997 Sport Chrono a gimmick?

[superfans]

What is troubling me is that this sport chrono extra (unlike the x51 option) does not boost the hp of the car. It just make the throttle response a bit more sensitive (and the suspension a bit tighter), right? so without it, the car should still runs the same way (except one may have to push the throttle further down)? Do you agree?

In addition to the increase of throttle reponse, etc., it also let you play with the lighting or door lock control. Seriously, what does that have to do with track driving?

[porscheboy16]

From what I have heard, the Sport Chrono is essential to the 997. Some owners say that it is a different beast w/ it.

[superfans]

I guess there must be a reason for making this option. What I don't get is that if the hp and torque are the same, how can a remapping of the throttle response make the car faster? I guess to make the throttle more sensitive, well that may be true.

[qlander]

I test drove the 997 with the sport chrono option and let me tell you that it is in fact a different beast. The throttle response is improved. More low end grunt. The suspension effect? wasn't as noticeable. Of course I passed on the car and bought the 88' turbo instead. Crazy? maybe, but happy.

[PorscheGuy79]

Im no expert but I thought the sport crono was a stop watch...

[PorscheGuy79]

Post deleted.

I need to learn how to read.

[Don Plumley]

From the Porsche(c) website:

More than a collection of the world’s most refined race-bred technologies, the Porsche 911 is a driving experience. The new Sport Chrono Package Plus option is an all-new integrated system providing simultaneous enhancement for engine, chassis and the optional Tiptronic S transmission. The results are even greater performance and pleasure from your Porsche.

Pressing the “Sport” button on the center console is all that’s required to begin exploiting the new 911’s generous reserves of power and agility in a more immediate manner. In Sport mode, the engine management system’s variable parameters are recalibrated to enhance engine response. A modified throttle map empowers your right foot with more progressive reaction to each tap of the accelerator. In higher gears, a rev-limiter works in tandem to offer additional protection for the engine under acceleration.

On vehicles with Tiptronic S transmission, automatic gearshifts also become faster and more dynamic. Lift off the throttle – even at high revs – and the system immediately shifts down to apply engine braking.

Unwanted upshifts in manual mode are also prevented, even as you approach the engine’s rev limit. The payoff? More secure and predictable handling, particularly in the corners.

While all of this is happening, PASM switches to a more rigid setup with firmer electronic damper settings for precise cornering, improved high-speed stability and tenacious road-holding traction. (Note: PASM, or Porsche Active Suspension Management, is optional on the 911 Carrera and standard on the 911 Carrera S).

Porsche Stability Management is also performance-optimized by raising the thresholds for triggering automatic intervention by the ABS and engine management systems, resulting in a more natural response, but less forgiving to lateral and longitudinal g-forces.

A digital/analog timer mounted on the center dashboard keeps score, measuring time as deftly as the 911 concept transcends it.

To help you gauge your 911’s performance in a more exacting manner, a digital/analog stopwatch tracks time from hours down to hundredths of a second. Driving times can be recorded for any stretch of road, and benchmark times can be defined.

Stopwatch functions are operated using a control stalk mounted to the side of the steering wheel, and data is continuously fed to an on-board computer integrated into the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system.

A second digital display located on the instrument cluster gives your eyes another option for viewing time information, while the PCM display lets you analyze detailed performance data at your leisure. The system records and displays the time and distance traveled on the current segment, number of segments completed with respective times and the fastest segment. Other useful features include a memory function controlled via the PCM system which can store a range of personal preferences.

As for the stopwatch, I believe you can set benchmark track times - heard this on TopGear.

[GaryR]

Originally posted by superfans
What is troubling me is that this sport chrono extra (unlike the x51 option) does not boost the hp of the car. It just make the throttle response a bit more sensitive (and the suspension a bit tighter), right? so without it, the car should still runs the same way (except one may have to push the throttle further down)? Do you agree?

In addition to the increase of throttle reponse, etc., it also let you play with the lighting or door lock control. Seriously, what does that have to do with track driving?

I put 8K on my 997S including time at Watkins Glen. The MAIN advantage to Sport mode is the relaxing of the limits imposed by PSM, i.e. two wheels must reach their traction limits before PSM kicks in vs. one wheel when not in Sport. PSM is always on, no way to turn it off. I found driving with the shocks in Sport mode and the throttle in "normal" mode was better for me on the track, YMMV. The clock on the dash is fairly useless, and hard to set when driving normally let alone on track. A great car on and off the track.

[Leland Pate]

Matthew,
I still think it is a watch...

What is it?