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An Expert Look into Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM)

Jay Altman — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 22:34:43 +0000

Porsche Active Suspension Management, commonly known as PASM, represents the brand’s commitment to combining driving comfort with unparalleled performance. This sophisticated system enhances the driving experience by offering dynamic suspension adjustment, tailoring the vehicle’s behavior to both the driver’s desires and the demands of the road. By continually adjusting the damper forces, PASM works to ensure that stability and comfort are not mutually exclusive—even under varying driving conditions.

The system intelligently balances a comfortable ride during long journeys with the precise and agile handling expected on more vigorous drives. Through its operation modes, PASM caters to different scenarios, allowing for a customized driving experience. Whether cruising through city streets or taking on winding mountain passes, PASM adapts to deliver optimum performance and comfort. The seamless integration of this suspension management technology into Porsche vehicles is a testament to the automaker’s dedication to innovation—consistently refining PASM to meet the evolving expectations of drivers.

Key Takeaways

PASM adjusts suspension settings for both comfort and performance.
It features selectable modes tailored to various driving situations.
The system reflects Porsche’s ongoing innovation in automotive technology.

Understanding PASM Technology

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is an innovative technology that significantly enhances both the comfort and performance of Porsche vehicles. It customizes the driving experience by adjusting the damping forces on each wheel to suit the driving conditions.

The Science Behind PASM

The PASM system uses an array of sensors to monitor driving conditions continuously and adjusts the dampers in real time. These sensors measure variables such as vehicle speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle, and road surface conditions. Information gathered is relayed to a control unit that processes the data and sends precise commands to adjust damping force via valves within the dampers.

Components of the PASM System

PASM is comprised of several key components that work in harmony:

Sensors: They collect data about the car’s movement and the road.
Control Unit: This is the system’s brain, which makes decisions based on the sensor data.
Dampers: Equipped with adjustable valves, they fine-tune the suspension stiffness.
Software Algorithms: These translate sensor readings into actionable adjustments to the dampers.

PASM in Different Porsche Models

The PASM technology is not one-size-fits-all; it’s tailored for specific models to enhance their unique characteristics. For instance, the Porsche 911 utilizes PASM to balance its legendary performance with everyday usability. In the Cayman and Boxster, PASM helps in delivering a more dynamic driving experience. The system also caters to the needs of larger models like the Macan, Panamera, and Cayenne, adjusting the ride to offer sportiness without compromising on comfort.

PASM Operation Modes

Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) adapts the damper forces to both driving style and road conditions, offering three distinct driving modes: Normal Mode, Sport Mode, and Sport Plus Mode. Each mode fine-tunes the vehicle’s driving characteristics differently.

Normal Mode

In Normal Mode, PASM provides a balance between comfort and performance. It is designed for everyday driving, where it offers a smoother ride over a variety of road surfaces. This mode automatically adjusts the dampers to absorb road bumps, delivering a more comfortable driving experience without sacrificing handling.

Sport Mode

When the Sport Mode button is pressed, PASM stiffens the damper settings. This mode is suitable for drivers who desire a more dynamic driving experience. The suspension setup becomes tighter, which reduces body roll and provides better road feedback. This results in enhanced handling and stability during more spirited driving on winding roads.

Sport Plus Mode

Sport Plus Mode further increases the vehicle’s performance capabilities. It is designed for the most enthusiastic driving on tracks or when very sporty road handling is desired. In this mode, the PASM system maximizes the connection between the tires and the road surface, providing the stiffest damper settings for precision and grip. This mode is best reserved for high-performance situations where the driver can fully exploit the Porsche’s capabilities.

Benefits and Impact on Driving Dynamics

Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) innovatively enhances the driving experience by optimizing comfort, handling, and adaptability to diverse driving scenarios. It maintains a fine balance between a sporty drive and a comfortable ride.

Comfort and Convenience

PASM significantly improves ride comfort by actively adjusting damper forces to match the conditions of the road surface. This system minimizes the impact of road surface imperfections, ensuring a smoother ride that allows drivers and passengers to enjoy long trips with less fatigue.

