194
Driving and Driving Safety
Display for selector-lever position and
engaged gearWhen the engine is running, the display shows the
selector-lever position and engaged gear.
If the selector lever is between two positions
Effects:
– The corresponding selector-lever position on the instrument panel flashes and the warning
“Press brake” or “Selector not engaged”
appears on the multi-function display. Action required:
f
Operate the footbrake and engage the
selector lever properly.
If the selector lever is inadvertently changed
from P or N into a gear (due to a fault or improper
use) without pressing the brake, this gear will also
"flash" on the display and no power transmission
will occur. To drive off, press the brake and move
the selector lever from P or N into the required
gear again.
Selector-lever position R or D flashes in the
instrument panel
Effects:
– No power transmission occurs. The selector lever was engaged without
pressing the footbrake or only the reduced
driving program is available when the message
“Gearbox emergency operation” appears.
Action required:
f Press the footbrake and engage the required
selector-lever position again from P or N.
If reverse gear fails:
f Please see the chapter “REDUCED DRIVING
PROGRAM” on page 199. If there is a fault in the transmission:
The “Gearbox emergency operation” warning in
yellow or red or the warning “Gearbox
temperature too high” appears on the multi-
function display.
f
Please see the chapter “REDUCED DRIVING
PROGRAM” on page 199.
f Have the fault corrected immediately.
Please contact a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend that you have an authorized
Porsche dealer to do this work as they have
trained workshop personnel and the necessary
parts and tools.
Driving and Driving Safety
195
Selector-Lever PositionsP – Parking lockfEngage parking lock only when the vehicle is
stationary.
If selector-lever position P is flashing in the
instrument panel, the parking lock is not
engaged. The vehicle can roll away.
Shift again from selector-lever position R to P.
f Activate the electric parking brake and then
engage the parking lock.
If selector-lever position P is flashing in the
instrument panel, the parking lock is not
engaged. The vehicle can roll away.
Shift again from selector-lever position R to P.
The ignition key can be removed only in selector-
lever position P.R – Reverse gearf Select only if the vehicl e is stationary and the
brake is applied.N – Neutral (idling)Selector-lever position N must be selected for
towing or in car washes, for example.
f Only select the desired position for driving off
(D , M or R) when the engine is idling and the
brake pedal is pressed.
D – Automatic selection modeSelect position D for “normal” driving. The gears
are shifted automatically according to the
accelerator position and speed.
Depending on the way the vehicle is driven
(economical, comfortable or sporty driving style)
and on the resistance (e.g. uphill), the gear-
changing points are shifted towards higher or
lower engine-speed ranges.
The accelerator position, driving speed, engine
speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and
the road profile all have an influence on the gear-
changing characteristic.
Unwanted upshifts, e.g. when entering
bends, are prevented by swiftly releasing the
accelerator pedal.
Depending on lateral acceleration, upshifts on
bends are not made until the engine-speed limit
is reached.
When you brake, and depending on the amount of
deceleration, the PDK transmission changes down
earlier.
For subsequent cornering, the right gear is
engaged when pressure is applied to the brakes
before the bend. The bend is taken in the right
gear, and when you accelerate out of the bend you
do not have to change down.
With a sporty driving style, downshifts are already
initiated when the brake pedal is touched lightly.
This further enhances a dynamic driving style. The PDK transmission temporarily changes to the
sportiest gear-changing map, i.e. to the highest
possible gear-changing points, if the accelerator
pedal is pressed quickly. The transmission
accordingly shifts down
immediately by one or
two gears (temporary change-down).
The transmission no longer selects 7th gear
at high driving speeds.
“Sport” and “Sport Plus” Mode “Sport” mode activated:
The PDK transmission switches to a sporty gear-
changing map and shortens the shifting times.
A sporty driving style is recognized more quickly
and the gear-changing speeds are adapted to
driving performance.
Deceleration downshifts are initiated earlier.
Downshifts occur for small decelerations,
even at higher revs.
“Sport Plus” mode activated:
In “Sport Plus” mode, the PDK transmission
changes to a shift program designed for driving
on race circuits. 7th gear is not selected.
The gear-changing performance is enhanced
significantly again compared with “Sport” mode.
f Please see the chapter ““SPORT” AND “SPORT
PLUS” MODE” on page 212.
196
Driving and Driving Safety
Driving off with Launch Control
Launch Control allows you to achieve maximum
acceleration from standstill.
Warning!
There is a risk of endangering other road
users if you use this Control in an improper
location or in a situation where other persons
might need to take evas ive action due to the
rapid acceleration that this technology
permits.
Launch Control is designed to be used in a
controlled environment on closed circuit driving
courses where no vehicle cross traffic or
pedestrian traffic is present.
f Use Launch Control only if conditions permit it
to be applied in a safe manner.
f Do not use Launch Control if there is a
possibility it could endanger other persons.
Such a possibility exists if you cannot see that
you have a clear road with no possibility of
cross traffic in your intended direction of driving.
Caution!
Stress on components increases
dramatically when starting with maximum
acceleration in comparison with “normal”
driving off. Use of Launch Control will
inevitably reduce the life of the engaged
engine and transmission components.
