
Operation, Safety
37
Rear Seat BackrestsExtra storage space is gained by folding the rear 
seat backrests forward.
Folding forward
fPull lever forward and fold the backrest 
forward.
Folding back
fTilt the backrest back until you feel it click into 
place. When doing so, make sure that the seat 
belt is properly routed (see figure).Cabriolet
fDo not fold up the rear seat backrests with the 
windstop installed.
Steering Wheel Adjustment
 Warning!
Risk of accident.
The steering wheel may move further than 
desired if you attempt to adjust it when 
driving.
You can lose control of the vehicle, causing 
serious personal injury or death.
fDo not adjust the steering wheel when driving.
Adjusting steering wheel height and 
longitudinal direction1. Insert ignition key fully into ignition lock.
2. Push the locking lever downwards.
3. Adjust steering wheel to fit the chosen 
backrest angle and your seat position by 
moving the steering wheel up or down and 
longitudinally.
4. Swivel locking lever back until you feel it en-
gage. 
If necessary, move steering wheel slightly lon-
gitudinally. 

38
Operation, Safety
Steering Wheel HeatingThe steering wheel heating can be switched on 
and off with the button on the rear of the steering 
wheel when the ignition is switched on.
Switching on steering wheel heatingfPress button. 
The message “Steering wheel heating ON” 
is displayed on the on-board computer for 
2seconds.Switching off steering wheel heatingfPress button. 
The message “Steering wheel heating OFF” 
is displayed on the on-board computer for 
2seconds. 

Operation, Safety
39
Multi-Functional Steering Wheel
 Warning!
There is a danger of accident if you set or 
operate the on-board computer, radio, 
navigation system, telephone or other 
equipment when driving.
Operating these devices while driving could 
distract you from traffic and cause you to 
lose control of the vehicle.
fOperate these components while driving only if 
the traffic situation allows you to do so safely.
fCarry out any complicated operating or setting procedures only while the vehicle is stationary.
Depending on the equipment in your vehicle, you 
can use the function keys of the multi-functional 
steering wheel to operate the following Porsche 
communication systems:
–PCM
– Telephone
– CD-Audio, DVD-Audio
Readiness for operation of multi-
functional steering wheelThe multi-functional steering wheel is ready for 
operation when the ignition and PCM are switched 
on.
Operating the function keysfPlease read the separate PCM operating 
instructions before operating the function 
keys.
The rotary knobs at the top left and right of the 
steering wheel can also be pressed.
Turn volume control
Upwards – increase volume.
Downwards – decrease volume.
Press volume control
To switch volume/mute on and off.
Turn rotary knob
To select/mark function in the PCM within 
a menu. To do this, turn the rotary knob 
upward or downward.
Press rotary knob
To activate selected function.
Press screen button
To call the stored PCM function. 
The button can be assigned the desired 
function in the PCM.
Press Back button
To move back in the PCM menu.
Press Handset Pickup button
To accept a telphone call.
Press Handset Hangup button
To end or refuse a telephone call. 

44
Operation, Safety
Airbag SystemsThe airbags in combination with the safety belts 
make up a safety system which offers the driver 
and the passenger the greatest known protection 
from injuries in case of accident.
Your vehicle is equipped with a weight sensing sys-
tem for the front passenger's seat in accordance 
with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
208. 
Even if your vehicle is equipped with airbags, the 
safety belts must be worn at all times, 
because the front airbag system is only deployed 
by frontal collisions with an impact of sufficient se-
verity. 
Below the deployment threshold of the airbag sys-
tem, and during types of collisions which do not 
cause the actuation of the system, the safety belts 
provide the primary protection to the occupants 
when correctly worn. 
Therefore, all persons within the vehicle 
must wear safety belts at all times (in many 
states, state law requires the use of safety belts). 
fPlease see the chapter “SAFETY BELTS” on 
Page 41.
The front airbags are located under the padded 
steering wheel panel on the driver’s side and, on 
the passenger's side, in the dashboard.
The side airbags for the front seats are installed 
on the side in the seat backrests.
The head airbags are installed in the door linings.
 Danger!
To provide optimal occupant protection, air-
bags must inflate at very high speed. If you 
are not wearing your safety belt or are too 
close to the airbag when it is deployed, inflat-
ing airbags can result in serious personal in-
jury or death.
fMake sure there are no people, animals or ob-
jects between the driver or passenger and the 
area into which the airbag inflates.
fSit back as far from the dashboard or steering 
wheel as is practical, while still maintaining full 
vehicle control.
fAlways hold the steering wheel by the outer 
rim. Never rest your hands on the airbag panel.
fAlways fasten seat belts because triggering 
of the airbag system depends on the force and 
angle of impact.
fDo not transport heavy objects on or in front of 
the passenger’s seat. These could impair the 
function of the airbag, the seat belts, and 
weight sensing.
fDo not hang objects (e.g. jackets, coats, coat 
hangers) over the backrest.fAlways keep the lid of the door storage com-
partment closed. Objects must not protrude 
out of the door storage compartment.
fNo changes may be made to the wiring or 
components of the airbag system.
fDo not add any additional coverings or stickers 
to the steering wheel or in the area of the pas-
senger’s airbag, side airbags and head air-
bags. Doing so may adversely affect the func-
tioning of the airbag system or cause harm to 
the occupants if the airbag system should de-
ploy.
Do not use protective seat covers.
fDo not modify the seat coverings. Do not at-
tach additional cushions, protective coverings, 
or pillows to the passenger's seat. Do not affix 
things to the passenger's seat or cover it with 
other materials. Do not cover the back of the 
backrest. Do not make changes to the passen-
ger's seat and to the seat base frame.
fDo not undertake any wiring for electrical ac-
cessory equipment in the vicinity of the airbag 
wiring harnesses. Doing so may disable the air-
bag system or cause inadvertent inflation.
fIf the warning light comes on, the airbag sys-
tem should be repaired immediately by your 
authorized Porsche dealer.
fAlways keep feet in the footwell while driving. 
Do not put feet on the dashboard or the seat 
area. Do not lean against the inside of the door 
or outside the window while the vehicle is mov-
ing. 