Handling and Stability

The dynamic handling and stability provided by PASM contribute to a more engaging and controlled driving experience. The system’s ability to manage grip during cornering helps maintain a poised posture of the vehicle, giving the driver a heightened sense of control and confidence even at higher speeds or during abrupt maneuvers.

Adaptability to Driving Scenarios

PASM’s versatility shines in its adaptability. Whether the driver prefers a nimble driving style or a more laid-back cruise, the system adjusts to deliver the optimal balance of performance and comfort. It seamlessly transitions to accommodate aggressive driving tactics or more conservative commuting styles, depending on the selected mode.

PASM and Vehicle Settings

Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) is a highly sophisticated system that enhances driving dynamics by adjusting the ride height and damper stiffness. It ensures optimal ground clearance and wheel-to-road contact, which are vital for maintaining reduced body movement and a smooth ride over suspension bumps.

Adjusting Ride Height

The PASM system allows for the adjustment of ride height, which is the distance between the car’s chassis and the road surface. This is particularly important as it can affect the vehicle’s aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and ground clearance. Porsche models equipped with PASM and air suspension can lower or raise the vehicle, adapting to various driving conditions and preferences:

Lowered position: Enhances stability at high speeds by reducing the vehicle’s center of gravity.
Raised position: Increases ground clearance to handle rough terrains and prevent undercarriage damage.

Tuning Damper Stiffness

PASM constantly tunes the damper stiffness to match driving conditions, delivering a delicate balance between comfort and sportiness. This electronic active damping system adjusts the shock absorbers to provide:

Firmer setting: Ideal for a spirited driving experience or track days, allowing for precise control with minimal body roll.
Softer setting: Provides a more comfortable ride during extended trips or while driving on uneven surfaces, absorbing road irregularities effectively.

Advanced Integrations and Future of PASM

Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) system has become a staple in delivering both driving comfort and dynamic performance. As it continues to evolve, its integration with other vehicle systems and future innovations stand as pivotal areas in the development of Porsche’s adaptive suspension technologies.

Integration with PSM and PTV Systems

PASM is designed to work seamlessly with Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) systems. These integrations allow for a synchronized approach to vehicle stability and agility. PASM’s constant monitoring and adjustment of damper forces enhance the effects of PSM by reducing body roll and maintaining optimal traction, while PTV benefits from PASM’s precise control when it applies brake pressure to individual wheels, which in turn, optimizes steering response and cornering.

Evolution and Innovations in Active Suspension

The future of PASM lies in its continuous evolution and adoption of innovative technologies. Advancements in active chassis systems could introduce even more adaptable components that respond in real-time to changing driving conditions. This may include new features such as predictive suspension adjustments that utilize road surface data and AI algorithms to preemptively modify damping. Porsche’s commitment to future technologies indicates that PASM will likely encompass enhanced electronic control systems that further blur the line between comfort and performance driving experiences.

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Hidden Collection Now For Sale; Forgotten Ferraris, Porsches

Jay Altman — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 09:01:00 +0000

Unveiling a Hidden Treasure: The Remarkable Collection of Vintage Cars Found in Brussels

Xavier Molenaar’s world was turned upside down when he received an unexpected phone call. The caller, whose identity remains shrouded in mystery, revealed an astonishing proposition: the sale of an entire collection of vintage cars. Fourteen forgotten Ferraris and eight Porsches, meticulously stored away in a secret hangar nestled within the heart of Brussels, were up for grabs. Xavier, a connoisseur of classic automobiles, was initially skeptical. He had never heard of such a collection before.

However, upon visiting the undisclosed hangar, Xavier was confronted with an automotive treasure trove unlike anything he had encountered in his career. Twenty-two cars, spanning from 1975 to 1997, lay before him in pristine condition. Protected by a tarpaulin and strategically positioned on the first floor of the building, these vehicles had been shielded from the ravages of time and moisture. Xavier described the experience as akin to experiencing both Saint Nicholas Day and Christmas simultaneously.

