PSM, an automatic vehicle stability control system designed to aid the driver in critical road scenarios, is fitted as standard. Sensors monitor the direction, speed, yaw velocity (speed of rotation around the vertical axis) and lateral acceleration of the car. Using this information, it is possible to calculate the actual direction of travel at any given moment. If the car begins to oversteer or understeer, PSM applies selective braking on individual wheels to restore stability and optimum speed. Whenever PSM is required to intervene, an indicator light in the cockpit flashes.

When accelerating on wet or other low-grip surfaces, PSM combines with PTM and uses the automatic brake differential (ABD) and anti-slip regulation (ASR) functions to maintain traction and stability. Included as standard equipment, PSM assists with high-precision inputs that enhance the agility of each model. When ‘Sport’ mode is selected on the Sport Chrono Package Turbo with dynamic engine mount system, the PSM threshold is raised higher still to enable greater driver involvement – particularly at speeds of up to 70 km/h (44 mph).

PSM includes ABS to help minimise braking distances. System inputs are smooth and precise for greater driver comfort.

Active safety is further enhanced with the aid of two additional brake functions: electronic brake prefill and brake assist.

The prefill function is automatically enabled whenever the throttle pedal is suddenly released. The pressure in the brake lines is marginally increased, bringing each of the pads into light contact with the corresponding disc. If the driver then decides to use the brakes, the system can apply the maximum force with virtually no delay.

The brake assist function, by contrast, is specifically designed for use in emergency stops. When the speed of brake pedal application and the pressure on the brake pedal exceed a predefined threshold, the hydraulics automatically apply the necessary pressure to achieve maximum deceleration.

For a more actively involved driving experience, PSM can be manually disabled. PSM remains present in the background and will only intervene under heavy braking where at least one front wheel requires ABS assistance (in ‘Sport’ mode, if both front wheels require assistance). The automatic brake differential (ABD) remains active at all times.