
64
Operation, Safety
Sport ModeA sportier car set-up is obtained when Sport mode 
is switched on. Interventions by the Porsche 
control systems are intentionally shifted towards 
greater agility and driving performance:
– PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Manage-
ment) is automatically changed to Sport mode, 
resulting in a stiffer suspension setup.
– When Sport mode is active, the PDK transmis-
sion switches to a sporty gear-changing map 
and shortens the gear shifting times. Gear 
changes take place faster, but fuel consump-
tion is also increased.
PSM (Porsche Stability Management) control 
gives a sportier road-feel to the vehicle. PSM 
interventions take place later than in Normal 
mode. The driver can maneuver the vehicle 
with greater agility at its performance limits, 
without having to dispense with the assistance 
of PSM in emergency situations. This helps to 
achieve optimal lap times, particularly on race 
circuits with a dry road surface.
– The electronic accelerator pedal reacts 
sooner, and the engine is more responsive to 
throttle inputs. When Sport mode is switched 
on, this function is activated only after the 
driver has floored the accelerator pedal or 
released it briefly.– The rpm limiter characteristic is “harder”, i.e. 
the engine is immediately throttled when the 
performance limits are reached (only in manual 
selection mode for vehicles with PDK transmis-
sion).
fPlease observe the chapters on PSM, PASM 
and PDK.
Switching Sport mode on and offSwitching Sport mode on and off simultaneously 
activates and deactivates the Sport mode in 
PA S M .
If PASM Sport mode was activated with the PASM 
button, PASM remains active.
After the ignition is switched off, Sport mode is 
automatically reset to Normal mode.
SPORT button
fPress SPORT button A in the center console.
When Sport mode is switched on, the light-
emitting diode in the SPORT button is lit.
A sporty gear-changing map is enabled and the 
gear shifting times are shortened for the PDK 
transmission.
A sporty driving style is recognized more quickly 
and the gear-changing speeds are adapted to 
driving performance.
Deceleration downshifts are commenced earlier. 
Downshifts are made during slight decelerations, 
even at higher engine speeds.
fPlease see the chapter “SPORT MODE 
(“SPORT” AND “SPORT PLUS” MODES)” on 
Page 172. 

68
Operation, Safety
Sport modeA sportier car set-up is obtained when Sport or 
Sport Plus mode is switched on. 
PSM interventions are later than in Normal mode; 
the vehicle can be maneuverd with greater agility 
at its performance limits, without dispensing with 
the assistance of PSM in emergency situations. 
This helps to achieve optimal lap times, particu-
larly on race circuits and a dry road surface.
– The multifunctional light on the instrument 
panel lights up for a lamp check when the 
ignition is switched on.
– The light indicates a control operation by 
flashing, including when PSM is switched off 
(brake control in the event of one-sided wheel 
spin).
– In conjunction with a message on the on-board 
computer, the light indicates that PSM is 
switched off.
An acoustic signal also sounds.
– The light indicates a fault in conjunction with a 
message on the on-board computer.
PSM is out of order.fPlease have the fault remedied at an author-
ized Porsche dealer.
fPlease see the chapter “PUTTING VEHICLE 
INTO OPERATION” on Page 263.
TowingfPlease see the chapter “TOWING” on 
Page 280.Checks on test standsBrake tests 
Brake tests must be performed only on plate-type 
test stands or roller test stands.
The ignition must be switched off.
The following limit values must not be exceeded 
on roller test stands: 
– Testing speed 5 mph (8 km/h) 
– Test duration 20 seconds 
Handbrake tests
Handbrake tests on the roller test stand must be 
performed only with the ignition switched off.
PSM multifunctional light 

