[987.2]

huh. I'd assumed there was a butterfly valve in the exhaust system somewhere. Most sports cars do that these days, to get more power. You need more airflow for more power, but cars won't pass emissions (noise) regulations with the more free flowing exhaust. Since noise tests only apply at idle and low speeds, the workaround is a butterfly valve, usu. it would open at around 3500 rpm.

But also many cars with this feature allow the driver to "manually" choose to open it at lower rpm, as part of a sport mode. I figured that's what the Cayman was doing but I guess not!

I suppose if the valve timing could be altered that would also create more exhaust noise. Again though, it doesn't sound like that is what sport mode does. AFAIK these cars do not have VVT.

 

[987.2]

It does nothing to increase performance and does nothing you can't do with a more aggressive right foot.

Simply not needing a more aggressive right foot is an increase in performance, yes? ie, if the car is more sensitive I would say that it performs better.

Of course sport mode does more than just increase throttle response, but I guess we're strictly talking about that one aspect here.

 

[987.2]

Only if you have PSE. Not the standard exhaust. And if you have PSE, you KNOW you have PSE because you have the little OO tailpipe button on the dash. Without that, you don't have any flaps on the exhaust.

Yup, sorry, I was confusing the sport mode button with the exhaust button. When I hit the sport button, my exhaust does not sound louder to my ear. Only when I hit the exhaust button does the growling begin.