The identity of the collector behind this extraordinary assembly remains a closely guarded secret. All that is known is their desire for anonymity and their location in Brussels. Xavier only offers a tantalizing hint: “To curate such a unique collection, one must have received expert counsel.”

Each car within this collection is a testament to automotive excellence. From a rare blue Testarossa to a Porsche 911 S with a notorious past involving an Italian robbery, every vehicle possesses its own distinctive allure. One standout among them is the Ferrari 365 GT BB, resplendent in its vibrant yellow hue. With only ten such models in existence and this particular specimen being the sole example in pristine condition on the market, its price tag of 650,000 euros reflects its rarity.

Xavier, although not the owner but rather a custodian of these automotive gems, has developed a deep affection for the Ferrari 365 GT BB. He describes it with a gleam in his eye, highlighting its immaculate condition and limited mileage of 40,000 kilometers. For him, it represents the epitome of automotive craftsmanship and history.

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An Expert Look into Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM)

The allure of investing in classic cars extends beyond mere passion; it is also a savvy financial decision. Xavier explains that classic cars, like stocks or real estate, derive their value from market demand. As the custodian of this remarkable collection, Xavier’s familial ties to the world of vintage automobiles have evolved into a thriving business. Today, his company employs fifteen individuals and manages a staggering five hundred cars.

Stepping into Xavier’s sales halls in Aalter, nestled between Bruges and Ghent, is akin to embarking on a journey through time. Each vehicle tells a story, offering a glimpse into automotive history and craftsmanship. Xavier’s journey from enthusiast to custodian of this unparalleled collection underscores the enduring allure of classic cars and the indelible mark they leave on those who appreciate them.

Photos: RTBF

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Porsche Patent Unveils Ingenious Engine Advancements

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Porsche’s Unearthed Patent Harnesses Leaky Pistons and Turns Blow-By into A Good Thing.

In a recent revelation, an undisclosed Porsche engine development patent has surfaced, shedding light on a groundbreaking approach to leverage blow-by, typically seen as a setback in engine performance. The documentation, uncovered from the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, unveils Porsche’s quest to streamline and simplify engines by introducing a self-starting mechanism.

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Porsche’s innovative solution involves controlling the inherent blow-by characteristics of combustion engines and managing the compression of each cylinder. The key idea is to create an environment with minimal resistance to starting. Traditionally, electrical starter motors are employed in such scenarios, but they come with the drawback of reserving energy for subsequent engine starts, adding unnecessary weight to the hybrid system.

Blow-by is a major source of engine problems and Porsche is not immune

The proposed technology delves into the intricacies of combustion engine blow-by, where escaping gases are typically considered wasted energy. Porsche aims to harness this potential energy by altering the design of each cylinder to reduce inertia in the ignition sequence. One compelling concept involves integrating temperature-sensitive seals on each piston. These seals can expand at a predefined temperature and contract after a certain number of ignitions, effectively increasing the blow-by rate and minimizing piston and connecting rod inertia.

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How Porsche Engine Patent Alters Blow-by Rates

Porsche envisions a carefully orchestrated compression strategy for each cylinder, making the ignition process more efficient with each cycle. The blow-by rates are anticipated to vary within a specified range, ensuring controlled and optimized engine performance.

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While Porsche acknowledges that direct starting may face challenges in extreme conditions, such as extreme cold, the benefits are significant. The proposed technology not only promises a more straightforward, smaller, and lighter starter motor but also reduces potential damage to cylinder walls and piston rings during the initial ignition moments.

This cutting-edge tech, if implemented, could revolutionize the efficiency of vehicles like the Porsche 911, offering a weight-saving solution that might just extend the life of traditional combustion engines. This comes at a time when other major manufacturers are reporting increased sales from changes in their linups. The undisclosed patent hints at a future where automotive innovation takes unexpected turns, paving the way for sustainable and efficient solutions.

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