Hi James. I went through the same reasoning as you did and especially since I have owned both 997 RS, and also 991.1 PDK GT3, and I have really struggled to make the decision of which gearbox to order for my 991.2 GT3, and especially I have wanted the car to be my daily, but at the end went with the manual and boy I am glad I did. I have now close to 3K miles on the car, and it is absolutely my favorite car ever. The reasons I have fell in love with this manual, 1- the very light clutch effort, and unlike the RS clutch, which what made driving the RS as a daily a nightmare 2- the GT3 new transmission allows for no lift up shifts, of course cutting shifting time in half but mostly allowing you to perform near perfect up shifts every time at 9K RPM without risk of over revving as the RPM is held electronically as soon as you depress the clutch pedal, and without lifting the gas, so you can time it every time around 9K enjoying this glorious 9K shifting, and this is done without activating the sport button which performs the throttle blips for you during downshifting, allowing you to still heel and toe yourself if you desire to do so. Although I still activate it when I am lazy, and want to hear these marvelous perfect blips. Finally the shifter itself has a solid mechanical feel and similar to the RS as it retains the copper bushings RS shifter had. All and all it is the best manual gearbox & shifter in the world. This car has become my favorite daily car. One more bonus about this car, that the manual comes with a mechanical Diff, so it has a different driving characteristics than the PDK car with the E-Diff. The mechanical diff allows you to perform perfect drifts if you wish to do so, but mainly it brought back some of the old characteristics of the old 911, allowing you to rotate slightly when you lift mid corner, but as soon as you smash the throttle it propels you out of the corner, allowing you to throw the car in the corner at higher speeds, then lift to rotate it then smash the throttle to pull you out. It is so much fun and you can’t do that with the e-diff. ...If you ever come to the US, you are more than welcome to borrow my GT3 or any of my other cars and enjoy it during your stay in the US. Great video bud. Mark
I went from a mac 570s to the gt3rs and I’m hooked I will never sell this car except if I buy a manual gt3 ………… I love the over the top looks of the Rs ! What shoul I do?
I understand you decision on opting for PDK. You don’t really understand until you own a Porsche with a PDK. It’s an amazing transmission and it only gets better with 9,000RPM to rev to. I daily drive my Porsche with PDK and have no regrets!
George Arzente I feel like you're limiting your power more with manual. Like James said this is more like a cup car and I'm pretty sure they're mostly paddle shifters.
yes, 991 cups are paddles; but its not PDK. i've had '15 GT3 and '16 RS with PDk and sold both in less than year because they were boring to drive; one can only accelerate so much and get your kicks; it's a diminishing rate of return of excitement. i do agree. 997.2 RS is the best manual. I just prefer to be more engaged. driving fast is now too easy; it's too approachable. i miss the days of skill and driver reward. my 991.2 GT3 w/manual is slated to be delivered soon and hopefully it offers the right mix of engagement, speed and reward that my prior PDK-GT cars didn't offer. and if it doesn't, i plan to sell and get a 997.2 RS.
George Arzente I’ve been enjoying my C2S with PDK for almost 2 years now. I do not find it boring at all. It’s quite possible that different people feel differently about these things. So you prefer manual. That may not mean manual is the only right choice. Just the right choice for you. I think it’s good that there is actually a choice. Because I was truly bored with hearing people rant about no clutch pedal in the GT3. If there was any chance of me getting an allocation for a GT3 - I would spec PDK. But if I have to then be inundated with people questioning that, I’d rather not post a video of it on youtube. Not saying you are doing that. But so many are. Ad nausea. Drive whatever the hell you want. Any 911 is a great car and more exciting than most. And PDK + sports exhaust sounds great on upshifts and I’m not getting tired of that one bit.
yes, i agree. choice is good. IMO, PDK is great option for daily driver and it is an amazing piece of engineering. i am a little more old school i guess when it comes to their GT-cars. I first got into GT3/RS Porsche's in 2007 and was fortunate to enjoy 997.1 and 997.2's and seeing the evolution go from visceral and involved to refined and less involved has not been easy for me. But in the 991.2, it seems Porsche is starting to figure it out.
My first exposure to an auto that I truly love is the DSG in my GLI. Love that dual clutch setup. And now you find it in Porsches, Ferraris, etc. There’s a reason for that. It allows you to truly exploit all the goodness an engine has to offer. Those 9k shifts? Sublime. Well done.
You're overlooking a huge detail with the manual transmission. The PDK has 7 gears. So each gear is shorter. That's why you wind up shifting so quickly. With the manual you aren't shifting quite as often because you aren't hitting redline in the blink of an eye-it has 6 gears, not 7. I too thought, "holy crap how can anybody shift so quickly and so often in the manual" when I drove a PDK 991.1 RS. But now that I have the manual .2 GT3, it's not a problem because each gear is slightly taller since there's only 6.
Great explanations MR JWW. I hope people reference this video. The aggression of the revs , seamless shifts and brutality of the exhaust note between the shifts is superb.
Gotta love the personal touch of the stitching on the armrest James. Great take and explanation of manual vs. PDK driving for those that don't know the difference. Keep the content coming mate.
