{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"The New Dakar and the Death of the Real Manual","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-new-dakar-and-the-death-of-the-real-manual","audioUrl":"https://pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/pcartalk/EP273_Everyone.mp3?dest-id=1215116","description":" The Dakar Gets an Upgrade — And Maybe a Second Chance  The next-generation Porsche Dakar is coming, and this time it's arriving with the full 992.2 treatment plus hybrid technology baked in. Expected ordering windows open late this year with a starting price somewhere around $250k before you even look at the options list. The big question the guys tackle here isn't whether the new Dakar is desirable — it obviously is — it's whether Porsche finally lets people actually buy one. The first-gen Dakar's limited production run was classic Porsche scarcity playbook, and it worked, but it also meant a lot of genuine enthusiasts who wanted one to drive got shut out. No \"limited\" label has surfaced yet for this new version, and the guys are cautiously optimistic that if you want one, you might actually be able to order one. That's how it should be.  Transmission by Wire: The Future of the Manual or the End of It?  Porsche is reportedly developing a transmission-by-wire system, and the concept is worth unpacking. Picture a traditional H-pattern shifter with the weight and feel of a real mechanical gearbox — but underneath, it's all sensors and software. Shift when you want to, feel like you're rowing gears, and when you don't want to deal with it, let the computer take over. The guys dig into whether this is genuinely cool engineering or just another layer of abstraction between the driver and the car. There's a real argument that this keeps the manual alive in an era where packaging and electrification are slowly killing it — but there's also the uncomfortable truth that a simulated shift feel is still simulated. Is this the future of the enthusiast car, or just a very expensive compromise?  Outro  For upcoming events and everything P-car Talk, head to pcartalk.com. Support the show at Patreon.com/pcartalk and follow us at @pcartalk.   The Kimchi Crew: Steve, Leslie, Chris, Ken, Aaron, Sean, and Nik."},"annotations":[{"startTime":32.8,"endTime":40.7,"type":"term","title":"turbo lag","url":"/glossary/turbo-lag","quote":"So that'll be interesting. I mean, not that there was significant turbo lag prior, but obviously it's new technology.","canonicalId":"term:turbo-lag","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Turbo lag is the delay between when you press the accelerator and when the turbocharger builds enough boost to deliver power. Modern engine control strategies and smaller turbo designs have reduced it, but it can still be noticeable depending on driving conditions. The hosts mention it because hybrid assistance can help mask lag by providing torque instantly."}},{"startTime":67.4,"endTime":71.8,"type":"term","title":"jeep snorkel","url":"/glossary/jeep-snorkel","quote":"Like you do it like a jeep snorkel. It's just too big to make turbo.","canonicalId":"term:jeep-snorkel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A snorkel is an intake extension that raises the air intake above typical splash/water levels, commonly seen on off-road 4x4s. The hosts use “jeep snorkel” as an analogy for how Porsche might protect the intake system if water crossings are part of the Dakar use case. It’s a practical concept: higher intake placement reduces the risk of ingesting water."}},{"startTime":83.6,"endTime":91.3,"type":"concept","title":"$250,000 before options","quote":"It's $250,000 before options. Okay, I feel like that's wild though.","canonicalId":"concept:250-000-before-options","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Before options” means the base price excludes add-ons like special packages, wheels, interior upgrades, or dealer-installed accessories. For limited or niche models, options can significantly increase the final transaction price. List price vs. out-the-door cost is a key concept when evaluating whether a car is “expensive” in real terms.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Before options” means that $250,000 is the starting price, not including extra upgrades you can add. Those extras can push the final price higher. It’s a reminder to compare the real total cost, not just the headline number."}},{"startTime":141.1,"endTime":146.2,"type":"term","title":"limited car","url":"/glossary/limited-car","quote":"[141.1s]  of your Rolodex and it's a limited car. So I would say further for their bookkeeping\n[146.2s]  purposes. Yes, they did probably move them all.","canonicalId":"term:limited-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “limited car” is produced in small numbers, often to create scarcity and higher demand. In practice, it can affect pricing, resale value, and how often you see the car in the wild.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “limited car” just means only a small number were made. That usually makes it harder to find and can make it more expensive later."