2021 Porsche 718 Spyder, Cayman GT4 and GTS 4.0 are all quicker with the PDK gearbox – Roadshow [CNET]

Porsche announced a number of updates for the 2021 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman lineup, not the least of which is a PDK dual-clutch transmission option for the hot-hot-hot 718 Spyder, Cayman GT4 and GTS 4.0 models. Porsche’s PDK is one of the best DCT gearboxes around and according to new information released Monday, fitting this transmission to these 718 models results in a number of performance improvements.

The main reason to opt for a PDK transmission instead of a tried-and-true six-speed manual? It’s quicker. The dual-clutch ‘box can swap cogs faster than you can — no matter how skilled you are — and it allows the 4.0-liter flat-six engine to stay in the heart of its powerband. Across the board, the PDK-equipped cars are half a second quicker when accelerating to 60 mph. In the 718 Boxster and Cayman GTS 4.0, this means a 0-to-60 time of 3.8 seconds instead of 4.3. For the 718 Spyder and Cayman GT4, 4.2 seconds drops to 3.7.

While not directly responsible for the improved 0-to-60 times, another benefit of the PDK transmission is that it allows the cars’ 4.0-liter engine to produce slightly more torque. All PDK cars get an increase of 8 lb-ft, for 317 total.

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