Operation, Safety
45
fUsing accessories not approved by Porsche 
can cause the weight sensing system to be im-
paired. 
fDo not squeeze objects, such as the fire extin-
guisher, or first aid kit under the seat.
fOnly have seats removed and installed by an 
authorized Porsche dealer so that weight sens-
ing components will not be damaged.
fGive your passenger all of the information in 
this chapter.
Note
Airbag components (e.g. steering wheel, door lin-
ing, seats) may be disassembled only by an autho-
rized Porsche dealer.
When disposing of a used airbag unit, our safety 
instructions must be followed. These instructions 
can be obtained at any authorized Porsche dealer.
Function of the airbag systemAirbags are a supplemental safety system. Your 
primary protection comes from your safety belts.
The front airbags are triggered during a frontal col-
lision of sufficient force and direction.
In the event of a side impact of corresponding 
force, the side airbag on the impact side is 
triggered.
The inflation process generates the amount of gas 
required to fill the airbags at the necessary pres-
sure in fractions of a second.Airbags help to protect the head and upper body, 
while simultaneously damping the motion of the 
driver and passenger in the impact direction in the 
event of a frontal impact or side impact.
In order to help provide protection in severe colli-
sions which can cause death and serious injury, 
airbags must inflate extremely rapidly. Such high 
speed inflation has a negative but unavoidable 
side effect, which is that it can and does cause in-
juries, including facial and arm abrasions, bruising 
and broken bones. You can help minimize such in-
juries by always wearing your safety belts.
There are many types of accidents in which 
airbags are not expected to deploy. These include 
accidents where the airbags whould provide no 
benefit, such as a rear impact against your vehi-
cle. Other accidents where the airbags are de-
signed not to deploy are those where the risk of 
injury from the airbag deployment could exeed any 
protective benefits, such as in low speed acci-
dents or higher speed accidents where the vehicle 
decelerates over a longer time. Since airbag de-
ployment does not occur in all accidents, this fur-
ther emphasizes the need for you and your pas-
sengers to always wear safety belts.
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and 
diagnostic module. This module will record the 
use of the seat belt restraint system by the driver 
and front passenger when the airbags and/or belt 
tensioner work.
Advanced AirbagYour vehicle is equipped with a weight sensing sys-
tem for the passenger's seat in accordance with 
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208. 
Depending on the weight acting on the front pas-
senger's seat, the front passenger's airbag will au-
tomatically be switched on and off.
Depending on the angle and force of impact, the 
front passenger's airbag which is activated will be 
triggered during a collision.
Precondition for switching the front passenger's 
airbag on and off, depending on weight:
– Vehicles equipped with key-operated airbag 
deactivation device:
Switch position AUTO.
– Ignition key is inserted.
Improper handling of the weight sensing 
system can unintentionally impair switching 
the passenger's airbag off and on. 