}},{"startTime":200.2,"endTime":208.7,"type":"term","title":"lifted","url":"/glossary/lifted","quote":"[200.2s]  essentially it's a turbo s that's lifted on knobby tires. And I don't know,","canonicalId":"term:lifted","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “lifted” car has increased ride height/ground clearance, usually via suspension changes. On a sports car platform, that typically improves approach/departure angles and reduces scraping on driveways and rough roads.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Lifted” means the car sits higher off the ground. That helps it clear bumps, driveways, and rough surfaces without scraping."}},{"startTime":208.7,"endTime":214.8,"type":"term","title":"daily driver","url":"/glossary/daily-driver","quote":"[208.7s]  like I can't think of a better daily driver Porsche for urban settings or\n[214.8s]  country settings.","canonicalId":"term:daily-driver","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “daily driver” is a vehicle intended for regular everyday use—commuting, errands, and varied road conditions. The speaker is arguing that this special 911 setup is practical enough for urban and country driving."}},{"startTime":223.4,"endTime":227.3,"type":"brand","title":"Lamborghini","url":"/glossary/lamborghini","quote":"[218.3s]  and you want to drive a sports car. This I can't think of a better sports car\n[223.4s]  with a warranty other than, you know, Lamborghini, Sturratos, one of them,","canonicalId":"brand:lamborghini","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Lamborghini is an Italian supercar brand known for high-performance, high-excitement vehicles. The speaker compares the practicality of the Porsche to Lamborghini’s lineup, implying that only a few Lamborghini models are similarly usable.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lamborghini is a famous Italian supercar brand. They’re using it as a comparison point for “fun but still usable” cars."}},{"startTime":232.4,"endTime":239.6,"type":"concept","title":"platform","url":"/glossary/platform","quote":"[232.4s]  making any more Sturratos because they've already moved on from that\n[235.9s]  platform because they've already gone on to whatever the next the revalto or\n[239.6s]  whatever the next thing is.","canonicalId":"concept:platform","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Platform” refers to the underlying engineering architecture a manufacturer uses across multiple models. When the speaker says Lamborghini moved on from that platform, they’re implying the next generation may not share the same design/characteristics that made the earlier limited car special.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “platform” is the main engineering base a car is built on. When a company moves to a new platform, the next cars may feel different and may not be able to make the same kind of special model again."}},{"startTime":266.5,"endTime":271.0,"type":"term","title":"daily drivable","url":"/glossary/daily-drivable","quote":"Yeah, it takes a car that isn't really daily drivable in the sense of not that the engine's not capable of it, but this but the settings you'll put the car in in the day to day work that you like to hide the car in.","canonicalId":"term:daily-drivable","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Daily drivable” means a car can be used regularly for errands and commuting without being overly harsh, inconvenient, or fragile. In this context, they’re saying the car’s engine may be capable, but the setup and settings make it less comfortable for everyday use.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Daily drivable” just means you could use the car every day—like commuting or running errands—without it being miserable or impractical. They’re saying the car can do it, but the way it’s set up makes it less suited for normal roads."}},{"startTime":281.2,"endTime":291.0,"type":"term","title":"knobby tires","url":"/glossary/knobby-tires","quote":"Basically all the speed and all that that you want. But you're protected. You know, you got the knobby tires on it, too. So you're not bottoming out in some LA Pothole or any place that you live that have crappy roads like and you don't want to drive a truck.","canonicalId":"term:knobby-tires","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Knobby tires are aggressive off-road tread blocks designed for traction on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and mud. They help grip in rough conditions, but they can be noisier and less efficient on pavement.","simplifiedExplanation":"Knobby tires have chunky tread meant to bite into dirt and gravel. They usually work great off-road, but they can be louder and feel less smooth on regular roads."