As much as I like Manuals, especially with Flat 6's you can't beat the current PDK gearbox. The PDK is the best gearbox on offer right now, haven't driven a GT3 but driven the 991.1 and 991.2 Carrera with the PDK, and it's such a good gearbox
I get your point about the automatic, but still you feels much more connected to the car with manual as you said! I would choose manual, if I could afford it.....
You might feel more connected with a manual, but can you handle a car with this kind of power, and use its true potential, with a manual gearbox? Highly doubtful. Professional race car drivers would also opt for the automatic transmission in this car, particularly if it's mostly driven on public roads. The "more connected" argument has become trite. Enthusiasts began latching onto it ever since Chris Harris discussed it in a video about the 991.1 a few years ago. The argument is B.S. Unless you're a superhuman robot that knows the precise moment to shift, at ridiculous speeds, without being even slightly distracted from steering the vehicle and keeping it on the road, you would do well to stick with an automatic, and feel no shame for doing so. If you think a manual is somehow better, rethink your logic. The paradigm of feeling that it's only a real sports car if it has a manual, is like saying the stereo has to come with a CD player if it's any good. If you still feel strongly about the manual, ask yourself under what conditions is a manual no longer tenable. Imagine if the next generation 911 has 600 hp, would you still want the manual? What about 700 hp, would you still have that desire to "feel connected" with a manual? What about a blistering 800 hp? Would you still need that manual transmission to feel connected as your shifting into second gear at 9,000 RPM, at 80 MPH? Highly doubt it. The manual is back only temporarily. I'll bet Porsche eliminate it for good in the next 911 and they will cite that the manual no longer sells because drivers can't handle it.
I used to hate porsches, for no particular reason but since watching yourself and Salomondrin , they have became one of my favourite Manufacturers. also....Any road trips and or collabs on the horizon James?
@MRJWW should be the most subscribed youtuber in the youtube universe! He is pure excellence when he explains the details of vehicles, his expressions, and emotional communications. Pure class and always reminds me of Obi Won Kenobi, just a true dignified class act, always dead on with everything he says and does, a total boss and awesome! The kind of guy you'd want to be best friends and next door neighbors to for life!
So excited for the journey of this car, the first 3 real videos with it to me is what has been slightly missing over the past few months with the content, your passion and love of your own cars. It shines and forms a connection far greater than just having brand content. Epic. Summer will be good! 🙌
I am in complete agreement with your reasons for going with the PDK box. I spec'd my gen 2 GT3 with the PDK box and I absolutely love it! Very nice touch to have your logo embroidered on the center arm rest. Thanks for another great video!
I get your “daily drive’ argument if you are arguing for the PDF over the manual but it certainly can’t be more fun by taking away some of the involvement. If it were you could argue that replacing the steering would be a good thing if manufacturers came out with a supreme steering system - then where does it end. Hope you see my point. Great videos really enjoy tuning in & keep up the good work.
Hamish pym And can be when your going balls to the wall immediately, which automatics do very well. I don't need to feel important, I just wanna feel a thrill
Great review on having PDK on this modern GT3 to truly use every bit of its raw natural aspirated power. I have already put 2500 miles on my 991.2 GT3 (PDK) and it has brought me joy on both regular roads and race tracks. My 991.2 GT3 Touring (manual) in Miami Blue is coming in about a week and can't wait to experience the joy of cruising around mountain roads and coasts. Thank you.
I just want to say thank you for being so thoughtful and for sharing that thought process with us. Yeah, I was one of those guys who thought you should have gone with a manual and I left a comment saying as much 2 videos ago. However, now knowing how carefully you considered your options and how well thought out your reasoning was/is, I no longer feel like you missed out on something. And if you ever get your hands on a 997 GT3 RS 4.0 to have the manual experience, that would be OH SO SWEET. Looking very much forward to all your future GT3 content! Cheers sir.
The best decision is the decision that makes you happy. Love the touch with the logo! Would like to see your car rock some awesome new exhaust. By the way, is there any possibility for you in a future with GT2 RS or GT4/GT4 RS, that would be real hardcore.
Fantastic video. And absolutely love they way you explain things so eloquently and in simplistic ways. Hat off to you James. Looking forward to seeing the next video as always
I do have to disagree as I find automatics dull and easy to pilot, all 5 of my cars are Manual inc. my 991.2 GT3. The GT3 and Manual is a match made in heaven you don't know what you are missing.
you are the kind of RUclipsr/person I really would like to meet and talk to about cars. your videos are on point awesome content. greetings from germany!
Disagree. Why mess with the refined perfection of what a team of designers and engineers worked years to perfect in one of the world's best sports cars. Seriously, why? Do you really think an aftermarket exhaust system that might sound better, will perform just as well? Exhaust systems are critically important in getting optimal performance out of an engine. Proper back pressure matters in a high compression, high performance engine. Do you think aftermarket manufacturers take this into consideration as much as factory engineers? This kind of mod immediately devalues the car by at least $10,000, lowers performance and may result in questionable immersions test results.
I own a 991.2 GT3 with a 6 speed manual. The experience is amazing and it takes the 991 GT3 to another level. I wouldn’t even trade it for a 991.2 GT3 RS. It is the best car I’ve owned. With the flat upshifts feature and more power to the wheels the manual is probably 1 second slower than the pdk around the track. Many cars out there offer dual clutches but Porsche is one of the few that still gives you an amazing engine with a 6 speed. Any viewers looking to purchase a GT3, GET THE MANUAL! You won’t regret it.