Operation, Safety
77
Starting Procedures fPlease see the chapter “IMMOBILIZER” on 
Page 15.
fPlease see the chapter “EMISSION CONTROL 
SYSTEM” on Page 218.
 Warning!
Serious injury or death may result if you are 
involved in a collision without having fas-
tened the safety belts. 
fFasten safety belts before driving away. Before starting the engine fApply the footbrake. 
fManual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever into neutral. 
The clutch pedal must be depressed fully 
before the starter will engage.
fIn vehicles with PDK transmission:
Move PDK selector lever to position P or N.
Temperature sensors on the engine automatically 
provide the correct fuel/air mixture required for 
starting.
Therefore, it is not necessary to depress the 
accelerator pedal while starting a cold or a 
warm engine. 
Starting the enginefTurn ignition key to ignition lock position 2.
fAs soon as the engine starts, release the igni-
tion key. 
The first operation of the starter is ended automat-
ically when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start, subsequent starter 
operations will not be ended automatically. 
If the engine fails to start after 10 or 15 seconds 
of cranking: 
fWait about 10 seconds before engaging the 
starter again. 
fWhen starting the engine, be ready to drive 
immediately. 
Drive vehicle at moderate speeds and avoid 
engine speeds above 4,200 rpm during the 
first 5 minutes.
fDo not let the engine idle to warm up.
 Danger!
Engine exhaust fumes have many compo-
nents which you can smell. They also contain 
carbon monoxide (CO), which is a colorless 
and odorless gas.
Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and even death if inhaled. 
fNever start or let the engine run in an en-
closed, unventilated area.
It is not recommended to sit in your car for pro-longed periods with the engine on and the car 
not moving.
An unattended vehicle with a running engine 
is potentially hazardous.
If warning lights should come on to indicate 
improper operation, they would go unno-
ticed. 
fNever leave the engine idling unattended.
Danger of fire. 
fDo not park or operate the vehicle in areas 
where the hot exhaust system may come in 
contact with dry grass, brush, fuel spill or oth-
er flammable material. 
fIf your car catches on fire for any reason, call 
the fire department. 
Do not endanger your life by attempting to put 
out the fire.
Risk of burn injury when standing near or 
coming into contact with the exhaust pipe.
The exhaust pipe is hot when the vehicle is running 
and remains hot for some time after the vehicle is 
turned off.
fTo prevent injury, make a point of noting where 
your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is, avoid placing 
your legs near the exhaust pipe, and closely 
supervise children around the vehicle when the 
exhaust pipe could be hot. 
A hot exhaust pipe can cause serious burns. 

Automatic air conditioning system, Heated rear window/Door mirror heating
107
Setting temperaturefPress button F upwards or downwards 
respectively.
To suit personal comfort, the interior temperature 
can be adjusted between 61 °F and 85 °F/16 °C 
and 29.5 °C. 
Recommendation: 72 °F/22 °C.
If “LO” or “HI” appears on the display, the system 
is operating at maximum cooling or heating pow-
er.
Automatic control is no longer active.
Note
If the preselected temperature is changed, the 
blower speed can increase automatically in auto-
matic mode.
The desired temperature is reached more quickly 
this way.
Sensors
To avoid affecting the performance of the air-con-
ditioning system:
fDo not cover the sun sensor on the instrument 
panel or the temperature sensor C.fPress button A (switch on or off).
The windshield is defogged or defrosted as 
quickly as possible.
Air flows to the windshield only.
The light-emitting diode in the button lights up.
AC OFF – switching compressor for air-
conditioning system on and offThe air-conditioning compressor switches off 
automatically at temperatures below approx. 
37 °F/3 °C and cannot be switched on, even 
manually.
Whenever outside temperatures exceed approx. 
37 °F/3 °C, the air-conditioning compressor is 
always switched on in automatic mode.
The compressor can be switched off to save fuel, 
but control comfort is then limited:
fPress AC OFF button D.
The compressor is switched off.
The light-emitting diode in the button lights up.
fIf the interior temperature is too high, switch 
compressor back on or press AUTO button.
To dry incoming air in damp weather, do not 
switch off the air-conditioning compressor. 
This prevents fogging of windows.fPress button K upwards or downwards respec-
tively.
The preset blower speed is increased or 
decreased.
The speed stages are indicated by a bar display.
If the button is pressed downwards at the lowest 
blower stage, the blower and automatic control 
are switched off. “OFF” will appear on the display 
field.
Pressing the button upwards or pressing the 
AUTO button switches the blower and automatic 
control back on again.
 Warning!
Risk of accident due to impaired vision, 
resulting in serious personal injury or death. 
In recirculating-air setting, the windows may 
fog up.
fOnly select recirculating-air setting for short 
periods.
fIf the windows fog up, switch recirculating-air 
setting off immediately by pressing the 
circulating-air button again and select the “Defrost windshield” function.
Defrosting the windshield
Adjusting blower speed
Recirculating-air setting 

