Tiptronic Question

[M.D. Holloway]

I posted this on the Tech side - but I think that some of you guys may spend more time here.

Forgive my ignorance but I need some help understanding tiptronic transmissions. I tried searching old threads and got bogged down. So, here goes:
1) What is it - how does it work?
2) Why was it invented?
3) When did Porsche start putting them in 911's?
4) What is the advantage?

If there is a ref post in Pelican, it didn't pop in my search. Thanks for the help.

[DonDavis]

1) Technically, specifically, I can't say. I would guess it's a switch that you make to advance to the next gear.
2) So more folks would buy their cars. Lots of people don't like to shift. Especially nowadays when cell phones are so poopular. I've heard guys brag about having a Tip.
3) Pretty sure the 964, if earlier it may have been the 928.
4) Easier to drive. Less effort from the driver when in auto mode but one can switch over and get a few jollies from "shifting".





And that's not a typo.


Oh, since this thread is in OT, let's see the Volvo. I have a 95.

[id10t]

Did the sportmatic trans start it all? IIRC it was early 70s...

[Tishabet]

Porsche's Tiptronic was the earliest semi-automatic transmission offered by a major car maker. First appeared in 1990 in the 911 as an option, it became available in 968, Boxster and was licensed to Audi and Mitsubishi for production.

Based on an automatic transmission with torque converter, besides conventional auto mode it offers a manual override allowing the driver to shift by pushing the gear lever forward and backward. Faster reaction it may not had, but more fun to the driver was assured.

The auto mode had 5 different programs to suit different driving style, something like the "Sport", "Economy" and "Winter" mode in traditional autoboxes. The computer determined shifting according to driving style. For instance, frequent full-throttle operation and brisk release of throttle indicated a sporting driving mode, thus "fast" program would be selected.

Even in manual mode, the computer might intervene under harmful conditions, e.g. it would shift up without the driver's command if the engine speed had reached the upper limit.

Tiptronic was developed in conjunction by Porsche, ZF and Bosch. Porsche originated the idea, ZF made the gearbox and Bosch was responsible for the electronic control. Little had changed since its introduction :
1995 : Tiptronic S introduced steering-wheel mounted fingertip control.
1996 : 5-speed Tiptronic appeared in Boxster, instead of the original 4 speed version.

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally posted by DonDavis
1)
Oh, since this thread is in OT, let's see the Volvo. I have a 95.

I actually don't have a pic of it - it is graphite grey (blackish) with hail damage. It happend 5 yrs ago the day we were moving into our first home in Texas. The ins co inspected it and gave me a check for $1800 to fix it, I cam home and asked my wife if I was to give her $1800 to drive a dented car would she? She took the check so fast it gave me a paper cut! I no longer worry about door dings. Has 98K on it, just put new discs on the front wheels, rear are down about 25% - due in maybe 6 to 12 mths. New AC last year, timing belt done the year before. The EGR sensor is blown but I will be dammed if I'm gonna drop $800+ for a new one when it has on influenece on the performance or the emmisions. Otherwise, it has been a great car.

[red-beard]

Mike: We need to talk about south of the boarder body work....

[M.D. Holloway]

? ya lost me. PM me if it is a sensitive issue.

[red-beard]

To fix them dents!

Whoa! That was post 666 for you!

[M.D. Holloway]

After I wrote it - I caught on but it was too late, devil had my thoughts! 666, How fitting!
I thought you needed my advice on augmentation of some sort! Then I thought, why the heck is he asking me (how did he find out?) Pretty fuuny stuff.

I have learned to live with the dents - they don't look bad if you squint really hard and it is just past dusk!