Despite the growing dominance of automatic transmissions, Porsche refuses to let go of the manual gearbox. The company insists that three-pedal driving remains an important part of its identity.
Andreas Preuninger, head of Porsche’s GT division, is a firm believer in keeping manual transmissions alive.
“For me personally, it has always been super important to have a manual gearbox,” he says in an interview with Motor1.
Even though manual transmissions are disappearing — especially in countries like Denmark, where they were once common due to tax policies — Porsche is determined to hold on to tradition.
According to Preuninger, at least one Porsche 911 model will continue to offer a manual gearbox in the future. He himself prefers shifting gears manually, even on the track, despite acknowledging that Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission is faster.
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A Dedicated Fanbase
Porsche recently removed the manual option from the base 911 Carrera S, leaving the GT3 and Carrera T as the only models still available with a manual transmission.
With the 2025 facelift of the GT3, it will become the only Porsche model where buyers can choose between a manual gearbox and the PDK dual-clutch system.
In the U.S. market, customers remain divided.
46% of GT3 buyers opt for a manual, while in the more understated Touring model, a massive 75% prefer three pedals.
Preuninger recalls how he fought to keep the manual option available when developing the 991-generation 911, which led to the creation of the 911 R.
“The 911 R was more or less the development project for the gearbox we still have today,” he explains.
A Surprising Benefit
Although dual-clutch gearboxes have become more efficient, Preuninger isn’t worried that emissions regulations will force manuals out of production.
He even argues that a manual transmission is actually better for fuel consumption and emissions.
“A manual gearbox is lighter, which helps with fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. It also allows for more horsepower because the internal resistance is significantly lower than in a PDK transmission,” he says.
In real-world driving, he claims, a manual Porsche uses less fuel and emits less CO₂ than a similar model with PDK.
While the manual gearbox is safe in the GT3, Porsche has had to make adjustments to its 502-horsepower, six-cylinder boxer engine to meet stricter emissions standards.
To stay compliant, the GT3 now has four catalytic converters, along with new cams, throttle bodies, and other small modifications.
Despite these challenges, Preuninger insists that keeping the manual transmission and naturally aspirated engine alive is a challenge worth taking on.
For Porsche purists, three pedals are here to stay — at least in the GT3.
