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Sport button vs. Sport Plus button?

128K views 79 replies 38 participants last post by  mjhamilton 
#1 · (Edited)
In the Porsche.com configurator, Porsche says that the Sport Plus button which is part of the Sport Chrono Package, does this:

SPORT PLUS button
On center console, affects throttle characteristics, PSM, PASM, PDCC, sport exhaust system, and PDLS (if equipped with these features), activates motorsport-derived gearshift strategy (for PDK)
For cars without Sport Chrono and without a Sport Plus button, does anyone know if the Sport button effects the same dynamics? From what I understand, the Sport button affects throttle, gearshift strategy (for PDK), and exhaust, but does it also change the PSM and PASM (if equipped) as the Sport Plus button would, or is PASM and PSM unaffected by the Sport button?

Also, what is PDCC?


This is what Porsche.com says about the regular Sport button:

The SPORT button on the center console is fitted as standard. When selected, Sport mode is activated to provide greater response and enhanced driving pleasure. Throttle response becomes even more direct, the rev-limiter is adjusted to a harder setting and engine dynamics are tuned for performance driving. The auto start/stop function is also deactivated.

With the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, the shift points are reconfigured to operate at higher engine speeds. Shift times are reduced and gearshifts become firmer and more immediate, while throttle-blip downshifts are accompanied by an emotive engine sound. Coasting mode is deactivated automatically.
This is what Porsche.com says about the Sport Plus button:

...the SPORT PLUS button. When this is pressed, optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) switches to ‘Sport’ mode for harder damping and more direct steering and therefore, even more intensive road holding. The trigger threshold for PSM is raised. Agility is perceptibly enhanced when braking for corners with PSM, allowing even sportier braking and exit acceleration. For even greater dexterity, PSM can be set to standby while the car is still in SPORT PLUS mode. For safety, it is set to intervene automatically only when ABS assistance is required. ...Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) is geared up for the shortest possible shift times and optimum shift points, while torque boosts during gear changes provide the maximum acceleration available. This involving experience is further enhanced by overrun downshifts and the throttle-blip function for uncompromising driving pleasure.
 
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
For cars without Sport Chrono and without a Sport Plus button, does anyone know if the Sport button effects the same dynamics? From what I understand, the Sport button affects throttle, gearshift strategy (for PDK), and exhaust, but does it also change the PSM and PASM (if equipped) as the Sport Plus button would, or is PASM and PSM unaffected by the Sport button?

Also, what is PDCC?
The Sport button does affect throttle and PDK gearshifts, it also makes the rev limiter kick in later and harder. It doesn't activate PASM or Sport Exhaust, but they can of course be activated separately.

Sport Plus does activate the two above and it kicks the other things (throttle, PDK shifts etc.) up a notch further.

PDCC is Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, only available on the 991...
 
#3 ·
The Sport button does affect throttle and PDK gearshifts, it also makes the rev limiter kick in later and harder.
It doesn't activate PASM or Sport Exhaust, but they can of course be activated separately.

Sport Plus does activate the two above and it kicks the other things (throttle, PDK shifts etc) up a notch further.

PDCC is Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, only available on the 991...
Many thanks!

I'm just wondering if Sport Plus really does kick the throttle and shifts up an additional notch from what the Sport button does, in reality. You can easily tell a difference when you're in a car with Sport Plus, because it's designed to kick things up a notch further from the Sport button, in a such an equipped car. But what about in a car without Sport Plus? The throttle and shift points are only software so does Porsche really dumb that down on cars without the Sport Plus button? Or does the Sport button on cars without the Sport Plus button tune is to the same throttle and shift point specs?
 
#39 ·
My car will do that without the dash wart...
 
#29 · (Edited by Moderator)
PSE simply doesn't sound half as sexy without Sport Plus.

So in my case, PSE is either off, or it's on together with Sport Plus.

Only slight complaint is too many steps to get to the setting I want:
- Sport Plus button to activate it (which also activates PSE)
- PASM button to return chassis to normal (for road driving)
- PDK shifter to the left (for manual mode to override the very high re-mapped shift points)

Now if only Porsche would offer maximum PSE drama with just the standard Sport button. That would save me a lot of hassle.
 
#30 ·
PSE simply doesn't sound half as sexy without Sport Plus.

So in my case, PSE is either off, or it's on together with Sport Plus.

Only slight complaint is too many steps to get to the setting I want:-
Sport Plus button to activate it (which also activates PSE)
PASM button to return chassis to normal (for road driving)
PDK shifter to the left (for manual mode to override the very high re-mapped shift points)

Now if only Porsche would offer maximum PSE drama with just the standard Sport button. That would save me a lot of hassle.
My thoughts, too... Without any first-hand experience. I figured that PSE makes the most sense if a) you have Sport Plus and b) you have an S. B because you might feel like a poser if you're making all of that noise and don't go 0-60 in the sub 5 second range. If I was getting an S, I think I'd be forced to get PSE and thus forced to get SC, which is why I'm somewhat thrilled I'm not getting an S. :hilarious:
 
#32 ·
Did they change it on the 981? When I hit the sports button on my 987 the PASM goes into sports mode automatically. Then I usually have to depress my PASM button because I just wanted the throttle and shift change not the super duper stiff suspension.
 