I own a 991.2 with a manual as well (Miami Blue) and it's the only way to go if you are interested in the joy of driving. I've owned the PDK before. It's fast and eventually get's BORING. The 6 speed will always put a smile on your face and never gets old!
After my manual 997.2 gt3 I bought a 991 pdk. I now have a 718 gt4. While the pdk has lightening fast shifts it left me feeling that something is missing. I never felt completely fulfilled with the experience. While I might not be quicker than others in a pdk off the line, I’m definitely smiling more. You just cannot beat the manual Porsche gt gearboxes! What a feeling !
I think that you made completely the right decision going for the PDK for all the reasons that you mentioned but especially the fact that porsche engineers tuned it as a complete package with that gearbox. Take it to the Nurburgring, get some coaching do a tution session where they shut the Ring so you can do the same corner over again, it is fun.
Well said - kudos for having the courage to stand by your convictions. Would also love to see you review a manual gen 2 991 GT3 to see if the reality matches your expectations.
I picked up a 911 Turbo S Cab, and absolutely love the PDK. Manuals are awesome, but I’m not sure I’ll buy a modern car with a stick. Maybe a throwback, but not new for all the reasons you mentioned. Anyway, been enjoying your videos. Fun and very well done. Thanks
Haha! You're a Porsche man! The Speciale, like the name suggests, is a very special car...but man, you look like a kid when your driving your Porsches. That is why I enjoy Porsche's over Ferrari's, when people ask me if I'm mad, they should watch your videos. :D Great one, as always!
When PDK is basically the gold standard of automatic gearboxes, choosing either three pedals or two in a Porsche is an amazing choice and those who opt for the auto are just a different kind of purist, but a purist nonetheless. Way to go James!
Couldn’t agree more James I’ve got a V8 manual Holden and that’s about as quick a car as I’d want with a manual Probably pushing similar power to the GT3 but doesn’t rev and accelerate as fast. First to second and second to third is still hard to keep up with in my lump, never mind the GT beast!
Great video James, as always!!! I have the PDK in my 991.2 GTS and I don´t miss having a manual gearbox at all!!! It´s fits for everything, track, city, country roads and when you have it manual-mode and sport-mode it´s just so good!!! I like your Porsche videos more than the others so keep em coming :) is it detailed and PPF? Classic video but we always like seeing cars becoming 100% perfected!!
I love the logo, but whilst it makes lots of sense that it would be positioned so you can read it when sat in the seat. I think it would have been very cool if it was facing forward so it could be read from the camera perspective? Really cool either way!
that's not the point, it's the interaction with your car. Do you participate in races then it is nessecery, but otherwise what is the point to shift 1 or 2 seconds quicker ? dual clutch = fine on the racetrack, on the street they are mostly driven in automatic mode
Tim Wynn Who cares if it's faster or not? It's all about fun, not laptimes. Just because you suck at shifting a manual (most people do) does not mean new sports cars should all be automatic.
sure if you want to drive it in a leisurely manner with a girl to a dinner date. It's a totally a diff story if you take your car to a track once very often and get every potential out of this fine car in a proper manner.
Good choice on PDK for the 991, like you said the manual choice certainly belongs with the 997 esp given that's the last 911 to have hydraulic steering too, that platform it's the nth degree in interaction no doubt. Plus had the exhaust 3 months before the car.....sign of a proper enthusiast and not just an average joe like most of these youtubers are. Great vids as always and epic car/spec.
It’s personal preference. I also have the 991.2 GT3, and after owning a GT4 prior - it was a no-brainer for me to go manual. And I’m glad I have. The manual gearbox is astonishing. It’s a special car and does trackdays and European tours. I’ve kept my GT4 too, and even that offers a completely different experience. I understand the PDK preference, but it’s just not for me. There’s no right or wrong choice.
Great video James! Here's a few video ideas: POV driving road/track and back-to-back comparison with manual 991.2 GT3 with wing and/or GT3 Touring Pack (if its logistically possible😅)
My first 5 Porsches have all been PDK. Picking up a manual GT3. If you don’t track often and it’s a special weekend toy, you really Do want a manual! Of course you did get a manual in the end.
Having been super lucky to drive my mates GT3 gen2 with PDK I agree 1000% with your choice manual is a good choice for the T or touring pack but yours and his are as close to a race car I’ve ever driven on the road
your reasoning is very sound and I agree on all points (although I never driven a 991 GT3) modern cars are so fast nowadays, like you said, that a manual will hold it back massively. restricting that wonderful revving engine with a manual would be a crime.
I've never regretted my manual - and it doesn't hurt the depreciation curve as much . But I totally get the convenience of PDK. I'd like to have one of each!
Great video and explanation, I completely agree with the 4ws point... That compromises the driving experience more than anything but never gets mentioned...Im still disappointed as we need people like you to keep the manual alive... This maybe the last performance car to offer the option and if its not ticked it dies...
Brother you nailed it on this one! I dont know how many times you have read this but regardless, take the GT3 and Speciale to the Nurburgring for a comparison. Thats what you should. Just gives a reason to take two of the best cars on this green Earth to the best track. Just saying. Cheers.....
