Power Steering Plus - what does it add ?
- Thread starter mikeg
- Start date
No problem!
It's quite an interesting subject, and I was surprised to find PSP on the Tequipment list for the 718 GT4. I'm going to guess it's because the same engine is used in the GTS 4.0 so the option for ECU programming of PSP needed to be in place for that model. On the 981 series PSP was available for base/S/GTS, but not the GT4 or Spyder, which might support the ECU-across-models theory as Porsche doesn't appear to think it would be demanded on 718 Spyders/GT4s as it isn't a factory fit option.
Interestingly, it's the same part number for a 981 or a 718 so the software programming is probably the same across versions? There are obviously other hardware changes between 981 and 718 that would affect steering feel but the power assistance map is likely the same with the PSP option.
It's quite an interesting subject, and I was surprised to find PSP on the Tequipment list for the 718 GT4. I'm going to guess it's because the same engine is used in the GTS 4.0 so the option for ECU programming of PSP needed to be in place for that model. On the 981 series PSP was available for base/S/GTS, but not the GT4 or Spyder, which might support the ECU-across-models theory as Porsche doesn't appear to think it would be demanded on 718 Spyders/GT4s as it isn't a factory fit option.
Interestingly, it's the same part number for a 981 or a 718 so the software programming is probably the same across versions? There are obviously other hardware changes between 981 and 718 that would affect steering feel but the power assistance map is likely the same with the PSP option.
An old topic, but it's come up in discussion in another thread. The description of PSP on the Porsche Tequipment site is:
https://tequipment-finder.porsche.com/uk/982/718%20Cayman%20GT4/&ac=product&pr=A9FEED3888A9ED47C1257D8C004BD824
Power Steering Plus
Speed-sensitive power steering. Reduces the steering effort when manoeuvring and at low speeds.
Much clearer than the text on the configurator (which is still vague).
https://tequipment-finder.porsche.com/uk/982/718%20Cayman%20GT4/&ac=product&pr=A9FEED3888A9ED47C1257D8C004BD824
Power Steering Plus
Speed-sensitive power steering. Reduces the steering effort when manoeuvring and at low speeds.
Much clearer than the text on the configurator (which is still vague).
I have just had PSP retrofitted to my low-mileage 2016 718S. Low-speed manoeuvring is slightly easier but it is very subtle: in summary I would tick the box on ordering but not bother to retrofit. Steering wheel size would also to have something to do with it? (375mm vs 360mm). My Macan has PSP, and a small wheel.
Andrew
2016 Boxster S
2022 Macan GTS
Andrew
2016 Boxster S
2022 Macan GTS
Further to my last, and after a thousand miles, I must admit that I cannot tell the difference. There is the usual tyre scrub when manoeuvring at low speeds when the tyres (20" rims) are cold, but I do not notice any discernable difference in steering feel whatsoever, either at low speed or any other time. The steering was hardly an effort previously, so i would be just as happy without it (and £341 better off!).
Andrew
2016 Boxster S, full leather, Chrono, PASM, PTV, sports exhaust, etc etc, and a fabulous car.
Andrew
2016 Boxster S, full leather, Chrono, PASM, PTV, sports exhaust, etc etc, and a fabulous car.
My wife has arthritis in her shoulder and has put it on both our Porsches. I share the view that it’s hard to discern. However she had a loaner the month and it wasn’t fitted, she really struggled with it.
Since I last posted on this subject back in October 2021 the car I had with PSP has been replaced with a similar car without PSP, same tyres on both cars.
The newer car without PSP has if anything better steering feel at speed than the previous car. There is a little more effort required to turn the wheel at very low speed though.
It's my theory that the programming for the electric power steering has been improved over the years, and that now there is no longer any benefit at higher speeds. I also note that neither GT4 or Spyder models are offered with the option of PSP on the configurator; surely if it improved high speed feel then it would be offered or even fitted as standard to these models where driving pleasure is paramount. (PSP can be retrofitted to these cars by the dealer if required)
Brian Innes, whose opinion I value very highly, found that PSP improved steering feel at higher speed, and indeed Porsche used to make such a claim themselves in the description of PSP.
