In a rare admission of defeat Porsche is to offer paddle-shifters across its entire range of PDK-equipped cars. Introduced on the
new 911 Turbo as an option combined with the Sports steering wheel, the paddles transform the operation of the dual-clutch, two-pedal transmission. Following the conventional right hand paddle for upshifts and left for downshifts Porsche has bowed to pressure from customers and the media alike to offer the more intuitive paddles.
It's not conceding entirely though as the standard steering wheel controls on PDK-equipped cars will retain the clumsy push-me-pull-me buttons on the wheel spokes. The paddles are an option and you have to have it with the Sports wheel - which loses some functionality as Porsche isn't offering it with any controls for audio or trip computer functions. That'll inevitably change in time and should be no barrier to choosing them. As of next early next year any PDK-equipped car will be available with paddles. And not before time, either.
Kyle Fortune - 19 Oct 2009