Can you do a comparison drive video between your car and a manual 991.2 GT3? It would give us more of a perspective as to why you've chosen the PDK gearbox
I think the pdk is the most tech-forward option. There's a reason they use it in the race cars, after all, so to me, the pdk makes more sense than a manual. For some reason, i was expecting your logo to be rotated, as if to read it if looking through the windscreen, but it's a very cool touch. VERY nice car, my friend. Very nice, indeed!
Great explanation and I fully get what you did ! Personally if I had one, I think it would be my only special car and would love having it with a manual to make it extra special. And also Mr Walter Röhrl said he enjoid driving the manual one more ! Thanks for sharing your experience with this car :)
PDK is awesome and respect your decision. However if you look at my onboard video online from Silverstone last week you will see the Manual box is every bit as good. You can now also do Flat upshifts if you want! Just lovely having a clutch. My RS will be PDK as that’s the track version IMO..GT3 is awesome road car- very compliant
I guess I kinda understood your argument for PDK given your overall circumstances, but wasn’t really sold. Then I picked up Henry Catchpole’s latest vid on carfection about the manual GT3 and that was the nail in the coffin! Watch if you haven’t already, fantastic video!
Love the sound love the logo. Everything you said about the gearbox bang on. For me there ie nothing else out there that dose everything as good as a Porsche 911.
I would not say that I (fully) agree with you, but I respect your choice. Too bad that the 911R (made to be a manual with the engine of the 911 GT3) is limited and collectors are just storing them instead of driving them.
Am pretty sure by now, that 6 speed manual has a Powershift feature that makes up-shifting without lifting throttle. And there's also a Rev Match feature when down shifting.
Just a thought, the logo would be more visible the other way around (in the videos, can be done with some magical edits), but you put it there for the driver and the passenger.
Well James, your content is already stunning with the .2 GT3 but I mean I am sure you know this, but still, you remember the video you did with the F12 GT3 and the LT together? Maybe something similar with the 458 Speciale, RS6 and The GT3? and gotta say it, I love the armrest MRJWW stamp of approval haha!
Hi James. I went through the same reasoning as you did and especially since I have owned both 997 RS, and also 991.1 PDK GT3, and I have really struggled to make the decision of which gearbox to order for my 991.2 GT3, and especially I have wanted the car to be my daily, but at the end went with the manual and boy I am glad I did. I have now close to 3K miles on the car, and it is absolutely my favorite car ever. The reasons I have fell in love with this manual, 1- the very light clutch effort, and unlike the RS clutch, which what made driving the RS as a daily a nightmare 2- the GT3 new transmission allows for no lift up shifts, of course cutting shifting time in half but mostly allowing you to perform near perfect up shifts every time at 9K RPM without risk of over revving as the RPM is held electronically as soon as you depress the clutch pedal, and without lifting the gas, so you can time it every time around 9K enjoying this glorious 9K shifting, and this is done without activating the sport button which performs the throttle blips for you during downshifting, allowing you to still heel and toe yourself if you desire to do so. Although I still activate it when I am lazy, and want to hear these marvelous perfect blips. Finally the shifter itself has a solid mechanical feel and similar to the RS as it retains the copper bushings RS shifter had. All and all it is the best manual gearbox & shifter in the world. This car has become my favorite daily car. One more bonus about this car, that the manual comes with a mechanical Diff, so it has a different driving characteristics than the PDK car with the E-Diff. The mechanical diff allows you to perform perfect drifts if you wish to do so, but mainly it brought back some of the old characteristics of the old 911, allowing you to rotate slightly when you lift mid corner, but as soon as you smash the throttle it propels you out of the corner, allowing you to throw the car in the corner at higher speeds, then lift to rotate it then smash the throttle to pull you out. It is so much fun and you can’t do that with the e-diff. ...If you ever come to the US, you are more than welcome to borrow my GT3 or any of my other cars and enjoy it during your stay in the US. Great video bud. Mark
Mark Qandil same reasoning as me- have the manual GT3 and the new RS coming in PDK
You sir, are well informed. Well said. Same reason I went Manual on my 18’ GT3.
awesome comment, ur a pro who definitely knows wat he's talking about
I went from a mac 570s to the gt3rs and I’m hooked I will never sell this car except if I buy a manual gt3 ………… I love the over the top looks of the Rs ! What shoul I do?
Interesting because now he's bought a manual and sold his pdk...
I understand you decision on opting for PDK. You don’t really understand until you own a Porsche with a PDK. It’s an amazing transmission and it only gets better with 9,000RPM to rev to. I daily drive my Porsche with PDK and have no regrets!
pdk is boring. manual is where it's at.
George Arzente I feel like you're limiting your power more with manual. Like James said this is more like a cup car and I'm pretty sure they're mostly paddle shifters.
yes, 991 cups are paddles; but its not PDK. i've had '15 GT3 and '16 RS with PDk and sold both in less than year because they were boring to drive; one can only accelerate so much and get your kicks; it's a diminishing rate of return of excitement. i do agree. 997.2 RS is the best manual. I just prefer to be more engaged. driving fast is now too easy; it's too approachable. i miss the days of skill and driver reward. my 991.2 GT3 w/manual is slated to be delivered soon and hopefully it offers the right mix of engagement, speed and reward that my prior PDK-GT cars didn't offer. and if it doesn't, i plan to sell and get a 997.2 RS.
