Sport Chrono Package Plus is available as an option. It offers sportier tuning of the engine and chassis, and delivers greater driving pleasure as a result.

Key features include a digital and analogue stopwatch, the SPORT button, a performance display, a personal memory function in the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), and – in combination with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) – the SPORT PLUS button, and an additional display in the steering wheel which informs the driver if the SPORT buttons and Launch Control have been activated.

When the SPORT PLUS button on the centre console is selected, the EMS SDI 3.1 engine management system adapts for sportier performance driving. In response to pedal input, a more dynamic throttle map opens the throttle valve wider than would be the case in ‘Normal’ mode. The throttle response is significantly more immediate and a harder rev-limiter is also applied in the higher gears.

Also influenced by ‘Sport’ mode is the standard equipped Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The dampers become firmer, enabling faster turn-in as well as better contact with the road.

A harder rev-limiter is also applied in the automatic mode of the optional PDK, while the gearshift points are delayed until the upper rev range. The shift times are shorter, the gear changes sportier. Even at low rates of deceleration and at high revs, the system initiates a swifter, brake-induced downshift. In manual mode, gear changes are faster and more dynamic.

In ‘Sport’ mode, the trigger threshold for PSM is raised for increased longitudinal and lateral dynamics. Agility is en-hanced when braking for corners with PSM enabling greater manoeuvrability under braking and exit acceleration, especially at low speeds. The result? Increased driving pleasure.

For maximum dexterity, PSM can be set to standby while the car is still in ‘Sport’ mode. For safety, it is set to intervene automatically only when ABS assistance is required on both of the front wheels.

In combination with PDK, the Sport Chrono Package Plus has two additional functions that are activated by pressing the SPORT PLUS button, for a sporty drive that borders on a motorsport experience.

The first function is ‘Launch Control’ which, for example when performing laps, helps you achieve optimum acceleration from a standing start – a racing start in other words.

The function works like this: press the SPORT PLUS button when the transmission is in ‘D’ or ‘M’. Then, with your left foot, press the brake pedal and accelerate fully with the right foot. The car recognises ‘Launch’ mode from the accelerator kickdown action and adjusts the engine speed to the optimum level, which is around 6,500 rpm. At the same time, engine torque is increased and the clutch is applied lightly. ‘Launch Control’ now appears in the PDK steering wheel display. Now release the brake as quickly as you can and get ready to experience all the acceleration power the car has to offer.

The second function is the motorsport derived gearshift strategy. Using this, Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) is geared up for extremely short shift times and optimum shift points for the maximum acceleration available. This combination of uncompromising and involving performance is ideal for the racetrack.

Another key component of the Sport Chrono Package Plus is the stopwatch mounted on the dashboard. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) has a special performance display to view, store and evaluate lap times or other driving times. It shows the total driving time, lap distance, lap number and lap times recorded so far. You can view the current fastest lap and the remaining range until empty. Travelled distances can be recorded and benchmark times defined.

The personal memory function of the Sport Chrono Package Plus can also be used to store personalised settings for a range of systems, including the orientation lighting or air conditioning.