Porsche's Tiptronic was the earliest semi-automatic transmission offered by a major car maker. First appeared in 1990 in 911 as an option, it soon became available in 968, Boxster and licensed to Audi and Mitsubishi for production. Meanwhile, Honda, BMW, Chrysler and Toyota also developed their own version.
Porsche Tiptronic
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 shifter forward and backward. Note that it is no quicker than a conventional auto. It only intends to enhance driving fun through involving the driver.
The auto mode has 5 different programs to suit different driving style, something like the "Sport", "Economy" and "Winter" mode in traditional autoboxes. The computer choose program according to driving style. For instance, frequent full-throttle operation and brisk release of throttle indicate a sporting driving style, thus "fast" program will be selected.
Even in manual mode, the computer may intervene under harmful conditions. For instance, if the driver let the rev exceeding redline without upshift, the computer will shift automatically.
Tiptronic was developed in conjunction by Porsche, ZF and Bosch. Porsche originated the idea, ZF made the gearbox and Bosch responsible for the electronic control.
In 1995, a newer version called Tiptronic S launched. It offers fingertip control button mounted on the steering wheel spoke, thus allow the driver can to shift without loosing concentration on the road.