Preconditions:
– Launch Control should on ly be used when the
engine has reached operating temperature.
– “Sport Plus” mode must be switched on (indicator light on the button comes on and
“SPORT PLUS” appears on the multi-function
display).
1. Press the brake with your left foot.
2. Quickly press the accelerator down fully (kickdown activated) and hold it.
The engine speed will level off at
around 5,000 rpm on the Panamera S,
around 5,500 rpm on the Panamera 4S,
around 4,550 rpm on the Panamera Turbo.
“Launch Control active” appears on the
multi-function display.
3. Release the brake within a few seconds. Remaining stationary for a long time with
“Launch Control active” can lead to
overloading of the transmission.
To protect the transmi ssion, the engine power
is then reduced and the “Launch Control
active” process is cancelled. Shifting gears on the steering wheel
With the shift buttons on the steering wheel, you
can change temporarily from automatic selection
mode D to manual mode
M.
For example:
– Shifting down before bends and on entering built-up areas.
– Shifting down on downward slopes (engine braking).
– Shifting down for brief spurts of acceleration.
The manual selection mode remains engaged:
– For cornering (depending on the lateral acceleration) and overrunning.
– When the vehicle is stationary (e.g. at a junction).
The system leaves manual selection mode:
– automatically after around 8 seconds (unless cornering or overrunning),
– after driving off.
Driving and Driving Safety
199
StoppingfFor a brief stop, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the
selector lever in drive position and hold the
vehicle with the brake pedal.
f Do not hold the vehicle on a slope using the
accelerator. Use the brake pedal or the
electric parking brake instead.
f Before leaving the vehicle, always apply the
electric parking brake and move the selector
lever to position P.Parkingf Go easy on the accelerator!
f When parking or maneuvering in a small
space, control the speed by careful use of
the footbrake.Driving in winterIn wintry road conditions, it is advisable to take
steep inclines in manual mode. This prevents gear
changes occurring that could cause wheel spin.Tow-starting, towingfPlease see the chapter “TOWING” on
page 316.
Reduced driving programIf there is a fault in the transmission
– Depending on priority, either the “Gearbox
emergency operation” warning in yellow or red
or the warning “Gearbox temperature too high”
will appear on the multi-function display.
“Gearbox emergency operation” warning in
yellow
Effects:
– Restricted gearshift comfort, reverse gear may not function.
Action required:
f Have the fault corrected immediately.
Please contact a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend that you have an authorized
Porsche dealer to do this work as they have
trained workshop personnel and the necessary
parts and tools. “Gearbox emergency operation” warning in red
Effect:
– Vehicle can be driven
only until it comes to
astop.
Action required:
f It is not possible to continue driving. Stop the
vehicle immediately in a suitable place. Have
the vehicle towed to a qualified specialist
workshop.
f Please see the chapter “TOWING” on
page 316.
Warning “Gearbox temperature too high”
–Effects: “Warning jerks” can be fe lt when driving off and
the engine power may be restricted.
Action required:
Do not hold the vehicle with the accelerator on
a hill, for example. Hold the vehicle with the
brake. Reduce engine load. Stop the vehicle in
a suitable place if possib le. Allow the engine to
run in selector-lever position P or N until the
warning disappears.
Driving and Driving Safety
201
Transmission and Chassis Control SystemsYour Porsche features a complex integrated system made up of all control systems acting in power transmission and in the chassis.
All control systems are networked with the aim of combining the best possible driving performance with maximum safety.
The following systems are invo lved, depending on equipment:
System/designation Scope
PTM
Porsche Traction Management – Active all-wheel drive with electronically
regulated map-controlled multiple-disc clutch
PSM
Porsche Stability Management – Driving stability control
– Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
– Brake system prefilling
– Brake booster (Hydraulic Brake Assist)
– Automatic brake differential (ABD)
– Anti-slip control (ASR)
– Engine drag torque control (MSR)
– HOLD function: standstill management
Air suspension
with level control and height adjustment – Full load-bearing air-spring stru
ts with integrated shock absorbers
– Height adjustment with Low Level setting in “S port Plus” mode and High Level setting for
maneuvering
PAS M
Porsche Active Suspension Management – Shock absorber system with adaptive, continuous shock absorber control
PDCC
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control – Active chassis control system to stabilise
roll tendency of vehicle body when driving
– Controlled rear differential lock
202
Driving and Driving Safety
Porsche Traction Management
(PTM)Porsche Traction Management is an active all-
wheel control system designed to influence
longitudinal and lateral dynamics. It is closely
linked with the Porsche Stability Management
(PSM) system.
The permanently driven rear axle enhances the
vehicle’s sporty features. Drive power is
distributed fully variably to the front axle,
depending on the driving situation.
In conjunction with PSM, the PTM system ensures
perfect distribution of power among all four
wheels in every driving situation. This improves
traction and driving stabil ity and ensures the same
high level of agility and dynamic response.
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of PTM and four-wheel
drive, it is still the driver’s responsibility to adapt
his driving style and maneuvers in line with road
and weather conditions, as well as the traffic
situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not
induce you to take greate r risks with your safety.
