Power Steering Plus - what does it add ?
- Thread starter mikeg
- Start date
Mike,
My understanding is that it’s just a software upgrade which provides more assistance at parking speeds but Brian Innes - who optioned it on his Caymans - reckoned that it also provided enhanced sensitivity at higher speeds as well.
Apparently it’s possible to activate the function via PIWIS, requiring a visit to a Porsche Dealer.
Jeff
My understanding is that it’s just a software upgrade which provides more assistance at parking speeds but Brian Innes - who optioned it on his Caymans - reckoned that it also provided enhanced sensitivity at higher speeds as well.
Apparently it’s possible to activate the function via PIWIS, requiring a visit to a Porsche Dealer.
Jeff
My understanding is that it provides additional assistance at low speeds, up to about 25mph. I do not think it has any effect above that speed. I have had it on a couple of cars, including my current GTS, and quite like it. I would probably spec it if I was ordering a new car.
Kaiser981
PCGB Member
This is the online blurb from Suncoast Porsche
"Standard Power steering Plus is a speed sensitive power steering system. At high speeds, the steering firms up and responds with greater precision, while steering comfort remains outstanding. At low speeds, the steering ratio adjusts for easy maneuvering and parking."
"Standard Power steering Plus is a speed sensitive power steering system. At high speeds, the steering firms up and responds with greater precision, while steering comfort remains outstanding. At low speeds, the steering ratio adjusts for easy maneuvering and parking."
Kaiser981 said:
Interesting, isn't it? I've been trawling the various forums for opinions and there seemed to be a view on an earlier post here that at higher speed there's a subtle improvement in sensitivity. Obvioulsy, there's reduced effort at parking speeds but I really don't need that. My question really is: over the threshold speed (25mph or whatever it is), does the software follow the same settings as standard or is there something special - for want of a better word - about PSP? I might invest in an upgrade if so, but not for parking wheel-twirling.
Graeme,
As noted in my previous post, you may want to PM Brian_Innes for a comprehensive appraisal of PSP. As I recall he optioned it on his Caymans and was very enthusiastic about it, although he’s now moved on to a Macan Turbo. I don’t know if it’s an option on that car but if it is he’ll have specified it.
There’s been a very recent discussion somewhere on the forum about getting it activated but I can’t find it … useless SEARCH facility!
Jeff
As noted in my previous post, you may want to PM Brian_Innes for a comprehensive appraisal of PSP. As I recall he optioned it on his Caymans and was very enthusiastic about it, although he’s now moved on to a Macan Turbo. I don’t know if it’s an option on that car but if it is he’ll have specified it.
There’s been a very recent discussion somewhere on the forum about getting it activated but I can’t find it … useless SEARCH facility!
Jeff
Just a note that from what I've seen across a few forums Brian is the only person who has ever claimed there's a 'special' higher speed with PSP. Everybody else who's ever had or tried the system claims it lightens the steering at low speed for parking and reduces it to "normal" once you get moving. It might be worth asking Brian if he compared similar cars back-to-back with/without the system or to clarify how he came to his conclusion.
This is what the UK configurator says: "Speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system. Also reduces steering effort during manoeuvring and at low speeds".
So it's not really very clear. It might be worth asking your OPC to contact Porsche to see what they say about it?
This is what the UK configurator says: "Speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system. Also reduces steering effort during manoeuvring and at low speeds".
So it's not really very clear. It might be worth asking your OPC to contact Porsche to see what they say about it?
Thanks Twinfan. Good points. Interesting use of 'also' in the Porsche description. That seems to suggest it does more than lighten steering at parking speeds. Then again, it was probably written by someone other than an engineer so perhaps we probably shouldn't read into it.
I didn’t order it on mine and to be honest I’m glad I didn’t. There’s no need for it unless you do lots of parking in tight spaces. The standard steering is nice as it is. You can have it coded at the dealership And it’s listed as an accessory on the Porsche website with a cost of £341
https://content3.eu.porsche.com/prod/pag/tequipment/TeqFinder.nsf/TeqFinder?ReadForm&ba=718&ma=PCGB%20(RL)&sp=1&bt=982&mo=718%20Cayman&co=30&ac=product&pr=A9FEED3888A9ED47C1257D8C004BD824
https://content3.eu.porsche.com/prod/pag/tequipment/TeqFinder.nsf/TeqFinder?ReadForm&ba=718&ma=PCGB%20(RL)&sp=1&bt=982&mo=718%20Cayman&co=30&ac=product&pr=A9FEED3888A9ED47C1257D8C004BD824
Here's what the German configurator says about PSP:
"Servolenkung mit zusätzlicher Verringerung der Lenkkräfte bei niedrigen Geschwindigkeiten, z. B. beim Rangieren und Einparken"
Google translate gives this in English as:
"Power steering with additional reduction in steering forces at low speeds, e.g. B. when maneuvering and parking"
So to me that seems much less ambiguous than the English configurator text and therefore PSP only affects low speed steering effort.