}},{"startTime":452.2,"endTime":459.5,"type":"term","title":"roof rack","url":"/glossary/roof-rack","quote":"Gen 1 obviously has different suspension. Yep. Okay. Different tires, we get that. It has a roof rack. You can pick a livery package.","canonicalId":"term:roof-rack","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A roof rack is an external mounting system for carrying gear (like luggage, recovery equipment, or bikes). On edition/off-road-styled cars, roof racks are often part of the “lifestyle” package and can reinforce the intended use-case.","simplifiedExplanation":"A roof rack is the bars on top of the car used to carry extra gear. It’s common on adventure-focused editions because it makes the car feel ready for trips."}},{"startTime":459.5,"endTime":464.4,"type":"term","title":"suspension travel","url":"/glossary/suspension-travel","quote":"It has suspension travel like we talked about it. That goes into the suspension thing.","canonicalId":"term:suspension-travel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Suspension travel is the distance the suspension can move through its full range of motion (compression to rebound). More travel is often used for off-road use to keep tires in contact over bumps and reduce bottoming out.","simplifiedExplanation":"Suspension travel is how much the suspension can move up and down. More travel usually helps when you’re driving over rough terrain because the tires stay planted."}},{"startTime":538.0,"endTime":541.2,"type":"term","title":"cladding","url":"/glossary/cladding","quote":"there's bodywork different on the Dakar because they put the cladding and they put skid plates and all that stuff.","canonicalId":"term:cladding","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Cladding refers to exterior protective coverings—often plastic or composite—that shield bodywork from abrasion and impacts. On off-road themed cars, cladding is both functional (protection) and visual (signaling the build’s purpose)."}},{"startTime":601.8,"endTime":608.8,"type":"concept","title":"power plant","url":"/glossary/power-plant","quote":"Like make it have something different from its power plant, whether that be gearing, whether it's something.","canonicalId":"concept:power-plant","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Power plant” is a general term for the car’s main propulsion system—most commonly the engine and its associated drivetrain components. The speaker uses it to argue that differentiation should come from changes that affect how the car makes and delivers power, not just exterior hardware."}},{"startTime":624.8,"endTime":629.8,"type":"concept","title":"low hanging fruit","url":"/glossary/low-hanging-fruit","quote":"but I don't... That doesn't... For Porsche, that seems like really low hanging fruit. They're better than that, I guess, is my point.","canonicalId":"concept:low-hanging-fruit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Low hanging fruit” is an idiom meaning an easy or obvious strategy. Here, it’s used to criticize Porsche’s approach: making an off-road-themed variant by adding protection and suspension changes without deeper engineering differentiation.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Low hanging fruit” means an easy, obvious move. The speaker is saying Porsche’s off-road look changes might be too simple compared to what should be done to make it truly special."}},{"startTime":712.2,"endTime":716.5,"type":"term","title":"manual transmission","url":"/glossary/manual-transmission","quote":"So the Carrera T is the only one with a manual transmission. So see what I'm saying is that car is different enough, even though...","canonicalId":"term:manual-transmission","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A manual transmission is the gearbox where the driver selects gears using a clutch and shifter. The speaker is arguing that Porsche’s lineup choices (like limiting manuals to certain trims) create meaningful differences in how the cars are positioned and experienced.","simplifiedExplanation":"A manual transmission is the kind of car where you use a clutch pedal and a gear lever to choose gears. The speaker is saying Porsche is making manuals rarer, and that affects which cars feel truly different to buyers."}},{"startTime":918.9,"endTime":922.0,"type":"term","title":"LSD","url":"/glossary/lsd","quote":"hey, it has rear steer, you know, option to come standard with like LSD, the base 991.2 doesn't,","canonicalId":"term:lsd","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"LSD stands for limited-slip differential, which reduces wheelspin when one drive wheel loses traction. By biasing torque to the wheel with grip, it improves acceleration and traction—especially in corners or on slippery surfaces.","simplifiedExplanation":"LSD means the differential helps both drive wheels work together. If one wheel starts slipping, it sends more power to the wheel that has grip."}},{"startTime":1020.0,"endTime":1024.7,"type":"concept","title":"money grab","url":"/glossary/money-grab","quote":"And it just doesn't and also just a money grab. Yeah. Where they could have just kept it with the 9-11 because if you think about it,","canonicalId":"concept:money-grab","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Money grab” is the speaker’s critique that certain limited trims or lineup expansions are driven more by profit than by genuine enthusiast value. In this context, they’re arguing Porsche could have focused on the existing 911 lineup instead of creating additional “T” variants.