Porsche Cars, Products and LifeStyle » Options

What is Porsche Engine Auto Stop/Start Feature and What Does it Do?

Pepper Girl — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:20:39 +0000

We’ve been asked this question a number of times and have done our best to explain it on a case by case basis. Now, however, Porsche has release the video below that does a reasonable job of showcasing the functionality and operations of the engine stop/start feature. The best thing I can say about the stop/start feature is that at least you can turn it off. Maybe in time I’ll get used to it, but for now I find it distracting. I’m also curious what, if any, additional strain it puts on the starter motor? As always, if the video below doesn’t appear in your email, simply click on “Porsche Engine Auto Stop/Start Feature” and you can watch it directly on our site.

Porsche Engine Auto Stop/Start Feature Explained

[Source: Porsche]

14 Porsche Acronyms Explained

993C4S — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:40:02 +0000

When it comes to acronyms Porsche is probably the only car company in the world that could compete with the US Army when it comes to their use. We receive emails on an almost daily basis asking us for information/help on one Porsche acronym/system or another. Instead of continuing to answer each email as a one-off we decided to create a post (with the help of Porsche’s technology micro-site) that outlines the most common acronyms. Where possible we gave a link for more information and in most cases the link will have a video further explaining Porsche’s technology. We will eventually convert this post to a permanent page, under Porsche resources, so it always available (and update it as necessary). For now, if we missed something or you think we should add an acronym, just let us know by commenting below.

DFI: Direct Fuel Injection

Porsche’s Direct Fuel Injection helps to reduce fuel consumption CO2 emissions without compromising performance. At the heart of the system lies an injector which sits directly on the cylinder head injecting fuel directly into each combustion chamber with the help of a high pressure pump at a pressure of up to 120 bar. This disperses the air/fuel mixture more precisely, increasing the mixing of air and fuel.

Because direct injection reduces cylinder temperature, more air than normal can be compressed into the combustion chambers. This increases the energy density of the mixture and hence leads to fuel saving. It is possible to control the required fuel volume exactly via the duration and pressure of injection.

LSDL: Limited Slip Differential Locking

A mechanically locking rear differential is standard in the 911 all-wheel drive variants and is available as an option for all other 911, Cayman and Boxster models in conjunction with 18 and 19-inch wheels. It further enhances traction at the driven rear axle on uneven roads and when accelerating out of tight bends. This is accomplished by the damping of load-change reactions during fast cornering.

If you’re buying a Porsche and you think you might want to play with on a track, the LSDL option is something you should seriously consider.

MOST: Media Orientated Systems Transport bus

The data exchanged between the various audio and communications systems is done via the Media Orientated Systems Transport (MOST®) bus. This powerful digital technology uses high-speed fibre optics to ensure absolute consistency during data transfer. An essential prerequisite for advanced audio quality, it links the CD autochanger, BOSE® Surround Sound System amplifiers and PCM telephone module (all optional). The result is a significant improvement in sound reproduction.

PASM: Porsche Active Suspension Management

PASM is an electronic active damping system. It offers continuous adjustment of the damping force on each wheel, based on current road conditions and driving style.

At the press of a button, the driver can choose between two modes. While ‘Normal’ mode provides a blend of performance and comfort, the ‘Sport’ setup mode has a much firmer range of settings. The system responds to changing road conditions and/or driving style by continuously varying the individual damping forces within the parameters defined for the selected setup mode (‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’). Pitch and roll are reduced, whilst contact of each wheel with the road is optimized.

PCM: Porsche Communication Management

As the central control unit for audio, navigation and communications PCM is available as standard equipment on all Turbo models and optionally available for all others.

PCM can be further configured with everything from a TV tuner (in some markets) to Navigation and Bluetooth. If you like your Porsche full of gadgets, this one should not be missed.

PCCB: Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes

PCCB technology provides unparalleled fade resistance and consistently high friction levels by utilizing specially treated carbon fiber ceramic discs and composite pads in conjunction with six-piston calipers at front and a pair of four piston units at the rear. Other key benefits include the remarkable durability of the pads and discs, and over a 50% weight decrease over conventional metal equivalents.