"Servolenkung mit zusätzlicher Verringerung der Lenkkräfte bei niedrigen Geschwindigkeiten, z. B. beim Rangieren und Einparken"
Google translate gives this in English as:
"Power steering with additional reduction in steering forces at low speeds, e.g. B. when maneuvering and parking"
So to me that seems much less ambiguous than the English configurator text and therefore PSP only affects low speed steering effort.
Graeme,
I have already replied at length personally to your PM requesting my opinion on PSP.
I know I am ploughing a lone furrow here with my opinions on PSP as an enhancement to steering feel at higher speeds on some Cayman models. It is interesting to note that when I first applied PSP as an option on my 2016 718CS the configurator description included the statement "PSP provides additional assistance when parking with an enhanced steering feel at higher road speeds".
I note that the latter part of the configurator statement has now been edited out of the PSP description. Reference is now only made to assistance at parking and manoeuvring speeds on the English version of the configurator.
My opinion is that Porsche continually developed the EPS systems on its sports car models in response to criticisms of the early versions of ESP, particularly on 981 models. When the 718 Caymans were launched an improvement in the road feel of ESP was clearly evident, with a further enhancement available by selecting PSP on the option list. I recall remarking at the time how my 2016 718 CS steering with PSP was almost as good as my previous Cayman R, except for the lack of "Fizz" at the wheel rim. When I took delivery of the new 2019 model of 718 Cayman GTS also specced with PSP, further improvements in steering feel had been introduced. The steering wheel rim "fizz" of the CR had returned, and in my opinion the 718 CGTS steering was as good if not better than the previously peerless CR. Interestingly, the 982 GT4 did not include PSP as an option. My opinion is that Porsche included the PSP enhancement as standard on the GT4.
It's all very subjective I know. I can only relate my opinion of the PSP option based on my extensive past experience with the Cayman model range on both road and track.
Brian
I have already replied at length personally to your PM requesting my opinion on PSP.
I know I am ploughing a lone furrow here with my opinions on PSP as an enhancement to steering feel at higher speeds on some Cayman models. It is interesting to note that when I first applied PSP as an option on my 2016 718CS the configurator description included the statement "PSP provides additional assistance when parking with an enhanced steering feel at higher road speeds".
I note that the latter part of the configurator statement has now been edited out of the PSP description. Reference is now only made to assistance at parking and manoeuvring speeds on the English version of the configurator.
My opinion is that Porsche continually developed the EPS systems on its sports car models in response to criticisms of the early versions of ESP, particularly on 981 models. When the 718 Caymans were launched an improvement in the road feel of ESP was clearly evident, with a further enhancement available by selecting PSP on the option list. I recall remarking at the time how my 2016 718 CS steering with PSP was almost as good as my previous Cayman R, except for the lack of "Fizz" at the wheel rim. When I took delivery of the new 2019 model of 718 Cayman GTS also specced with PSP, further improvements in steering feel had been introduced. The steering wheel rim "fizz" of the CR had returned, and in my opinion the 718 CGTS steering was as good if not better than the previously peerless CR. Interestingly, the 982 GT4 did not include PSP as an option. My opinion is that Porsche included the PSP enhancement as standard on the GT4.
It's all very subjective I know. I can only relate my opinion of the PSP option based on my extensive past experience with the Cayman model range on both road and track.
Brian
Nice to see you back, Brian [
]
I think semantics may come into play regarding "PSP provides additional assistance when parking with an enhanced steering feel at higher road speeds". You could argue that it means just the reduced effort at lower speeds is removed at higher road speeds, rather than something additional being added. Or given that the text has been changed, that might indicate that it was deemed to be incorrect.
Have you driven 718s back-to-back with/without PSP? I think that's the only true test if there's any difference other than at parking speeds.
Regarding GT4s, neither the 981 or 718 GT4s had/have PSP as an option. They may well have model-specific EPAS software but I think it's an unsubstantiated stretch to say PSP has some of that coding in it. Porsche would usually shout about these things in its marketing if that was the case!
]I think semantics may come into play regarding "PSP provides additional assistance when parking with an enhanced steering feel at higher road speeds". You could argue that it means just the reduced effort at lower speeds is removed at higher road speeds, rather than something additional being added. Or given that the text has been changed, that might indicate that it was deemed to be incorrect.
Have you driven 718s back-to-back with/without PSP? I think that's the only true test if there's any difference other than at parking speeds.
Regarding GT4s, neither the 981 or 718 GT4s had/have PSP as an option. They may well have model-specific EPAS software but I think it's an unsubstantiated stretch to say PSP has some of that coding in it. Porsche would usually shout about these things in its marketing if that was the case!
David,
Semantics or not, I'm convinced PSP enhances steering feel on some Cayman models.
