
172
Shifting Gears
Selector lever positionsP – Parking lockfEngage parking lock only when vehicle is 
stationary.
If selector lever position P is flashing in the 
instrument cluster, the parking lock is not 
engaged. The vehicle can roll away.
Engage selector lever position P again by 
moving the selector lever out of R.
fEngage parking lock after applying the 
handbrake and release it before releasing the 
handbrake.
The ignition key can be withdrawn only in 
selector lever position P.R – Reverse gearfSelect only if car is stationary and the brake is 
applied.N – NeutralSelector lever position N must be selected for 
towing or in car washes, for example.
fOnly select the desired position for driving off 
(D, M or R) when the engine is idling and the 
brake pedal is depressed.
D - Automatic selection modeSelect position D for “normal” driving. The gears 
are shifted automatically according to the acceler-
ator 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 upward shifts, e.g. before bends, are 
prevented by swiftly releasing the accelerator 
pedal.
Depending on lateral acceleration, upward 
changes on bends are not made until the engine-
speed limit is reached.
Under braking, 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 accord-
ingly shifts down immediately by one or two gears 
(temporary change-down).
The transmission no longer selects 7th gear at 
high driving speeds.
Sport mode 
(“Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes)
“Sport” mode activated:
The PDK transmission switches to a sporty gear-
changing map and shortens the gear shifting 
times.
A sporty driving style is recognised more quickly 
and the gear-changing speeds are adapted to 
driving performance.
Deceleration downshifts are commenced earlier. 
Downshifts are already carried out in the case of 
slight decelerations, even at higher engine 
speeds. 

Shifting Gears
173
“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.
fPlease see the chapter “SPORT MODE” on 
Page 64.
Driving with Launch Control
Driving with Launch Control allows you to achieve 
maximum acceleration from a standing start. It is 
intended to provide you with a unique enjoyment of 
your vehicle under controlled circumstances and 
is not intended to be used in any location where it 
could be a nuisance to other persons.
 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 evasive action due to the 
rapid acceleration that this technology 
permits. 
fLaunch 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.
fUse Launch Control only if conditions permit it 
to be applied in a safe manner. fDo not use Launch Control if there is a possibi-
lity 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 only be used when the 
engine has reached operating temperature.
– “Sport Plus” mode must be switched on (light-
emitting diode in button is on and “SPORT 
PLUS” is displayed on the on-board computer).
1. Press the brake with your left foot.
2. Quickly press down the accelerator fully 
(kickdown activated) and hold.
The engine speed will flatten out at around 
6500 rpm.
“Launch Control active” is displayed on the 
on-board computer.3. Release the brake within a few seconds.
Remaining stationary for a long time with 
“Launch Control active” can lead to overload-
ing of the transmission.
In order to protect the transmission, 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.
Manual selection mode remains engaged:
– for cornering (depending on the lateral acceler-
ation) and overrunning,
– when the vehicle is stationary (e.g. at a 
junction).
The system leaves manual selection mode:
– automatically after approx. 8 seconds (unless 
cornering or overrunning),
– after driving off. 

Shifting Gears
175
Depending on driving speed and engine speed, 
you can shift up or down at any time.
Gear changes which would exceed the upper or 
lower engine speed limit are not executed by the 
controller.
There is no automatic upshift at the upper engine 
speed limit in selector lever position M. Upshift 
suppression can be cancelled by kickdown opera-
tion. If, for example, the engine speed limit is 
reached during overtaking and the automatic 
upshift does not occur, the transmission in this 
case shifts up as a result of kickdown operation.
fSelect an appropriately low gear on upward 
and downward slopes.
This will ensure optimum use of engine power 
and engine braking.
In order to shift up automatically at the upper 
engine speed limit:
fDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle point (kickdown).Failure of the selector lever display on the 
instrument cluster
The warning “Transmission emergency run” is 
displayed in red on the on-board computer.
–Effect: 
No selector lever position is displayed on the 
instrument cluster.
Vehicle can be driven only until it comes to a 
stop. 
Remedy:
It is not possible to continue driving. Immedi-
ately stop the vehicle in a suitable place. Have 
the vehicle towed to an authorized Porsche 
dealer.
StoppingfFor a brief stop (e.g. at a traffic light), leave the 
selector lever in drive position and hold the 
vehicle with the brake pedal.
fDo not hold the car on a slope using the 
accelerator. Use the brake pedal or the 
handbrake instead.
fBefore leaving the vehicle, always apply the 
handbrake and move the selector lever to 
position P.ParkingfGo easy on the accelerator!
fWhen parking or manoeuvring 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 wheelspin.Tow-starting, towingfPlease see the chapter “TOWING” on 
Page 280. 

