Tuners everywhere rejoiced when Porsche introduced an upgraded Tiptronic transmission with its 997 Turbo models. The five-speed automatic/manual, built for Porsche by German neighbors Mercedes-Benz, is capable of handling as much as 700 hp in some applications and, for most tuners, that’s all the capacity they will ever need. For Ohio-based Switzer Performance, however, 700 is far from enough.

Working with development partners in the U.S. and Europe, Switzer disassembled, upgraded, and rebuilt the Tiptronic transmission to meet customer demands for higher horsepower projects. The first builds produced transmissions that were stronger and sharper than the factory unit, but not strong enough to contain Tym’s hard-hitting P800. For its final effort, however, Switzer and his European counterparts pulled out all the stops: additional clutches eliminate slippage, additional friction surfaces ensure more efficient power delivery, a modified valve body to improve shift speed, and (last, but not least) another round of transmission programming which enables the Tiptronic to make the most of its uprated internals.

On its maiden voyage, the new 997 Turbo P800 Tiptronic blasted from 0-60 mph in a scant 2.8 seconds. On standard tires. With standard air pressure. On pump gas.

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Provided by duPont REGISTRY