#33 ·
The 981 has a Sport button as standard.
With the Sport Chrono package, you get a Sport Plus button in addition to that.

So in terms of the functionality you describe, the Sport button in a 987 equals the Sport Plus button in a 981.
Just pushing Sport in a 981 does not trigger PASM sport mode.

Below you see what happens if I push Sport Plus:

 
#41 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have a base cayman 09 PDK, i ONLY drive the car in Manual mode. Is there any difference in shifting speed when you are using Manual in Normal/Sport/Sport Plus mode? after reading and research i find it only makes difference when driving on AUTO?

Thanks,
FWIW, I have had my 2016 base Cayman PDK for a few weeks now with only a few hundred kilometers on it so far. In manual mode, I find the shift speeds in:
Normal: sluggish​
Sport: fair​
Sport Plus: fast/near instantaneous​

I have not yet driven the car in auto and Sport Plus as I'm still within the break-in. I don't care for the SC's clock, dynamic transmission mounts or launch control, but I really enjoy the Sport Plus and manual mode with the fast shifts and also better throttle response.
 
#38 ·
After experimenting with my Cayman setup for a few days, I now use Sport+ and PSE with my 6MT almost all of the time. It is not loud on the street if I shift around 3,000 rpm, and that is more than enough to keep up with traffic. The sound from 4,000 rpm on up is wonderful, and I love rev matching because it is so smooth, and it sounds great. My heart is full. ;)
 
#45 ·
Coming late to this thread, but I really like my sport plus button. It is the "Beast Mode" at the track. It further loosens up PSM, shifts perfectly every time, and lets me focus on the driving and not the shifting. You can still manual shift over it anytime you want whether downshifting or short shifting a little early. It is the boss when coming into a 40 mph chicane from 120 mph in fourth gear. Just hit the brakes hard, it will do two perfect downshifts, help slow the car with engine, and leave you in 2nd gear ready to roll into the corner every time without any drama. No mistakes either or chance of an over rev.
 
#46 ·
In the grand scheme of things, Sport Plus is still kind of stone-age technology.

If I want technology to assist me with corner entries, I'll ride my MV Agusta. It has triple-adjustable suspension, programmable race ABS with rear wheel lift mitigation, programmable engine compression braking, an electronic quick shifter, and a very sweet wet multidisc slipper clutch, among its many other rider aides. All I have to do is snap off my downshifts, and then slam it at my turn-in point.

For the 981, which operates within a much lower performance envelope, I just appreciate the driver engagement and positive feedback afforded by the manual transmission and X73 Sport Suspension. Even if it had Sport Chrono, PDK, and every other expensive option, it would still not even be in the same performance zip code as my motorcycle.
 
#56 ·
Until you've experienced 50-60 millisecond shifting, you don't know what quick shifting is... :)
 
#66 · (Edited by Moderator)
If anyone needs the sport plus button I have a extra one I will sell. PM me if you want it.
Material property Electronic device Pen Office supplies Gadget
 
#68 ·
Pretty sure that chart of for a 987, there's no option for a suncoast button on 981 that I'm aware of. If I'm incorrect please post a link as I'd be interested
 
#69 ·
gremlin,

I made the chart myself and I'm looking for help to make sure it is accurate.

Thank you for clarification on the Sport Plus Suncoast option. For some reason I thought it was available for 981. I'll take it off.

I intended to put the chart in normal mode not thumbnail mode, but I am not able to figure out how.
 
#71 · (Edited by Moderator)
#72 ·
I have read that entire thread. I think that is likely too much to go through.

My real question is "Is the standard Sport button functionality equivalent to the Sport Chrono Sport button functionality in a 981 series?" I am only interested in throttle, PDK functionality. I understand Sport Chrono brings all the stop watch goodies, but I don't need that.
 
#75 ·
No. The Sport Plus button w/PDK causes the car to run up to redline on every shift, and uses extremely aggressive downshifts as well. It's really not practical for street use, but it's great on the track. I haven't really noticed a difference in throttle response, but it might be more aggressive as well. I run a Cobb Stage 1 tune, so the throttle response is already tightened up.

The Sport Plus button also automatically activates sport PASM (if you have it), and stiffens the transmission mounts (if you have PTV).

You also get Launch Control with Sport Plus. Hold the brake, press the throttle to the floor, wait for a couple secs for LC to activate, then release the brake for a slip-free max acceleration run. I haven't found a good strip of straight road to try this on.

The stop watch and lap timer functions are worthless. You're better off with Track Addict or Harry's Lap Timer on your phone.
 
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