Index
301
AABS (antilock brake system) .......................... 61
Warning light ........................................ 62
Adaptive sports seat..................................... 31
Adjusting Headlights.................................... 278
Advanced Airbag........................................... 45
Air conditioning compressor ................ 106, 108
Air conditioning system ............................... 106
Air distribution .................................... 106, 108
Air filter ...................................................... 222
Air intake.................................................... 109
Airbag
Advanced ............................................. 45
Cleaning covers .................................. 230
Deactivation device............................... 49
Function ............................................... 45
Maintenance ......................................... 48
Warning light .................................. 48, 56
Airbag Systems ............................................ 44
Alarm system ....................................... 23, 100
Deactivating passenger compartment 
monitoring ............................................ 24
Fault indication...................................... 24
Function indication................................ 23
Not active .......................................... 258
Alcantara, cleaning ..................................... 231
Antenna ............................................. 100, 225
Antifreeze .................................................. 207
Antifreeze in coolant................................... 207
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......................... 61
Warning light ........................................ 62
Ashtray ........................................................ 89
Assembly aids for wheel changes................. 249
Audio operation ...................................... 98, 99Auto-button, air conditioning.........................106
Automatic
Air conditioning system........................106
Anti-glare mirrors ..................................28
Car washes ........................................225
Door locking ...................................18, 22
Garage door .........................................78
Headlight adjustment.............................81
Speed control .........................86, 87, 116
Transmission ......................................170
Automatic locking retractor............................53
Automatic speed control..............................116
Indicator light ......................................116
Average consumption ..........................127, 157
Average speed ...................................127, 157BBackrest
Adjustment ...........................................30
Release ................................................30
Battery .......................................................261
Care...................................................262
Charge state.......................................261
Charging ............................................262
Putting vehicle into operation ...............263
Remote control ...................................266
Removing ...........................................264
Replacing ...........................................263
Warning light.......................................124
Winter operation..................................263
Before driving off ........................................ 8, 9
Belts ............................................................41
Cleaning .............................................231
Height adjustment .................................43Tensioner ............................................ 41
Warning light ........................................ 42
Blower adjustment...................................... 109
Blower speed adjustment............................ 107
Brake
Break in ............................................... 10
Pads ................................................... 60
Pedal................................................... 59
Wear ................................................... 60
Brake fluid
Changing ........................................... 213
Checking level .................................... 212
Level ................................................. 212
Warning light ...................................... 213
Brake light ................................................. 277
Brake light, additional ................................. 277
Brakes ...................................................... 212
Brake circuit division warning light ....... 213
Brake warning light............................. 125
Fluid .......................................... 212, 290
Fluid warning light............................... 213
Function .............................................. 58
New brake pads or linings ..................... 60
Pads ................................................... 10
Parking brake....................................... 57
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake 
(PCCB) .................................................. 4
Roller brake tester................................ 63
Test stand ........................................... 68
Break in brakes ............................................ 10
Break in hints ............................................... 10
Bulbs, replacing ......................................... 269 

Index
305
Temperature....................................... 116
Topping off engine oil .......................... 209
OIL Display and measurement of the 
engine oil level ............................................ 153
On-board computer ..................................... 126
Basic settings ............................. 127, 155
Calling on-board computer functions ..... 127
Functions and display possibilities ........ 127
General information ..................... 156, 157
Language versions .............................. 155
Operation, controls ............................. 126
Selecting a radio station ...................... 142
Setting the clock ................................. 156
Switching daytime driving lights on/off.. 156
Switching on navigation ....................... 142
Tire pressure warnings ........................ 149
Warnings and messages...................... 158
On-board literature .......................................... 2
Operating voice control ............................... 126
Operating your Porsche in other Countries .... 214
Orientation light ............................................ 71
Outside temperatur indicator ....................... 123
Oxygen sensor ........................................... 219
PPaint
Care .......................................... 224, 227
Data................................................... 285
ParkAssistant ............................................... 72
Parking
PDK transmission................................ 175
Parking aids ........................................... 72, 73
Parking brake ............................................... 57
Warning light ........................................ 58Parking light ...........................................80, 82
Particle filter ...............................................222
Passenger compartment monitoring ...............23
PDK transmission........................................170
Drive-Off Assistant ...............................169
Driving in winter ..................................175
Faults .................................................171
Kickdown............................................173
Launch Control....................................173
Manual selection mode ........................174
Reduced driving program.....................176
Selector lever emergency release ........280
Selector lever positions .......................172
Shifting gears on the steering wheel .....173
Sport mode ........................................172
Transmission fluid ...............................222
Warning messages ..............................176
Pen holder ....................................................92
Plastic parts ...............................................229
Care...................................................229
Platform lift.................................................254
Porsche Active Suspension Management 
(PASM) .........................................................69
Sport mode ..........................................69
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) .......4
Porsche Communication Management (PCM)...98
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) ....................170
Drive-Off Assistant ...............................169
Driving in winter ..................................175
Faults .................................................171
Kickdown............................................174
Launch Control....................................170
Manual selection mode ........................174
Reduced driving program.....................176Selector lever emergency release ....... 280
Selector lever position ................ 170, 172
Shifting gears on the steering wheel .... 173
Sport mode ....................................... 172
Transmission fluid.............................. 222
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) ............. 66
Information light ................................... 68
Porsche traction management (PTM) ............. 63
Power steering fluid level .................... 221, 290
Power windows .................................... 18, 181
Practical tips.............................................. 234
Putting vehicle into operation ...................... 263RRadiator fan ......................................... 78, 208
Radio reception............................................ 98
Rain sensor ........................................... 83, 85
Range on remaining fuel..................... 127, 157
Reading light................................................ 71
Rear hatch ................................................. 200
Rear lid ................................................. 93, 94
Rear seat backrests..................................... 37
Rear spoiler ................................................. 69
Automatic mode ................................... 70
Manual control ..................................... 70
Rear view mirrors ................................... 27, 28
Rear window defogger.......................... 29, 110
Rear window heating.................................. 110
Rear window wiper ....................................... 84
Recirculating-air button ............................... 107
Refuelling .................................................. 216
Relays ....................................................... 257
Remote control ............................................ 16
Readiness ............................................ 17 

