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I'm pretty sure all Porsche's can now be purchased with automatics (since at least the late 90's or so on most models), either Tiptronics or the newer PDK system. I can't see the video (at work) but I know that Boxster's, Cayman's, Carrera's (from base models to newer turbo's), Cayenne's and Panamera's can all be purchased with automatics.
Porsches of some variety or another have been available with automatics for at least 35 years now -- maybe even longer.
Recently Porsche's "automatic" has gone from a conventional planetary gearset automatic found in most "automatic transmission" cars to an automated clutch-and-flywheel type transmission -- in other words, it's now a hybrid of sorts that is mechanically similar to a manual transmission; but instead of the driver letting off the throttle, stepping on a clutch pedal to disengage the clutch plate from the flywheel, moving the shift lever from one gear to the next, letting out the clutch pedal and re-engaging the gas pedal, the car does all of that for you. The old "tiptronic" was really just an automatic transmission with some driver control over gear selection.
These new transmissions can operate like a normal automatic where the car changes the gears when it decides to, or can be put in "manual" mode where the car will only shift gears when you tell it to. These "manumatics" are also found in other makes like Ferrari, Volkswagen/Audi, BMW, Mitsubishi, and others.
Yes, you can buy a Porsche with an automatic transmission. More importantly, you can buy a Porsche with a true manual transmission. I don't think you can say that about Ferrari anymore.
Yes, you can buy a Porsche w/ an automatic transmission. The Cayenne Turbo sitting in my garage is an automatic w/ the tiptronic. The Panamera I believe comes as an automatic for most models as does the Cayenne.
I'm a huge Porsche fan and I've heard rumors that the PDK is going to be more readily available then a manual transmission fairly soon. I've heard great things about the PDK, but I still enjoy driving a manual transmission which at least takes some skill, and offers more overall enjoyment in my opinion.
One advantage to PDK-equipped AWD Porsches is you can choose between 2WD or AWD on the fly. At least you can with the 911; not sure about the Panamera.
Yes. I just test drove a 911 4S, and it had the PDK.
I drove a manual, as well...*shrug* Either was fine.
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