The limits set by the physics of driving cannot be
overcome, even with PTM or four-wheel drive.
Risk of accidents due to inappropriate speed
cannot be reduced by PTM or four-wheel drive. Advantages of PTM
– Clearly perceptible improvement in traction,
driving stability and steering ability of the
vehicle.
– Vehicle is more manageable when driven at its performance limits.
– Improved straight-ahead tracking and greater stability.
– More sporty vehicle setup while making full use of all the advantages of four-wheel drive.
– ASR and ABD further enhance traction for all wheels.
For information on ASR and ABD:
f Please see the chapter “PORSCHE STABILITY
MANAGEMENT (PSM)” on page 202.
Porsche Stability Management
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilisation of
the vehicle during extreme driving maneuvers.
It operates together with the Porsche Traction
Management (PTM) system provided the vehicle is
fitted with the relevant equipment.
PSM makes use of both the ABD and ASR
systems, as well as the known functions of the
anti-lock brake system (ABS) and engine drag
torque control system (MSR).
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of PSM, it is still the
driver’s responsibility to adapt his driving style and
maneuvers in line with road and weather
conditions, as well as the traffic situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not
induce you to take greater risks with your safety.
The limits set by the physics of driving cannot be
overcome, even with PSM.
Risk of accidents due to inappropriate speed
cannot be reduced by PSM.
Driving and Driving Safety
203
Advantages of PSM
– Best possible traction and lane-holding ability
in all driving situations – even on road surfaces
with varying friction.
– The system compensates for undesired vehicle reactions (Ferraria effect) when the
driver releases the accelerator pedal or brakes
on bends. This compensation functions up to
the maximum lateral acceleration.
– PSM actively stabilises the vehicle if necessary during dynamic driving maneuvers (e.g. rapid
steering movements, during lane changes, or
on alternating bends).
– Improved braking stability on bends and on different or varying road surfaces.
– Improved brake function and shorter stopping distance in the event of emergency braking. Readiness for operation
PSM is switched on automatically every time you
start the engine.
Function
Sensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system
and engine continuously measure:
–Speed
– Direction of travel (steering angle)
– Lateral acceleration
– Axial acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
PSM uses these values to determine the direction
of travel desired by the driver.
PSM intervenes and corrects the course if the
actual direction of motion deviates from the
desired course (steering-wheel position):
It brakes individual wheels as required.
If necessary, PSM also influences the engine
power or the gear-changing characteristic of
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) in order to
stabilise the vehicle. The events below inform the driver of PSM control
operations and warn him to adapt his driving style
to the road conditions:
– PSM warning light on the instrument panel
flashes.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerates and steering-wheel forces are altered as PSM controls the brakes.
– Reduced engine power.
– The brake pedal pulsates and its position is changed during braking.
In order to achieve full vehicle deceleration,
foot pressure must be increased after the
brake pedal has begun vibrating.
Examples of PSM control operations
– If the “front wheels of the vehicle drift” on
a bend, the engine power is reduced and the
rear wheel on the inside of the bend is braked
if necessary.
– If the rear of the vehicle swings out on a bend, the front wheel on the outside of the bend is
braked.
204
Driving and Driving Safety
– Brake system prefilling:
The brake system is prepared for possible
subsequent emergency braking if the
accelerator pedal is released suddenly and
quickly. The brake system is prefilled and the
brake pads are already applied gently to the
brake discs.
– Brake booster (Hydraulic Brake Assist): In the event of an emergency braking operation
where the pedal force is insufficient, a brake
booster provides the braking pressure
necessary for maximum deceleration at all
4wheels.
Combined operation of PSM and PTM
In order to ensure optimum stabilisation of the
vehicle, torque distribution between the front and
rear wheels is adapted and the rear differential
lock is controlled on vehicles with PDCC.
In the event of a PTM fault, PSM cannot be
switched off.
If PSM is switched off, it is switched on again
automatically. Automatic brake differential (ABD)
The ABD system controls the front and rear axles
separately. If one wheel of an axle starts to spin,
it is braked so that the other wheel on the same
axle can be driven.
ABD recognizes different driving states, and it
features control strategies adapted to these
states. In situations in which little propulsive power
is required, such as when the vehicle moves off on
a level gravel surface, traction control already
becomes active at low engine speeds. If a large
amount of propulsive power is required, e.g. when
driving off on an uph
ill slope or for rapid
acceleration, the ABD system is adapted
accordingly.
Anti-slip control (ASR)
The anti-slip control system prevents the wheels
from spinning by adjusting the engine power,
thereby ensuring good lane-holding ability and
stable handling.
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
In conditions of excessive slip, the engine
drag torque control system prevents all driven
wheels from locking up when the vehicle is
overrunning. This is also the case for downshifts
on a slippery road.
Switching off PSMf Press button for at least 1 second.
PSM is switched off after a short delay.
The indicator light on the button and the
PSM OFF warning light on the instrument
panel light up.
The warning “PSM off” appears on the
multi-function display in the instrument panel.