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying the new special trims might be more about making money than improving the cars for enthusiasts. The speaker thinks Porsche could have done better by sticking to what already worked."}},{"startTime":1361.0,"endTime":1370.2,"type":"concept","title":"limited run","url":"/glossary/limited-run","quote":"They can make a limited run of the manuals, hit up Lee Keen, do a collab, do a Keen safari, do 10 of them.","canonicalId":"concept:limited-run","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “limited run” is a small production quantity of a specific configuration, often used to create exclusivity and justify higher pricing. The speaker argues Porsche could do this for manuals to appeal to a niche enthusiast audience.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “limited run” means only a small number of cars are made with that exact setup. It’s often used to make the car feel more special and to support higher pricing."}},{"startTime":1370.2,"endTime":1382.3,"type":"concept","title":"$50,000 upgrade option","quote":"make the option to say, All right, it's a $50,000 upgrade option.","canonicalId":"concept:50-000-upgrade-option","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker proposes pricing a manual/enthusiast option as a large add-on—specifically a $50,000 upgrade option. This highlights how automakers monetize niche demand through high-margin customization.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re suggesting Porsche could charge a big extra amount for the special manual/enthusiast configuration. It’s basically an expensive “option package” for people who really want it."}},{"startTime":1382.3,"endTime":1386.1,"type":"concept","title":"upsell","url":"/glossary/upsell","quote":"You have an enthusiast brand. Why not? Why not take and you'd like to upsell?","canonicalId":"concept:upsell","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Upsell” means encouraging customers to pay more for a higher-value version—here, an enthusiast-oriented manual configuration. The speaker argues Porsche already does a lot of à la carte options, so upselling a manual should be on the table.","simplifiedExplanation":"Upsell is when a company encourages you to spend more for a better or more special version. In this case, it’s about paying extra for a manual or special build."}},{"startTime":1422.0,"endTime":1426.1,"type":"concept","title":"ala cart stuff","url":"/glossary/ala-cart-stuff","quote":"the Gearing in the past. They're already doing so much ala cart stuff anyways, like why wouldn't they offer that for all of their specialty products?","canonicalId":"concept:ala-cart-stuff","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“À la carte” refers to selecting individual options rather than buying a fixed package. The speaker argues Porsche already sells cars this way, so offering a manual as another selectable option would fit their current strategy.","simplifiedExplanation":"“À la carte” means you pick options individually instead of getting one pre-made bundle. The speaker says Porsche already does this, so adding a manual option makes sense."}},{"startTime":1478.2,"endTime":1484.5,"type":"term","title":"livery","url":"/glossary/livery","quote":"Not slapping a stupid livery on it. It's making it special and lifting it.","canonicalId":"term:livery","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A livery is the visual paint/graphics scheme used on a car—often stripes, decals, and sponsor-style branding. The speaker criticizes using only cosmetic changes (like livery) instead of meaningful mechanical/engineering differences.","simplifiedExplanation":"A livery is the car’s graphics—like stripes and decals. The speaker is saying that just adding looks isn’t the same as making the car truly special."}},{"startTime":1503.7,"endTime":1510.1,"type":"term","title":"anti lag tune","url":"/glossary/anti-lag-tune","quote":"Like make your make your little tune have like anti lag tune and like, yeah,","canonicalId":"term:anti-lag-tune","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An anti-lag tune is an engine calibration strategy used to reduce turbo lag by keeping the turbo spinning (or maintaining conditions that allow rapid boost on throttle reapplication). It’s common in performance and rally-style setups, but it can increase stress on components.","simplifiedExplanation":"An anti-lag tune is a software setting that helps a turbo respond faster when you get back on the throttle. It’s meant to reduce lag, but it can be harder on the engine/turbo if pushed hard."