George Arzente I’ve been enjoying my C2S with PDK for almost 2 years now. I do not find it boring at all. It’s quite possible that different people feel differently about these things. So you prefer manual. That may not mean manual is the only right choice. Just the right choice for you. I think it’s good that there is actually a choice. Because I was truly bored with hearing people rant about no clutch pedal in the GT3. If there was any chance of me getting an allocation for a GT3 - I would spec PDK. But if I have to then be inundated with people questioning that, I’d rather not post a video of it on youtube. Not saying you are doing that. But so many are. Ad nausea. Drive whatever the hell you want. Any 911 is a great car and more exciting than most. And PDK + sports exhaust sounds great on upshifts and I’m not getting tired of that one bit.
yes, i agree. choice is good. IMO, PDK is great option for daily driver and it is an amazing piece of engineering. i am a little more old school i guess when it comes to their GT-cars. I first got into GT3/RS Porsche's in 2007 and was fortunate to enjoy 997.1 and 997.2's and seeing the evolution go from visceral and involved to refined and less involved has not been easy for me. But in the 991.2, it seems Porsche is starting to figure it out.
Great start to thr day when you wake up and see a 991.2 gt3 video from james
Ikr
Nice touch with the MRJWW on the armrest
Porsche is probably the only brand that can make near identical cars for years and no one complains.
Everyone complains 🙃
Because they all drive wonderfully
Not identical, they just add/remove rear wing and manual gearbox and call it differently
And they fucking hold their price how?
Vag grupe ,cars for stupid people..
1 year later regrets his decision and buys a manual.
I’d still take a manual, but in Touring form, this regular GT3 does suit PDK though
My first exposure to an auto that I truly love is the DSG in my GLI. Love that dual clutch setup. And now you find it in Porsches, Ferraris, etc. There’s a reason for that. It allows you to truly exploit all the goodness an engine has to offer. Those 9k shifts? Sublime. Well done.
I'm sold on that car 100% and what a gorgeous spec James!!! You nailed it! Keep up this awesome content as well. I really enjoy it as many others!!
Beautiful none the less...
Keep the n.a cars coming please. And never sell this or the 458 🔥🔥🔥
You're overlooking a huge detail with the manual transmission. The PDK has 7 gears. So each gear is shorter. That's why you wind up shifting so quickly. With the manual you aren't shifting quite as often because you aren't hitting redline in the blink of an eye-it has 6 gears, not 7. I too thought, "holy crap how can anybody shift so quickly and so often in the manual" when I drove a PDK 991.1 RS. But now that I have the manual .2 GT3, it's not a problem because each gear is slightly taller since there's only 6.
Great explanations MR JWW. I hope people reference this video. The aggression of the revs , seamless shifts and brutality of the exhaust note between the shifts is superb.
A Porsche 930 Turbo would add some nice contrast to your Garage😱
Richard Karanu He will never buy something old methinks
Adeel A. Ahmad if he did it would probably be a Ferrari, or an original Mini #Italianjob vibes👍
Gotta love the personal touch of the stitching on the armrest James. Great take and explanation of manual vs. PDK driving for those that don't know the difference. Keep the content coming mate.
As much as I like Manuals, especially with Flat 6's you can't beat the current PDK gearbox. The PDK is the best gearbox on offer right now, haven't driven a GT3 but driven the 991.1 and 991.2 Carrera with the PDK, and it's such a good gearbox
I get your point about the automatic, but still you feels much more connected to the car with manual as you said! I would choose manual, if I could afford it.....
Fahre Films Me personally I would get an auto; you can ring it out easier and it'll hander the power better in my opinion.
Fahre Films damn just pale face
Agree. If I could afford it I would go for the automatic.
Pdk is one of the top 3 best gearboxes mo ey can buy
Anyone wanting a manual is buy a far i ferior car
You might feel more connected with a manual, but can you handle a car with this kind of power, and use its true potential, with a manual gearbox? Highly doubtful. Professional race car drivers would also opt for the automatic transmission in this car, particularly if it's mostly driven on public roads. The "more connected" argument has become trite. Enthusiasts began latching onto it ever since Chris Harris discussed it in a video about the 991.1 a few years ago. The argument is B.S. Unless you're a superhuman robot that knows the precise moment to shift, at ridiculous speeds, without being even slightly distracted from steering the vehicle and keeping it on the road, you would do well to stick with an automatic, and feel no shame for doing so. If you think a manual is somehow better, rethink your logic. The paradigm of feeling that it's only a real sports car if it has a manual, is like saying the stereo has to come with a CD player if it's any good. If you still feel strongly about the manual, ask yourself under what conditions is a manual no longer tenable. Imagine if the next generation 911 has 600 hp, would you still want the manual? What about 700 hp, would you still have that desire to "feel connected" with a manual? What about a blistering 800 hp? Would you still need that manual transmission to feel connected as your shifting into second gear at 9,000 RPM, at 80 MPH? Highly doubt it. The manual is back only temporarily. I'll bet Porsche eliminate it for good in the next 911 and they will cite that the manual no longer sells because drivers can't handle it.