306
Index Replacing battery ................................ 266
Standby funktion ................................... 17
Synchronization .................................... 17
Replacement key .......................................... 15
Replacing bulbs .......................................... 269
Replacing wiper blades............................... 223
Retractable rear spoiler................................. 69
Rims
Diameter ............................................ 245
Dimensions ................................ 287, 288
Rim width ........................................... 245
TPM sensors ...................................... 241
Roller blind ................................................. 200
Rollover Protection System............................ 56
Roof Transport System ............... 204, 291, 292
Running in .................................................... 10
SSafety belts .................................................. 41
Cleaning ............................................. 231
Height adjustment ................................. 43
Tensioner ............................................. 41
Warning light ........................................ 42
Safety compliance sticker ........................... 284
Sealing set ................................................. 252
Seals ......................................................... 229
Care .................................................. 229
Seat
Adaptive sports seat ............................. 31
Adjustment ........................................... 30
Comfort seat ........................................ 31
Heating ................................................ 35
Memory ............................................... 33
Position................................................ 30Sports bucket seat................................ 32
Sports seat .......................................... 31
Standard seat ....................................... 31
Ventilation............................................. 36
Seat memory
Operating with the remote control .......... 34
Operation with person buttons................ 33
Selector lever position......................... 112, 114
Selector lever position indicator, 
PDK transmission........................................ 171
Service ...................................................... 133
SET Basic setting on on-board computer ...... 155
Shift indicator ............................................. 119
Shifting gears
Drive-Off Assistant ............................... 169
Manual transmission............................ 168
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) ............ 170
Side light, front ........................................... 277
Side marker light .................................. 80, 276
Side vents .................................................. 109
Sliding glass roof ........................................ 200
Sliding roof................................................. 178
Snow chains ............................................... 243
Snow tires .................................................. 242
Socket ....................................................... 257
Spacers ..................................................... 255
Spare key..................................................... 15
Speed code letter ....................................... 244
Speed control ............................................... 87
Automatic ............................................. 86
Indicator light ...................................... 116
Speed limit ......................................... 129, 244
Speedometer ............................................. 118
Spoiler ......................................................... 69Sport Chrono Plus package
CHRONO stopwatch ............................136
Sport mode ..........................................64
Sport mode ..................................................68
PDK transmission ................................172
Switching on/off ....................................64
Switching PASM on/off ..........................69
Sport plus mode ...........................................64
Sport tires ......................................................4
Sports bucket seat........................................32
Sports chassis ............................................298
Sports exhaust system ..................................57
Sports seat ..................................................31
Sport-type running gear ...............................298
Stability management system ........................66
Standard seat ...............................................31
Starter switch ...............................................74
Starting ........................................................75
Starting engine .............................................77
Steam cleaners...........................................224
Steering column
Locking ................................................75
Steering lock ................................................74
Steering wheel
Adjustment ...........................................37
Function keys ........................................39
Heating ................................................38
Lock.....................................................75
Multi functional ......................................39
PDK shift buttons ................................170
Stopping engine ............................................78
Stopwatch ..................................................136
Storage options ............................................91
Storage possibilities......................................91