If you’re looking to reverse the course of the Earth’s rotation when you slam on the brakes, then PCCB is for you. Be warned though, there has been lots of discussion about the good, bad and the ugly when it comes to the PCCB option. They are expensive to maintain and even more so to replace. The general consensus we’ve heard is that if you track the car often and can’t afford the replacement costs, go with the standard/steel brakes. If, however, money isn’t an issue, you don’t want any brake dust or just have to have those eye poppin’ yellow calipers, then by all means, go for it!

PDK: Porsche Doppelkupplung

Porsche’s newest transmission is essentially two half-gearboxes in one and thus requires two clutches – designed as a double wet clutch transmission.

This double clutch provides an alternating, non positive connection between the two half-gearboxes and the engine by means of two separate input shafts (input shaft 1 is nested inside the hollowed-out input shaft 2). In English, this means the next gear (up or down) is always ready to go and no matter how good you think you can shift a manual, the PDK transmission is faster! More importantly, PDK will make you a better driver on the track. While some argue that it takes some of the tactile feel from track driving, we’re of the opinion that if it makes for faster times then… why not?

PDCC: Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control

Available on the Panamera and Cayenne models PDCC is an active anti-roll system that anticipates and significantly reduces lateral body movement during cornering maneuvers. In addition, it minimizes the lateral instability of the vehicle on uneven ground.

The effect is achieved with the aid of active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles which respond to the current steering angle and lateral acceleration by producing a stabilizing force that precisely negates the roll of the body.

POSIP: Porsche Side Impact Protection System

Standard on all current models, POSIP provides an additional two air-bags on each side (one for the body and one for the head) located in different positions depending on the Porsche model. POSIP includes additional safety features unique to each Porsche model based on its configuration.

PSM: Porsche Stability Management

PSM is an automatic control system that stabilizes the vehicle at the limits of dynamic driving performance. Sensors continuously monitor driving direction, speed, yaw velocity and lateral acceleration. Using this information, PSM computes the actual direction of motion. If this direction deviates from the desired course, PSM initiates braking interventions targeted at individual wheels in order to stabilize the vehicle.

PTV: Porsche Torque Vectoring

PTV is a system that actively enhances vehicle dynamics and stability. As a function of steering angle and steering speed, accelerator pedal position, yaw rate and vehicle speed, PTV is able to improve steering response and steering precision significantly by specific braking of the right or left rear wheel.

In other words, if the 911 Turbo is too much car for you to handle, PTV can help to keep you from stuffing your new 911 if you take a turn way too fast for your driving ability.

UAI: Universal Audio Interface

With this optional feature, the storage compartment in the centre console in combination with the optional PCM will contain up to three connections: one for your iPod®, one for a USB stick/MP3 player and one as an AUX interface for any compatible audio source of your choice. The iPod® or USB stick can be controlled conveniently and safely using the PCM.

VarioCam and VarioCam Plus

Okay, we know it’s not an acronym, but so many people asked we though we would include it. Variocam is Porsche’s variable valve-timing system. According to Porsche it continually adjusts valve timing for increased power and torque to provide smooth running at all speeds, better fuel economy and lower emissions.

VTG: Variable Turbine Geometry

Available on 911 Turbo, 911 GT2 and the Cayenne Diesel with Variable Turbine Geometry it is possible to achieve higher turbine speeds, and thus higher boost pressure, at lower engine rpm. Cylinder charging is significantly improved, with a corresponding increase in both power and torque. Maximum torque is reached at lower rpm and is retained across a wider rev range.

[Source: Porsche Technology Glossary]

An Option You Won’t Find on The Porsche Car Configurator

993C4S — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:06:08 +0000

The new Porsche Panamera has been unjustly likened to a tank by some. Well now there might be just cause. Porsche is known for offering a myriad of options on all their new cars. However, when I recently used the Porsche car configurator to option out a new Panamera, I thought I had all there was on offer including a refrigerator in the back seat and a list price just north of $200k. Boy, was I wrong. For another $250k (for a total cost of $450,000) I could have a Panamera worthy of 3rd world dictator (or at least today’s Wall Street CEOs).