But it was 4/5 years ago that Brian made these comparisons. Porsche's description no longer includes any claim about high speed feel, and my experience leads my to believe that the only benefit now of PSP is a reduction in effort at very low speeds.
The newer car without PSP has if anything better steering feel at speed than the previous car. There is a little more effort required to turn the wheel at very low speed though.
It's my theory that the programming for the electric power steering has been improved over the years, and that now there is no longer any benefit at higher speeds. I also note that neither GT4 or Spyder models are offered with the option of PSP on the configurator; surely if it improved high speed feel then it would be offered or even fitted as standard to these models where driving pleasure is paramount. (PSP can be retrofitted to these cars by the dealer if required)
Brian Innes, whose opinion I value very highly, found that PSP improved steering feel at higher speed, and indeed Porsche used to make such a claim themselves in the description of PSP.
But it was 4/5 years ago that Brian made these comparisons. Porsche's description no longer includes any claim about high speed feel, and my experience leads my to believe that the only benefit now of PSP is a reduction in effort at very low speeds.
Brian_Innes
Member
Graham,
This is indeed an old, and well discussed topic, covering many posts of varying opinions some which occasionally mention my name as a keen proponent of PSP. Its good to be remebered.
I go along with the speculation that Porsche have continually developed PSP from the early days of the electric power steering as launched on the Cayman 981 evolution. At the time it was generally accepted by motoring scribes and Porsche 987 owners that ESP was a retrograde step, insofar as steering feel compared with the former hydraulic power steering system.
My comments praising PSP first came to light in 2017 when moving from the superb hydraulic steering equipped 987 Cayman R, to the 718 2.5t Cayman S fitted with the PSP evolution version of this option.
It is my opinion that back then, having driven two 718 Caymans back to back with similar suspension, wheels and tyres options, that PSP had further development tweaks added to the 2019 Cayman 2.5t GTS model. This latter evolution of PSP brought the steering feel at speed in line with that of the previous 987 hydraulic system.
It is my assumption, and it is only that, that this evolved version of PSP then became the normal standard of steering software applied to GT Cayman models.
Current PSP options now focus on low speed manoeuvring assistance as the primary benefit. This assumption is supported by the fact that Porsche modified the wording of the technical description of PSP on the configurator.
I still support the opinion that in the early evolutions of PSP, steering feel was also enhanced in concert with low speed assistance.
Brian
This is indeed an old, and well discussed topic, covering many posts of varying opinions some which occasionally mention my name as a keen proponent of PSP. Its good to be remebered.
I go along with the speculation that Porsche have continually developed PSP from the early days of the electric power steering as launched on the Cayman 981 evolution. At the time it was generally accepted by motoring scribes and Porsche 987 owners that ESP was a retrograde step, insofar as steering feel compared with the former hydraulic power steering system.
My comments praising PSP first came to light in 2017 when moving from the superb hydraulic steering equipped 987 Cayman R, to the 718 2.5t Cayman S fitted with the PSP evolution version of this option.
It is my opinion that back then, having driven two 718 Caymans back to back with similar suspension, wheels and tyres options, that PSP had further development tweaks added to the 2019 Cayman 2.5t GTS model. This latter evolution of PSP brought the steering feel at speed in line with that of the previous 987 hydraulic system.
It is my assumption, and it is only that, that this evolved version of PSP then became the normal standard of steering software applied to GT Cayman models.
Current PSP options now focus on low speed manoeuvring assistance as the primary benefit. This assumption is supported by the fact that Porsche modified the wording of the technical description of PSP on the configurator.
I still support the opinion that in the early evolutions of PSP, steering feel was also enhanced in concert with low speed assistance.
Brian
Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members
Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions
