The new 911 Turbo S features a completely re-tuned chassis. The improved driving dynamics are a result of two key developments: first, the tyres on the front and rear axles differ not only in width but also in their wheel diameter, allowing the tyres to be more precisely optimised to the requirements of the drive and steering axles. The second significant development is the new-generation Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), with even faster and more precisely controlled dampers. In addition, the Porsche engineers at Weissach have for the first time developed an optional sports chassis, lowered by 10 mm, for the 911 Turbo S.
Tyres measuring 20 inches (size 255/35) sit on 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the front. At the rear, 21-inch tyres (size 315/30) on up to 12-inch wide wheels send most of the drive to the road. With the 911 Turbo S, Porsche is also introducing a new generation of forged wheels with an optimised centre lock.
The mixed tyres’ wider tyre belt dimensions and larger rolling circumference increase temperature stability and load capacity. Also, reduced local deformations in the tyre belt at the contact patch produce a more homogeneous distribution of pressure. Another development goal was to optimise wet handling. All in all, the new tyres are better equipped to meet the driving dynamics balance requirements of the new 911 Turbo S.
Tyre temperature indicator on board for the first time
Another new feature is the tyre temperature indicator, combined with the tyre pressure display. This new function helps drivers precisely adapt their driving style to the grip level of the tyres. At a low tyre temperature, the blue bars warn of reduced road grip. As the tyres warm up, the colour of the indicator changes to blue-white and then changes to white once the operating temperature has been reached and maximum possible grip is available. The system is deactivated and the bars are hidden when winter tyres are fitted.
New PASM shock absorbers with extended control
The controlled shock absorbers of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) have been completely revamped. The main stage valve and the pressure chambers for the rebound and compression stages are controlled within a few milliseconds by means of a high-precision control valve, which is continuously adjustable using magnetic force. This enables precise adjustment of the damping force at any time. In addition, the Porsche chassis specialists have developed a separate software control system for the new damper technology, which has been programmed specially for the 911 Turbo S. The system calculates and adjusts the damping several hundred times a second depending on the driving situation and for each wheel. Driver control functions are also integrated for special driving situations with drive and braking effects and for launch control starts.
When required, the new PASM offers significantly softer damping in both the compression and rebound stages than the previous system, which translates into greater comfort. At the same time, the new PASM can make the dampers act more firmly, resulting in improved roll stability, roadholding, steering behaviour, and possible cornering speeds.
New sports chassis lowered by 10 mm
For the first time, Porsche is offering an optional PASM sports chassis for the 911 Turbo S. This development was made possible mainly by the new, faster-switching active dampers. This has allowed the 911 to maintain its characteristic Porsche driving comfort despite lowering the chassis by 10 mm. The sports chassis includes shorter springs with more dynamic spring rates and a new set-up of the standard active roll compensation system PDCC. To guarantee maximum grip at all times, ‘helper’ springs are additionally mounted on the rear axle which ensure adequate spring pre-loading of the main springs for full rebound.
Enhanced ceramic brakes as standard
The dynamic characteristics of the 911 Turbo S are not just dictated by its power delivery, but also by its braking capacity. Parallel to the engine’s increase in output, the new flagship 911 also brakes with an improved PCCB ceramic brake system. It is the first 911 to be equipped with brake callipers with 10 pistons. The front brake discs now have a larger, 420 mm diameter. At the rear are four-piston brake callipers and 390 mm brake discs.
Optional lift function – soon with intelligent GPS control
A lift function is still available as an option. With the electrohydraulic system on the front axle, the front apron now benefits from 40 mm higher ground clearance. Porsche is planning to extend this function to turn it into a smart lift system, where the system will save a location’s GPS coordinates at the push of the button. If the driver approaches the location from the same direction again, the front of the car will lift up automatically.
The active rear axle steering has also been re-tuned. The steering ratio has been increased by six per cent for improved steering precision. This gives the sports car more agility, especially on twisty roads.