According to an article on Luxist.com, JS Armored of Frankfurt Germany is offering a Porsche Panamera Turbo for sale on Jameslist (a global online luxury marketplace). Armored to B4 levels the protective Panamera will stop anything from 9mm rounds to a full metal jacket of a carbine rifle. B4 Armoring specifications include:

1/8″ armored steel (3mm AR500 ballistic steel) in the doors, posts, overlaps and walls.
Bullet resistant glass 39/40mm.
5 Run Flats including Spare.
Armored Fuel Tank.
Armored Battery and Radiator Protection.
3mm AR500 ballistics steel in the roof and floor.
Tailpipe Protection.
Power window driver side.
Suspension Upgrade.
Upraded door hinges.

Some times a good offense is better than an armored defense. While B4 armoring is better than nothing, it won’t stop most automatic rifle fire and can’t withstand a hit from a RPG or IED. Knowing that, it’s nice to have the 500 hp of the Porsche Panamera turbo to rely on in case you need to get out of a bad situation in a hurry. If you need something with a little more protection to it, but want to stick with the Porsche badge, you could always opt for the Porsche Designed AMPV below.

[Source: Jameslist via Luxist.com; Armoring info via TexasArmoring.com

Sound Off with New Porsche Sports Exhaust System

993C4S — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:17:12 +0000

The engineers of Porsche AG, Stuttgart, have developed a new sports exhaust system for the latest generation of the 911, available as an option on new models as of February 2009. This special exhaust gives the customer the opportunity to adjust the 911’s unique sound to their personal preference; at the touch of a button, the exhaust system switches over to a more sporting and emotional sound.

The new sports exhaust system is made of modified stainless-steel main silencers and stands out through its two uniquely-styled dual tailpipes. The heart of the system is an exhaust flap on each main silencer activated by the engine’s electronic control system, which switches over to a more sporting sound. The system is activated by a separate button on the center console, varying the sound of the exhaust as a function of engine load, road speed and engine speed.

The Euro base price of the sports exhaust system is 1,610 Euro excluding taxes. In the US the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is 2,500 US$ and In Canada, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $3,410. Starting in April 2009, Porsche will also offer a Tequipment version as a retrofit part.

[Source: PCNA]

Porsche Doppelkupplung (double clutch) or PDK Explained

993C4S — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:10:33 +0000

If you can’t pronounce the name of Porsche’s new double clutch, seven speed transmission technology, you’re not alone. Not to worry, the Porsche marketing folks were kind enough to add to the growing list of alphabet soup options by providing the Porsche Doppelkupplung with its very own acronym: PDK. Originally developed for Porsche Motorsports, over two decades ago, this seven speed, advanced transmission has finally made its way (as an option) into the Porsche 911 line-up for the first time.

What’s the Biggest Benefit of the Porsche PDK

Simple: SPEED. The dual clutch provides barely perceptible shift points with little to no power loss. This translates into more speed and faster lap times, much faster. The latest reports I’ve seen show a 911 Carrera S (equipped with PDK) shaving 8 seconds from the lap time, clocked by the manually equipped model on, “the Ring,” not to mention a few tenths of a second off the zero to sixty time.

Surprisingly, given today’s economic and environmental climate, you would think that Porsche would be pushing some of the other benefits of the PDK transmission. Namely, its ability to provide up to 14% better fuel economy over the manual version. With all the heat Porsche has been taking in the press in recent months about emissions, CAFE regulations, etc. the PR department at Porsche should be all over this aspect of the seven-speed transmission.

How Does Porsche PDK Work?

This video below, produced by Porsche and available on the Porsche microsite, does a great job of breaking down the dual-clutch technology into every day language so even non-gearheads, like me, can understand. My only question is: “When will Porsche make the switch to more standardized paddles vs. those little bitty thumb-shifters?”