To answer your question, I have driven 718's back to back with my own car albeit only as a loan car experience. On the first occasion I made the point of asking the OPC whether the loan car had the PSP option fitted; it did not. The car, a 718 Boxster, did not display similar steering precision at higher road speeds. I also noticed the slightly heavier steering when parking, as was expected of a car without PSP.
Porsche have continually improved the stock EPS on Caymans as the models have evolved. You may recall from my 2019 CGTS forum thread, I spent a day comparing a friend's 981 CGTS with my own 718 CGTS on the flowing rural roads of west Aberdeenshire. That particular 981 GTS did not have PSP, and didn't display the same standards of steering precision as my 718 CGTS. That's about as meaningful a comparison as I can describe when comparing the evolution of EPS on Caymans.
Finally, it's good to be remembered here on the Cayman threads. I appreciate the reference. I still miss my Cayman. The Big Bus is a very different machine.
Brian
Semantics or not, I'm convinced PSP enhances steering feel on some Cayman models.
To answer your question, I have driven 718's back to back with my own car albeit only as a loan car experience. On the first occasion I made the point of asking the OPC whether the loan car had the PSP option fitted; it did not. The car, a 718 Boxster, did not display similar steering precision at higher road speeds. I also noticed the slightly heavier steering when parking, as was expected of a car without PSP.
Porsche have continually improved the stock EPS on Caymans as the models have evolved. You may recall from my 2019 CGTS forum thread, I spent a day comparing a friend's 981 CGTS with my own 718 CGTS on the flowing rural roads of west Aberdeenshire. That particular 981 GTS did not have PSP, and didn't display the same standards of steering precision as my 718 CGTS. That's about as meaningful a comparison as I can describe when comparing the evolution of EPS on Caymans.
Finally, it's good to be remembered here on the Cayman threads. I appreciate the reference. I still miss my Cayman. The Big Bus is a very different machine.
Brian
The 981 and 718 steering systems are quite different, Brian, you can't compare PSP with/without on them. I certainly noticed on 718 loaners vs my 981 CGTS that the steering feel differed. Interesting what you say about your cars with PSP vs a loan 718 Boxster though, but I assume individual specs could be quite different.
I guess one way to get more data would be for someone with a friendly OPC to have their car PSP coded for a brief test then removed, or vice-versa. That would eliminate any variables with respect to tyre types, wheel/tyre sizes, wheel type, brake types etc which will all have an impact on the steering feel.
I guess one way to get more data would be for someone with a friendly OPC to have their car PSP coded for a brief test then removed, or vice-versa. That would eliminate any variables with respect to tyre types, wheel/tyre sizes, wheel type, brake types etc which will all have an impact on the steering feel.
Twinfan said:
That would indeed be a true test of the PSP option David.
Sadly my 718 CGTS is now gone, otherwise I'm sure my friendly and amazingly helpful OPC Chester would have co-operated with such an exercise.
Oulton Park is my favourite circuit, as it is yours I understand. Oulton is close to Chester and I would have relished the opportunity to do such a comparison coinciding with a track day there.
Being sufficiently competent and experienced in Cayman steering feel, this would have been a more meaningful comparison.
As it stands, it's up to each individual to decide what's best for them.
Brian
I've replied to your PM Brian, thanks. Very interesting discussion. Isn't the forum great for this kind of thing?.
My car is curently running a mix of Bridgestones front/Pirellis rear that I've inherited, and unknown geo. Not that I have any reason to think anything is off as such, but I don't know it's right either. So, I think tyres and geo first, then possibly PSP. If I do, I'll report back!
My car is curently running a mix of Bridgestones front/Pirellis rear that I've inherited, and unknown geo. Not that I have any reason to think anything is off as such, but I don't know it's right either. So, I think tyres and geo first, then possibly PSP. If I do, I'll report back!
I took Brian’s advice when I specified my own 718 GTS4.0 to include PSP, and was glad that I did as in my view the steering on my car has better feel at speed than either a 718S or 718 GTS 2.5 that I have driven without PSP.
In particularl the slight vagueness around the straight ahead position has been eliminated.
However, my car also has PCCBs whose lower unsprung weight will have no doubt also improved steering feel, and Michelin PS4S tyres which could be possibly superior to the P-Zeros of the other cars. *I have also been told that the GT4 and Spyder models do include PSP in their standard programming, their greater width tyres making this essential, hence it’s not optional.
*Update - I was entirely wrong about this. GT4/Spyder do not have PSP as standard, although it can be retrofitted by the dealer.
In particularl the slight vagueness around the straight ahead position has been eliminated.
However, my car also has PCCBs whose lower unsprung weight will have no doubt also improved steering feel, and Michelin PS4S tyres which could be possibly superior to the P-Zeros of the other cars. *I have also been told that the GT4 and Spyder models do include PSP in their standard programming, their greater width tyres making this essential, hence it’s not optional.
*Update - I was entirely wrong about this. GT4/Spyder do not have PSP as standard, although it can be retrofitted by the dealer.
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