Doppelkublungsgetriebe.
Easy for me to say...
It means "Double-Clutch gearbox".
(I was going to 'tweet' on this - follow me on 'jim_kenzie' - but there is no way to sum this up in 140 characters.)
Porsche apparently invented the double-clutch gearbox for its 917 race cars many years ago. For some reason the company chose not to put it into their own production cars, but to licence it to others. According to Porsche anyway, every car maker which uses the concept pays royalties.
Finally, Porsche fitted it to its own vehicles, and most of the Porkers I've driven in the past couple of years have been so-equipped.
I really admire both the technological proficiency and the unbeatable performance of the PDK (that's Porsche-Doppel-Kublungsgetriebe to you); like it or not, it shifts faster and better than you can.
That said, the 911 Turbo that is my hot rod du jour has the standard six-speed manual, and I have to say I have really enjoyed driving this car - and this gearbox.
It requires a bit of effort to shift - when a transmission has to handle this much torque, the shift effort cannot be Miata-light.
But the precision is brilliant, you always know exactly what gear you're in, and what gear you're heading for.
All the more amazing considering the transmission itself is way out back there in another area code.
Clutch take-up is surprisingly smooth and easy, although I have managed to botch a few launches, trying to get away too quickly.
That's the thing about the Double-Clutch gearbox, and the challenge of the manual: the former is fool-proof; the latter proves you know what you're doing.
Or not.
The rest of the car is simply spectacular.
The speed is of course part of it.
A BIG part of it.
But so is the refinement. The engine is flexible, you can tootle around in top gear (not that you'd want to) and it is not at all difficult to drive.
Until you hammer on the loud pedal. Better know what you're doing, especially if it's wet. Four-wheel drive can only do so much for you.
Yes, the ride is very firm. Big bumps or potholes will rattle your fillings, your spine, nearby buildings.
But the body itself is stunningly stiff.
The door-closing sound alone is almost worth the price of admission.
And when did Porsche interiors get this gorgeous? My test car is painted a deep, rich-looking gray, with matte-finished gray wheels and a lovely red leather interior. The fit and finish are maybe even beyond Audi levels.
Great seats, the engine makes a lovely noise, there's even reasonable cargo room although you do have to travel light.
Chances are it won't be your only car.
But when you have the choice and/or the opportunity, it will be the only one you'll want to drive.
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