I used to hate porsches, for no particular reason but since watching yourself and Salomondrin , they have became one of my favourite Manufacturers. also....Any road trips and or collabs on the horizon James?
@MRJWW should be the most subscribed youtuber in the youtube universe! He is pure excellence when he explains the details of vehicles, his expressions, and emotional communications. Pure class and always reminds me of Obi Won Kenobi, just a true dignified class act, always dead on with everything he says and does, a total boss and awesome! The kind of guy you'd want to be best friends and next door neighbors to for life!
So excited for the journey of this car, the first 3 real videos with it to me is what has been slightly missing over the past few months with the content, your passion and love of your own cars. It shines and forms a connection far greater than just having brand content. Epic. Summer will be good! 🙌
I am in complete agreement with your reasons for going with the PDK box. I spec'd my gen 2 GT3 with the PDK box and I absolutely love it! Very nice touch to have your logo embroidered on the center arm rest. Thanks for another great video!
I get your “daily drive’ argument if you are arguing for the PDF over the manual but it certainly can’t be more fun by taking away some of the involvement. If it were you could argue that replacing the steering would be a good thing if manufacturers came out with a supreme steering system - then where does it end. Hope you see my point. Great videos really enjoy tuning in & keep up the good work.
That’s not my argument - my argument is I’d buy a totally different car. The daily thing is just another bonus point.
Hamish pym And can be when your going balls to the wall immediately, which automatics do very well. I don't need to feel important, I just wanna feel a thrill
Mr JWW thanks for your reply James. Much appreciated
Great review on having PDK on this modern GT3 to truly use every bit of its raw natural aspirated power. I have already put 2500 miles on my 991.2 GT3 (PDK) and it has brought me joy on both regular roads and race tracks. My 991.2 GT3 Touring (manual) in Miami Blue is coming in about a week and can't wait to experience the joy of cruising around mountain roads and coasts. Thank you.
I just want to say thank you for being so thoughtful and for sharing that thought process with us. Yeah, I was one of those guys who thought you should have gone with a manual and I left a comment saying as much 2 videos ago. However, now knowing how carefully you considered your options and how well thought out your reasoning was/is, I no longer feel like you missed out on something. And if you ever get your hands on a 997 GT3 RS 4.0 to have the manual experience, that would be OH SO SWEET. Looking very much forward to all your future GT3 content! Cheers sir.
Yeah man the 997 4.0L is where it’s at!!
The best decision is the decision that makes you happy. Love the touch with the logo! Would like to see your car rock some awesome new exhaust. By the way, is there any possibility for you in a future with GT2 RS or GT4/GT4 RS, that would be real hardcore.
Fantastic video. And absolutely love they way you explain things so eloquently and in simplistic ways. Hat off to you James. Looking forward to seeing the next video as always
I do have to disagree as I find automatics dull and easy to pilot, all 5 of my cars are Manual inc. my 991.2 GT3.
The GT3 and Manual is a match made in heaven you don't know what you are missing.
That GT3 is gorgeous and I think you nailed the spec!! Well done James!
you are the kind of RUclipsr/person I really would like to meet and talk to about cars. your videos are on point awesome content.
greetings from germany!
Love the videos!! Hopefully the cops aren’t watching ☺️
I OMG this thing sounds biblical get an exsuast for it that would be heavenly
No, the stock exhaust is perfect don't mess with perfection.
I think a sharkwerks exaust is on the way
Put a Pringles can on it so it will sound like a Ferrari
Sharkwerks are the only ones that can make it sound crazier without taking away Porsche DNA
Disagree. Why mess with the refined perfection of what a team of designers and engineers worked years to perfect in one of the world's best sports cars. Seriously, why? Do you really think an aftermarket exhaust system that might sound better, will perform just as well? Exhaust systems are critically important in getting optimal performance out of an engine. Proper back pressure matters in a high compression, high performance engine. Do you think aftermarket manufacturers take this into consideration as much as factory engineers? This kind of mod immediately devalues the car by at least $10,000, lowers performance and may result in questionable immersions test results.
Well shot, well produced... well explained. Well done Sir. Enjoy it, it’s a beautiful car
Unreal content as always James! Your GT3 is the exact spec I'd want. Only thing I'd add is black door handles! Keep up the amazing videos!
Can't get enough of that gorgeous howling exhaust note 😍 And really nice personal touch on the armrest 👍🏼
I own a 991.2 GT3 with a 6 speed manual. The experience is amazing and it takes the 991 GT3 to another level. I wouldn’t even trade it for a 991.2 GT3 RS. It is the best car I’ve owned. With the flat upshifts feature and more power to the wheels the manual is probably 1 second slower than the pdk around the track. Many cars out there offer dual clutches but Porsche is one of the few that still gives you an amazing engine with a 6 speed. Any viewers looking to purchase a GT3, GET THE MANUAL! You won’t regret it.
I own a 991.2 with a manual as well (Miami Blue) and it's the only way to go if you are interested in the joy of driving. I've owned the PDK before. It's fast and eventually get's BORING. The 6 speed will always put a smile on your face and never gets old!
