Porsche is Not Ready to Say Good Bye to Its Classic Powertrain Design

When you take a look back at Porsche's history, there are specific components that made the German automaker so popular, and they stuck to them for years — naturally aspirated engines paired with manual transmissions.

However, it is undeniable that classic manual models are gradually forced out from the automobile market (especially in the USA) under the pressure from modes equipped with more sophisticated and easy-to-use automatic transmissions and electric vehicles. Many car manufacturers have already dropped manuals from their line-ups, but Porsche, as one of the few exceptions, is determined to keep alive its classic powertrain design (naturally-aspired engine+manual transmission).

Andreas Preuninger

In a recent interview during the presentation of the 718 Cayman GT4 model, Andreas Preuninger, the representative of Porsche's GT division, said that many automakers started to give up on manual transmissions too early and in some sense it plays in the favor of Porsche, as the company gets rid of the main competitors in this segment. Other automakers unintentionally created a demand for manual sports cars and impressive GT’s sales rates prove the point - in some markets half of the sold Porsche cars are manual.

The latest 718 Cayman GT4 model

Mr. Preuninger pointed out that the automobile industry craves for more emotional cars, and the new 718 Cayman GT4 with a 6-speed manual shifter will be a real joy for admirers of classic and speedy sports cars. Thanks to the flat-six engine, making 414 hp and 420 Nm of torque, operating in pair with the manual gear shifting unit, the GT4 can speed up to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.

However, Mr. Preuninger also said that nowadays the electrification process in the automobile industry is quite natural and it helps to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and Porsche has already shifted to hybrid models in the SUV segment. But, at the same time, the company wants to find a perfect balance between new technologies and old classic design in order to please all customers.

It is inevitable that one day naturally-aspired engines and manuals will become obsolete. But right now, Porsche keeps faith in classic powertrain designs and they will remain on the market for at least another 10 years.