}},{"startTime":1527.1,"endTime":1533.2,"type":"term","title":"Rothman's Lever","quote":"And also spend the money, put some lawyers together and get the Rothman's Lever to actually have a Rothman's Lever. Yeah, right. No kidding.","canonicalId":"term:rothman-s-lever","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.45,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Rothman's Lever” appears to be a reference to a branded gear lever/shift knob associated with Rothmans (a famous tobacco brand historically tied to motorsport sponsorship). The speaker is using it as a humorous, enthusiast-style nod to collectible or themed manual hardware."}},{"startTime":2420.0,"endTime":2424.1,"type":"term","title":"electric steering","url":"/glossary/electric-steering","quote":"My first reaction and like thought was 991.1 electric steering. Wasn't that\ngreat when it first came out. But now they've kind of you know, they've had years to dial it in.","canonicalId":"term:electric-steering","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Electric steering replaces hydraulic assist with an electric motor, allowing more software control over steering feel and assist levels. The speaker uses it as an analogy for how a new electronically controlled “manual feel” could improve over time."}},{"startTime":2491.1,"endTime":2502.6,"type":"term","title":"PDK","url":"/glossary/pdk","quote":"for example, if it's a PDK only car, meaning like a three RS, like this could be in that\nand you would have the idea that you're shifting because essentially the PDK is still going to\nbe shifting for you.","canonicalId":"term:pdk","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"PDK is Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission system. It can shift very quickly and can operate fully automatically, but it can also be controlled by paddles or driver inputs.","simplifiedExplanation":"PDK is Porsche’s automatic transmission that uses two clutches to shift quickly. Even though it’s automatic, you can often control it with paddles if you want."}},{"startTime":2502.6,"endTime":2509.5,"type":"term","title":"paddle","url":"/glossary/paddles","quote":"But when you move like it'll just click the paddle like in an automated sense\nsomewhere else instead of you doing it. Do you think they leave paddles in these cars?","canonicalId":"term:paddles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Paddle shifters are controls on the steering wheel used to request upshifts or downshifts. The speaker is discussing whether paddles would remain usable in an electronically simulated “manual” setup, especially in auto mode."}},{"startTime":2714.9,"endTime":2727.8,"type":"concept","title":"rollout limited to certain cars","url":"/glossary/rollout-limited-to-certain-cars","quote":"Like you almost want to think that you're not going to waste all this time and money just to make it and only still only be able to put it in certain cars, right?","canonicalId":"concept:rollout-limited-to-certain-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The discussion highlights a common strategy: a new transmission tech may be available only on certain models/variants at first. That affects perceived value and can create frustration among owners who want the same feel but can’t get it on their specific car.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about how new tech might only be offered on some models at first. That can make people upset if they want the upgrade but their car isn’t eligible."}},{"startTime":2772.1,"endTime":2783.0,"type":"term","title":"feels like a manual","url":"/glossary/feels-like-a-manual","quote":"Like it changed it in a really cool way where there's no more... Well I wish it had... They're done wishing. Yeah. You're like it feels like a manual. It operates like a manual.","canonicalId":"term:feels-like-a-manual","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Feels like a manual” describes the subjective shift feel of an automated transmission—often meaning quick, decisive engagement and a driving experience that mimics clutch-and-gear behavior. The speaker argues the technology is advanced enough that it can replicate that manual-like sensation.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying the new transmission can make the car feel like you’re driving a manual. That usually means the shifts happen in a way that feels more connected and less “computer-y.”"}},{"startTime":3158.6,"endTime":3163.8,"type":"brand","title":"Porsche","url":"/glossary/porsche","quote":"...Porsche's got to make a universal gear where it's kind of like doesn't feel too short...","canonicalId":"brand:porsche","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Porsche is referenced here in relation to how it designs shift feel and gearing/ratios for different drivers. The point is that manufacturers often aim for a balanced setup that works across a wide customer base.","simplifiedExplanation":"Porsche is the car brand being mentioned. They’re being used as an example of how a company might tune the shifter feel so it suits more than one type of driver."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Pcar Talk","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-new-dakar-and-the-death-of-the-real-manual/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}