After my manual 997.2 gt3 I bought a 991 pdk. I now have a 718 gt4. While the pdk has lightening fast shifts it left me feeling that something is missing. I never felt completely fulfilled with the experience. While I might not be quicker than others in a pdk off the line, I’m definitely smiling more. You just cannot beat the manual Porsche gt gearboxes! What a feeling !
I think that you made completely the right decision going for the PDK for all the reasons that you mentioned but especially the fact that porsche engineers tuned it as a complete package with that gearbox. Take it to the Nurburgring, get some coaching do a tution session where they shut the Ring so you can do the same corner over again, it is fun.
Well said - kudos for having the courage to stand by your convictions. Would also love to see you review a manual gen 2 991 GT3 to see if the reality matches your expectations.
I picked up a 911 Turbo S Cab, and absolutely love the PDK. Manuals are awesome, but I’m not sure I’ll buy a modern car with a stick. Maybe a throwback, but not new for all the reasons you mentioned. Anyway, been enjoying your videos. Fun and very well done. Thanks
Indeed - if I want all the character that comes with a manual, take a step back 👍🏻
Alan Rihm i
Haha! You're a Porsche man! The Speciale, like the name suggests, is a very special car...but man, you look like a kid when your driving your Porsches. That is why I enjoy Porsche's over Ferrari's, when people ask me if I'm mad, they should watch your videos. :D
Great one, as always!
congrats James! awesome car and spec
Yes the car is awesome! I would love to see his and Tims next to each other because they are both so bold and beautiful colours!
gamerforever indeed! That’s the way to spec supercars.. I also like Shmee’s GT4 color very much
You are absolutely right: would go crazy shifting gears with those quick revs
When PDK is basically the gold standard of automatic gearboxes, choosing either three pedals or two in a Porsche is an amazing choice and those who opt for the auto are just a different kind of purist, but a purist nonetheless. Way to go James!
Like the colour and the stitching on the armrest is the cream on the cake
Insane car with a stunning spec! Can’t wait to see it in person..
I went from the BMW DCT box to the VAG double clutch box to manual, and have to say that manual now feels like something from the Stone age.
Spot on, the 991 GT3 with PDK is the right package for speed.
Epic!! "Welcome back to the GT3"! GREAT VIDEO JAMES
The epic sound, and that fun paint color. Gotta love the GT3.
Great job James as always I can't wait for the GT3 and Speciale on track
Great video as per usual,full of excitement too,love it all! Keep up the great work!
Great video.
I love my PDK transmission. I daily drive my 911 and use the paddles all the time. No comparison. Good choice James.
One day, if I work hard enough, I can say "my daily gt3" hahaha Cheers mate, you're such an inspiration!
Couldn’t agree more James
I’ve got a V8 manual Holden and that’s about as quick a car as I’d want with a manual
Probably pushing similar power to the GT3 but doesn’t rev and accelerate as fast.
First to second and second to third is still hard to keep up with in my lump, never mind the GT beast!
fully agree with this reasoning. cannot beat those shifts in that car
Great video James, as always!!! I have the PDK in my 991.2 GTS and I don´t miss having a manual gearbox at all!!! It´s fits for everything, track, city, country roads and when you have it manual-mode and sport-mode it´s just so good!!! I like your Porsche videos more than the others so keep em coming :) is it detailed and PPF? Classic video but we always like seeing cars becoming 100% perfected!!
I love the logo, but whilst it makes lots of sense that it would be positioned so you can read it when sat in the seat. I think it would have been very cool if it was facing forward so it could be read from the camera perspective? Really cool either way!
I'd still have taken a manual :P
can you shift faster than dual clutch ?
Tim Wynn he can shift faster than an Aventador
that's not the point, it's the interaction with your car. Do you participate in races then it is nessecery, but otherwise what is the point to shift 1 or 2 seconds quicker ?
dual clutch = fine on the racetrack, on the street they are mostly driven in automatic mode
Tim Wynn Who cares if it's faster or not? It's all about fun, not laptimes.
Just because you suck at shifting a manual (most people do) does not mean new sports cars should all be automatic.
sure if you want to drive it in a leisurely manner with a girl to a dinner date. It's a totally a diff story if you take your car to a track once very often and get every potential out of this fine car in a proper manner.
Cheeky MrJWW embroidery on the armrest! Win!!!!
Love the embroidery logo James, car is beautiful and can't wait for the exhaust upgrade. (hopefully done before your next video)
Loving that JWW logo in yellow!
To contrast the Miami Blue, soo good!
Good choice on PDK for the 991, like you said the manual choice certainly belongs with the 997 esp given that's the last 911 to have hydraulic steering too, that platform it's the nth degree in interaction no doubt. Plus had the exhaust 3 months before the car.....sign of a proper enthusiast and not just an average joe like most of these youtubers are. Great vids as always and epic car/spec.
Another day, another awesome MrJww video!!! 😱 Loving the new GT3 context ❤️
What a car - that’s a MrJWW signature car !!
It’s personal preference. I also have the 991.2 GT3, and after owning a GT4 prior - it was a no-brainer for me to go manual. And I’m glad I have. The manual gearbox is astonishing. It’s a special car and does trackdays and European tours. I’ve kept my GT4 too, and even that offers a completely different experience. I understand the PDK preference, but it’s just not for me. There’s no right or wrong choice.
