Menu toggle

PASM Option - when "ride height lowered" actually means its raised !!!

mikeg

mikeg

Member
I've been looking at some GTS options. I found out today (from an OPC) that Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) incl. ride height lowered by 10mm actually means that the car is 10mm higher than a standard car without the option and not, as it implies, 10mm lower than standard.

If you read the option in detail it says For slightly added driving comfort and ground clearance, the standard "PASM sports suspension (20 mm lowered”) is replaced with "Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) incl. ride height lowered by 10 mm” for no extra charge. With this option the ride height of the GTS 4.0 models rises compared to the standard set-up.

A bit of reverse logic from whoever came up with that descripion ..........
 
Mike,

Yes, to the uninitiated the wording is a bit confusing, although it’s never troubled me. Maybe it would have been better just to say that the ride height is raised 10mm compared with the standard set-up?

I wonder what was the original German text and if it’s just a direct translation? The Germans generally describe things clearly and correctly!

Jeff

 
The way I interpreted that description when I first saw it was:

1) Ride height of standard car (ie non GTS) = x.

2) Ride height of standard GTS (ie with PASM) = x-20mm

3) Ride height of GTS with PASM and the optional no-cost lowered by 10mm = x-10mm (ie 10mm higher than standard GTS but 10mm lower than standard non-GTS.)

If I am correct, the GTS with PASM and the optional no-cost lowered by 10mm is the same as all the PASM-equipped Boxsters and Caymans were before the GTS came along, which was lowered by an additional 10mm if you choose the standard GTS setup.

 
You're spot on Brian, that's exactly how it is and it's the opposite of the 981 GTS where -10mm (PASM) was standard and -20mm (passive) was the Sports Chassis option.

So for the new 4.0 GTS you get the lowest/sportiest as standard with the option of something a little less sporty.

 
My PASM-equipped 981 (ie standard -10mm) bottoms out when full of luggage and driving with spirit on swoopy & bumpy roads (and gets extremely close to ferry ramps) so if I was lucky enough to be specifying my own GTS I would go with the optional -10mm not the standard -20mm. Nice to have a choice depending on how you plan to use it.

 
That's interesting Brian. My Cayman GTS stays clear of the bumpstops on moorland and dales roads and has given no concern on well loaded euro trips. Are the spring rates slightly harder on the Cayman compared to the Boxster? Must look it up.

 
Oh yes, we got caught out by this as well, when buying an already OPC-specced showroom car that has this option of only -10 mm. :ROFLMAO:

It is the exact opposite of speccing the PASM on the 981 and the 718 GTS 2.5 turbo back in the day.

But as it turns out the "comfy" version of -10 mm is perfectly OK, we do not miss the sporty -20 mm that we had in the previous 718 GTS 2.5 turbo.

The sport PASM with -20 mm in our previous Cayman was quite bouncy for road use in the stiffer mode, so we never used that setting.

 
If I were to spec a GTS I too would opt for the 10mm PASM over SPASM. We have a huge access ramp at work and I was concerned the Cayman would scrape and bottom out with PASM. Turns out it clears nicely but wouldn't want to take the risk with it lowered further yet if the UK wasn't plagued by ridiculous sized speed humps and was paved with decent smooth tarmac, I'd probably opt for the SPASM.

Also, having had my car reviewed by James Martin of JayEmm on cars youtube, he said the PASM was a much more pleasant experience over the SPASM of the GTS 4.0 he recently reviewed and would rather have that suspension set up than the SPASM on a daily.

Track use however, is a different matter.

 
Wheel Alignment ... whatever you have it`s worth noting that settings may be different for the various options

I did not know exactly what I had on my CS, visually it appeared to be the lowest but this is the setting that was used ...

PASM +/- 0mm (l - no 477)

 
I had my 718GTS 2.5 SPASM aligned, after Porsche told me it needed doing and quoted a gazzionion pounds. The machine used, had every variant of 718 listed and both types of GTS PASM. We didn’t look to see if the values were different for each version, but I guess they’re all listed separately for a reason.

It transpired, that all tyres were worn perfectly evenly and no adjustments were required. Everything was well in the green, which I was expecting really, as the car drove / stopped dead straight :)

I was asked for over £1200, but just needed two front tyres for under £400.

 
My new GTS with the standard ride height and in non sport mode is defnitely firmer than my old 981 GTS, and not too different from my 981 GT4, but the whole car feels different so not a great change really.

Not sure I would go with the -10mm option without trying one. However only 200 miles so far on mostly B roads so a bit early for real comparisons.

 
We had a X73 981 GTS, which was by far the lowest riding. That one was a tiny bit to firm to fly down the bumpy B-Roads near me.

Very good though and always enjoyed.

The -20mm SPASM on the 718GTS 2.5 was lower quality kit than X73, but was more compliant.

The firm mode though was never used, as it essentially locked off the dampers. They made the whole body deflect violently upward over bumps. Track only mode.

The GTS 4.0 -10mm feels road perfection! Both modes feel sensible and usable on bumpy roads. It actually feels altogether better than the 2.5!

I’ve driven a GT4 and that was different again. Very firm, which works with the rigidly mounted rose joints.

Just a different animal altogether really.

Such a mega car though!

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top