will have a 7-speed Manual transmission. This may come across sarcastic, but I genuinely am asking... Why do we need 7 forward gears? 6th already seems like "Highway cruising only" gear for me, and I think our ratios are close enough. Am I missing something else?

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...k/viewall.html

luder_5555

Well their top speed is almost 50 mph higher, and an s2k does not have a "highway" gear. So figure a gear box that would have a similar feel (ratio wise) to an s2k box, but stretched out a little, then add an overdrive gear.

stauren1203

But with as un-often as people get close to "top-speed" (on the road at least), would 7th gear be a rarity? Or would be used on a daily basis?

Chris S

http://youtu.be/UeOXsA8sp_E

MaxGeek

You would use it as often as you cruise on the freeway. Porsche's have a fair amount of torque and should have no problem making a normal pass in 7th. Probably helps Porsche with tougher fuel efficiency standards too. Plus I'm sure its great for autobahn speeds.

TheDonEffect

Because Porsche is stingy with power, so instead of making more power and therefore taller 5th and 6th gears, they instead made more gears to keep them short. Is it necessary, imo nah, but neither is things like DSG, launch control, etc. But hey, in an era where autotuned voices pass off as musical talent, why not right?

Chris S

Porsche is stingy w/ power? Did I really just read that?

NuncoStr8

5th gear in a current 911 is their 1:1 gear. I'm guessing the 7th gear will be a taller highway gear for economy and emissions. Their current 6th gear is only .88, while on a Corvette 5th is a .74 and 6th is .50. A taller top gear will result in better highway mpg. Another acceleration gear stuffed between 1st and what is now 5th will just require more shifting and make the car slower.

However, it does seem a bit ridiculous. They could rethink the 6 gear ratios they already have and find a workable solution that doesn't turn the shift knob imprint into a cobweb.

rockville

I think there is slightly more to it. The new gearbox is supposed to be basically the same internals as the DSG box. They are basically making one box "platform" that can be either a DSG or a manual. So the DSG likely has 7 speeds for fuel economy numbers and probably for bragging rights. The manual is likely getting 7 speeds because it's along for the ride.

luder_5555

I think that the geared top speed in a z06 is over 300mph. Just like most high end cars, 5th, or in this case 6th will be the top speed gear, and top gear will be the freeway gear. Again I promise that 6th in this will be much much taller than 6th in an s2k. So for all of us saying that there is too much shifting... Well, there will be about the same amount as an s2k, just one extra if you get on the freeway.