Great video James! Here's a few video ideas: POV driving road/track and back-to-back comparison with manual 991.2 GT3 with wing and/or GT3 Touring Pack (if its logistically possible😅)
Love the Touring Pack!
Will see what I can do!
Totally agree with your reasoning. Most epic would be a 997.2 gt3rs 4.0 if one was to have a manual. So raw
Absolutely beautiful! Love the spec and can't wait to hear the new exhaust.
I totally love your car, I’m so jealous! It’s the exact same colour and spec I would have gone for. I’ll buy it from you in a couple of years.
That AP Royal Oak Offshore is a nice piece to rock in the GT3. I like to wear my FP Journe Elegante 48 Titalyt in my 2018 GT3.
My first 5 Porsches have all been PDK. Picking up a manual GT3. If you don’t track often and it’s a special weekend toy, you really Do want a manual! Of course you did get a manual in the end.
That logo on the armrest look so perfect 👌🏽
7:14 That says it all. BTW, you make a good point on the PDK.. You really can't go wrong on the transmission.
I think it needs a bright yellow roll cage, that would be incredible! Other than that, gorgeous spec, congratulations James 👌❤
That sound 😲 it’s right up there with the best sounding car that’s ever been made.
The engine is awesome. A manual gearbox wouldn't keep up so you wouldn't get the best out of the engine so good choice!
Having been super lucky to drive my mates GT3 gen2 with PDK I agree 1000% with your choice manual is a good choice for the T or touring pack but yours and his are as close to a race car I’ve ever driven on the road
your reasoning is very sound and I agree on all points (although I never driven a 991 GT3) modern cars are so fast nowadays, like you said, that a manual will hold it back massively. restricting that wonderful revving engine with a manual would be a crime.
I've never regretted my manual - and it doesn't hurt the depreciation curve as much . But I totally get the convenience of PDK. I'd like to have one of each!
Just love the sound note of the engine
Hey James, first of all congrats to your spec- looks epic. I' d love to see a video with the gt3 in the alps, driving mountain passes.cheers
Great video and explanation, I completely agree with the 4ws point... That compromises the driving experience more than anything but never gets mentioned...Im still disappointed as we need people like you to keep the manual alive... This maybe the last performance car to offer the option and if its not ticked it dies...
Brother you nailed it on this one! I dont know how many times you have read this but regardless, take the GT3 and Speciale to the Nurburgring for a comparison. Thats what you should. Just gives a reason to take two of the best cars on this green Earth to the best track. Just saying. Cheers.....
I replayed the intro five times, for each time I cranked up the volume a little bit more. Have a great day everyone! :)
Freaking love the GT3, 8-9k scream is unreal. Saw one on the M25, the guy dropped a gear and disappeared hahaha. It's a lot louder than I thought!
The Legendary Chorus " Welcome. back to the Gt3 " !!!
Really enjoying your videos pal 👌🏾
That engine rev sound is incredible!!! 9000 RPM !!!
Can you do a comparison drive video between your car and a manual 991.2 GT3? It would give us more of a perspective as to why you've chosen the PDK gearbox
I think the pdk is the most tech-forward option. There's a reason they use it in the race cars, after all, so to me, the pdk makes more sense than a manual. For some reason, i was expecting your logo to be rotated, as if to read it if looking through the windscreen, but it's a very cool touch. VERY nice car, my friend. Very nice, indeed!
Great explanation and I fully get what you did !
Personally if I had one, I think it would be my only special car and would love having it with a manual to make it extra special. And also Mr Walter Röhrl said he enjoid driving the manual one more !
Thanks for sharing your experience with this car :)
PDK is awesome and respect your decision. However if you look at my onboard video online from Silverstone last week you will see the Manual box is every bit as good. You can now also do Flat upshifts if you want! Just lovely having a clutch. My RS will be PDK as that’s the track version IMO..GT3 is awesome road car- very compliant
Gt3 content always on point!!💯
I love track vids as much as the next guy. But, there is just something so special when watching one of these cars get ripped down a country road.
I guess I kinda understood your argument for PDK given your overall circumstances, but wasn’t really sold. Then I picked up Henry Catchpole’s latest vid on carfection about the manual GT3 and that was the nail in the coffin! Watch if you haven’t already, fantastic video!
Maybe film trackdays like STG did with Shmee and his GT3? Really enjoyed that.
Love the sound love the logo. Everything you said about the gearbox bang on. For me there ie nothing else out there that dose everything as good as a Porsche 911.
I would not say that I (fully) agree with you, but I respect your choice. Too bad that the 911R (made to be a manual with the engine of the 911 GT3) is limited and collectors are just storing them instead of driving them.
Am pretty sure by now, that 6 speed manual has a Powershift feature that makes up-shifting without lifting throttle. And there's also a Rev Match feature when down shifting.
Just a thought, the logo would be more visible the other way around (in the videos, can be done with some magical edits), but you put it there for the driver and the passenger.
Well James, your content is already stunning with the .2 GT3 but I mean I am sure you know this, but still, you remember the video you did with the F12 GT3 and the LT together? Maybe something similar with the 458 Speciale, RS6 and The GT3? and gotta say it, I love the armrest MRJWW stamp of approval haha!
Again, you deserve 1 million subs!