Porsche patent gives an automatic gearbox a clutch pedal
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Porsche is exploring a gearbox that could offer automatic convenience and the involvement of a manual, complete with a clutch pedal and a conventional shift pattern.
A new patent filing describes a dual-clutch automatic transmission with three selectable operating modes. Drivers could leave it to change gears itself, shift sequentially or take control using a gear lever and third pedal.
The filing, first reported by CarBuzz, builds on an earlier Porsche patent for a shift-by-wire selector capable of behaving like either an automatic shifter or a manual gear lever.
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In its automatic setting, the proposed system would operate much like an existing dual-clutch gearbox. Select Drive and the transmission handles the gear changes.
The second mode provides sequential shifting, allowing the driver to move up or down one gear at a time using paddles or the gear lever. So far, so familiar.
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The third setting is where things get more interesting. It brings the clutch pedal into play and changes the behaviour of the selector to recreate a manual gearbox.
Instead of returning to a central position after each input, the lever would stay in distinct gear positions, giving drivers a manual-style shift pattern. Electronic controls would translate inputs from the lever and clutch pedal into actions within the dual-clutch transmission.
That could let the driver work through the gears on a favourite stretch of road, then switch back to automatic operation for the commute home.
According to the filing, Porsche’s proposed technology could be used in either a combustion-powered car or a hybrid.
The idea has parallels with Koenigsegg’s Light Speed Transmission and Engage Shift System, which offer nine-speed automatic and six-speed manual operation within the same gearbox.
For Porsche, though, this remains a patent rather than a confirmed production feature. There’s no indication yet of which model might receive it, or when it could reach showrooms.