Operation, Safety
61
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System)The ABS system represents a major contribution 
to the enhancement of active safety in your vehi-
cle. This system prevents the wheels from locking 
in a panic stop on almost all road surfaces. 
With the ABS system in your vehicle, the 
following areas are enhanced: 
Steering, vehicle remains steerable under all 
braking forces when ABS is engaged. 
Good directional control, no swerving caused 
by locking of wheels under braking conditions. 
Shorter stopping distance, stopping distances 
are usually reduced because controlled braking is 
maximized. 
Prevention of wheel lock up, no brake- induced 
sliding and thus no localized tire wear from emer-
gency braking. 
The crucial advantage of the ABS system over a 
conventional brake system is in the area of main-
taining directional control and maneuverability of 
the car in emergency situations. 
 Warning! 
The increased control that is provided should 
not induce you to take greater risks with your 
safety. The limits dictated by the laws of 
physics cannot be overcome, even with ABS.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate 
speed cannot be reduced, even by the ABS.
The driver bears the responsibility for all 
driving maneuvers. 
fAdapt your driving style to the prevailing road 
and weather conditions. 
fObey all traffic laws. 
Other vehicles not equipped with the ABS 
system may not be able to maintain control, 
especially on wet or poor road surfaces and 
thus may be more likely to impact you from 
behind. 
fTo minimize that risk, use your ABS system to 
increase your ability to maneuver to avoid dan-
gerous situations and not merely to try to stop in the shortest distance possible. 
Operation of the ABS systemA wheel speed sensor is mounted to each of the 
four wheels. If wheel lock-up of either of the front 
wheels or the rear wheels is sensed during brak-
ing, the brake pressure is adjusted automatically 
until the wheel no longer slips. 
If braking forces approach the wheel lock-up point 
for all wheels (panic braking) the ABS system will 
intervene to provide a rapid rythmic braking. The 
proper operation of ABS is perceived by the driver 
as a pulsating brake pedal in conjunction with au-
dible noise and perhaps some vibration.
fIf you experience these sensations while driv-
ing or a road surface with questionable trac-
tion, reduce vehicle speed appropriate for the 
prevailing road conditions.
fIf full braking should be necessary, press the 
brake pedal all the way down throughout the 
entire braking procedure, regardless of the pul-
sating pedal. Do not ease up on pressure ap-
plied to the pedal.
The functional readiness of all the main electrical 
components of the ABS is checked by an 
electronic monitoring system both before and 
while you drive.  

66
Operation, Safety
Porsche Stability Management 
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilization of 
the vehicle approaching the performance limits of 
driving maneuvers.
 Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or death.
The increased control that is provided should 
not induce you to take greater risks with your 
safety. The limits dictated by the laws of 
physics cannot be overcome, even with PSM.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate 
speed cannot be reduced, even by PSM.
The driver bears the responsibility for all 
driving maneuvers. 
fAdapt your driving style to the prevailing road 
and weather conditions. 
fObey all traffic laws. 
Sensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system 
and engine continuously measure:
–Speed
– Direction of travel (steering angle)
– Lateral acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
– Longitudinal accelerationPSM uses these values to determine the direction 
of travel indicated by the driver.
PSM intervenes and helps to correct the course if 
the actual direction of motion deviates from the 
chosen course (steering-wheel position):
It brakes individual wheels as needed. In addition, 
the engine power may be manipulated in order to 
stabilize the vehicle.
The events below inform the driver of PSM control 
operations and warn him/her to adapt his/her 
driving style to the road conditions:
– The multifunctional information light on the 
instrument panel flashes.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerates and steering-wheel 
forces are altered as the 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 rear wheel on the inside of the bend 
is braked and the engine power is reduced if 
necessary.
– If the rear of the vehicle swings out on a bend, 
the front wheel on the outside of the bend is 
braked.Additional braking functions– Pre-filling the brake system:
The brake system is prepared for possible 
subsequent emergency braking if the acceler-
ator 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:
In the event of an emergency braking operation 
where the pedal force is insufficient, a brake 
booster provides the braking pressure neces-
sary for maximum deceleration at all 4 wheels.Advantages of PSM– Best possible traction and lane-holding ability 
in all driving situations – even on road surfaces 
with varying friction. 

Operation, Safety
67
– The system compensates for undesired lateral 
vehicle reactions when the driver releases the 
accelerator pedal or brakes when cornering. 
This compensation functions up to the 
maximum lateral acceleration.
– PSM actively stabilizes the vehicle as required 
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.
– It improves braking function and shortens 
stopping distance in the event of emergency 
braking.Readiness for operationPSM is switched on automatically every time you 
start the engine.
PSM should always be switched on during 
“normal” driving.
However, it may be advantageous to switch off 
PSM temporarily in exceptional situations, for 
example:
– On a loose surface or in deep snow,
– When “rocking” the vehicle free and
– When using snow chains.
Switching off PSMfPress PSM OFF button. 
PSM is switched off after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button is lit up.
When the PSM is switched off, the PSM multi-
functional light on the instrument panel is lit 
and a message is shown on the on-board 
computer.
An acoustic signal also sounds.
Note
When PSM is switched off, the additional braking 
functions are deactivated. Automatic reactivation 
in emergency situations is linked to the PSM 
control.The following functions stabilize the vehicle in 
emergency situations, even with PSM switched 
off:
– When PSM is off, the vehicle is stabilized as 
soon as one of the two front wheels enters the 
ABS control range.
– When PSM is off and Sport mode is on, the 
vehicle is stabilized as soon as both front 
wheels enter the ABS control range.
One-sided spinning of the wheels is prevented, 
even with PSM switched off.
Switching PSM back onfPress PSM OFF button. 
PSM is switched on after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button and the 
PSM multifunctional light on the instrument 
panel go out.
The on-board computer shows a message.