Instruments, On-Board Computer, Warnings
123
A- Adjustment button for clock
B- Clock 
C- Outside temperature displayClock The clock is blanked out approximately four min-
utes after the ignition is switched off or when the 
car is locked.
Setting the time 
 Warning!
Risk of loss of control or accident, resulting 
in serious personal injury or death. 
fDo not reach through the steering-wheel spokes while driving. 
fSwitch ignition on.
Setting hours 
fPress adjustment button A for about one sec-
ond.
Hour display flashes. 
fTurn button in the appropriate direction:
to right – increase hours figure
to left – decrease hours figure.
Adjustment in hours – turn button briefly 
Fast adjustment (display cycles) – 
turn and hold button. 
Setting minutes 
fPress adjustment button again.
Minutes display flashes. 
fSet by rotating as in hours mode. Leaving adjustment mode 
Automatically after one minute or: 
fPress adjustment button again.
When adjustment mode is deliberately left by 
pressing the button, the time begins precisely to 
the second. 
Note
The time mode can be changed between 12h and 
24h in the on-board computer. 
Outside Temperature The outside temperature display C does not indi-
cate, if ice is on the road. 
Even if a temperature above 32 °F (0 °C) is dis-
played, ice may still form on the road, for instance 
on bridges or when the road passes through a 
heavily shaded area.  

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. 

226
Maintenance, Car Care Convertible top 
fNever remove snow and ice using a sharp 
edged object. 
Incorrect care and treatment can damage the con-
vertible top and cause leaks. Any repair work can 
be done by your authorized Porsche dealer. 
Important note 
No folding top is 100% leak proof.
Due to the constant changing of loads and strains 
to which a car is subject to when driving on roads, 
minor wind noise and seepage at joints between 
the top, body and doors on convertible tops can-
not be completely sealed in certain areas. There-
fore small leaks are considered normal for these 
models. In addition, your convertible top should 
not be washed in a car wash. The top may experi-
ence damage by the brushes or may experience 
leaks due to the high pressure water streams di-
rected in areas which would not encounter water 
in normal driving conditions. Cleaning 
Caution!
Risk of damage due to the cleaning jet of the 
high-pressure cleaning equipment or hot wax 
treatment.
fDo not clean the convertible top with high-
pressure cleaning equipment.
fDo not use the hot wax treatment.
Do not wash the convertible top each time the car 
is washed.
It is usually sufficient to spray or wash it with clean 
water. 
fBrush dust off the convertible top in the direc-
tion of the weave using a soft brush. 
fOnly if there is heavy dirt, wet the convertible 
top with lukewarm water and the Porsche 
Wash-Shampoo & convertible-top cleaner, us-
ing a sponge or soft brush, and rub gently. 
Rinse Wash-Shampoo & convertible-top clean-
er thoroughly off the convertible top with clean 
water.
fAfter washing it, treat the convertible-top cover 
at least once a year with the special Porsche 
convertible-top care product.
Do not allow the convertible-top care product 
to come into contact with paint or windows. If 
it does, remove immediately. fIf there is leakage in the convertible-top cover 
or at its seams or folds, the special Porsche 
convertible-top care product can be used. 
fPlease note the information on the container. 
fRemove bird droppings immediately since the 
acid in them will make the rubber swell and the 
convertible top will become leaky. 
fOpen convertible top only when it is completely 
dry, otherwise damp stains and scrub marks 
may occur which cannot be removed. 
fTry to remove spots from the convertible-top 
cover by rubbing carefully with a soft rubber 
sponge. 
Door lock fTo prevent the door lock from freezing during 
the cold season, the lock cylinder should be 
covered during a wash. 
fShould the lock freeze, use an ordinary de-icer. 
In many cases, a well warmed key can help. 
Never use excessive force.