GTS Ride Quality with or without Active Ride

[prj]

This is really useful feedback - thanks.

However, there was a really big difference in steering feel between a J1.1 4S and the J1.2 GTS I drove… Maybe it was simply the stiffer rubber on the GTS car's 21-inch performance tyres? But even in Sport or Sport Plus I simply couldn't get the 4S to replicate this. Can this really just be the tyres - or does the GTS simply have more direct steering?

You are comparing a J1.1 4S and a J1.2 with PAR. Of course there is a massive difference.
PAR keeps the car completely level on turn in, while the standard suspension leans. Complete apples to oranges comparison here.

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[Mr.Smith]

So that leaves the question: does the Turbo GT has an even more aggressive PAR tune than the GTS?

From Porsche, here are the differences with Turbo GT vs Weissach. From driving both, the steering and suspension did feel slightly different.

Will need to get the time to drive a GTS back to back to compare to the Weissach

H/T: @SergeyIndy

 

[dcp10]

PAR keeps the car completely level on turn in, while the standard suspension leans. C

I could understand that at higher speeds, but I’m talking about steering feel at low speeds around town. Surely PAR isn’t making that much difference is it?

I have read somewhere that the GTS does have different steering calibration (but can’t find a definitive link).

If I could have GTS steering but 4S ride comfort, I’d be very happy

 

[mpaulus007]

If I could have GTS steering but 4S ride comfort, I’d be very happy

Personal experience coming from J1.1 CT4 to J1.2 GTS ST w/ PAR: You WILL be VERY happy

 

[prj]

I could understand that at higher speeds, but I’m talking about steering feel at low speeds around town. Surely PAR isn’t making that much difference is it?

It always makes a difference.

I have read somewhere that the GTS does have different steering calibration (but can’t find a definitive link).

The steering is electric assist. Besides making it heavier or lighter there's not much you're going to do with it.

The front steering rack is different depending on whether the car has RWS or not. If the GTS had RWS, then that's what you felt. The bite is different when the rear wheels turn.

 

[Avantgarde]

I could understand that at higher speeds, but I’m talking about steering feel at low speeds around town. Surely PAR isn’t making that much difference is it?

I have read somewhere that the GTS does have different steering calibration (but can’t find a definitive link).

If I could have GTS steering but 4S ride comfort, I’d be very happy

My understanding is with the PAR set up, separate from all fancy leveling benefits, you have more “direct” connection to the road as there is no air/gas between the road and the vehicle’s chasis, as hydraulic arms are holding the vehicle afloat (except when it is parked when the car falls on a basic air cushion). My experience with Air suspension vs steel found in older RWD Taycans was exactly the same loss of steering feeling and directness that you experience due to air cushion. I’ve never driven a car with PAR but it is quite possible that set up gives you mechanical directness given you are not dealing with the naturally delayed response of air/gas in passing any small vibration or road feel.

 

[dcp10]

If the GTS had RWS, then that's what you felt. The bite is different when the rear wheels turn.

Yes, it did have RWS - thanks - so maybe that was it (and of course the 4S didn’t have RWS or PAR)

so… if I were to take advantage of the “Black Edition” pricing, it’d have to be a 4S with 21” wheels (plus PAR, RWS, torque vectoring etc).

A good compromise?

 

[dcp10]

If the GTS had RWS, then that's what you felt. The bite is different when the rear wheels turn.

Yes, it did have RWS - thanks - so maybe that was it (and of course the 4S didn’t have RWS or PAR)

so… if I were to take advantage of the “Black Edition” pricing, it’d have to be a 4S with 21” wheels (plus PAR, RWS, torque vectoring etc).

A good compromise?

 

[prj]

Yes, it did have RWS - thanks - so maybe that was it (and of course the 4S didn’t have RWS or PAR)

so… if I were to take advantage of the “Black Edition” pricing, it’d have to be a 4S with 21” wheels (plus PAR, RWS, torque vectoring etc).

A good compromise?

I'd say so, since you don't seem to want any of the GTS bits anyway.

 

[prj]

My understanding is with the PAR set up, separate from all fancy leveling benefits, you have more “direct” connection to the road as there is no air/gas between the road and the vehicle’s chasis, as hydraulic arms are holding the vehicle afloat (except when it is parked when the car falls on a basic air cushion). My experience with Air suspension vs steel found in older RWD Taycans was exactly the same loss of steering feeling and directness that you experience due to air cushion. I’ve never driven a car with PAR but it is quite possible that set up gives you mechanical directness given you are not dealing with the naturally delayed response of air/gas in passing any small vibration or road feel.

The steering rack is connected via the tie rod directly to the wheel, the spring has absolutely nothing to do with it. It is not anywhere in the picture nor does it affect the wheel turning.

 

[dcp10]

I'd say so, since you don't seem to want any of the GTS bits anyway.

I’d like a bit more flexibility vis a vis ride comfort/sport - and I do prefer the feel of smooth leather ;-)

thanks again for all the great advice!

 

[Avantgarde]

The steering rack is connected via the tie rod directly to the wheel, the spring has absolutely nothing to do with it. It is not anywhere in the picture nor does it affect the wheel turning.

Yes but there is a layer of gas still sitting between chasis and the wheels. When you give any steering input even at low speed chasis’ immediate reaction is to lean towards the other side and it is still air (or hydrolic arm) stopping the car doing so. That split second interactions reveal the slight laggy mushy nature of air/gas in my experience.

 

[prj]

Yes but there is a layer of gas still sitting between chasis and the wheels. When you give any steering input even at low speed chasis’ immediate reaction is to lean towards the other side and it is still air (or hydrolic arm) stopping the car doing so. That split second interactions reveal the slight laggy mushy nature of air/gas in my experience.

The air is no more mushy than a fully decompressed soft steel spring when it's at 15 bar. The spring is not responsible for side to side movement. This is complete BS, you can keep repeating it, but won't make it true.

Cross section of the Taycans front strut for reference. The air spring cushions the up and down movement:

 

[SoccerMan94043]

I’d like a bit more flexibility vis a vis ride comfort/sport - and I do prefer the feel of smooth leather ;-)

thanks again for all the great advice!

You can get leather in the GTS as well.

I don't think you would notice much handling difference between the 4S and GTS, both with RWS, PAR and the same size wheels. While the GTS is slightly more powerful, I doubt you'll notice that in day to day driving either.

Basically I think it comes down to aesthetics... if you want Race-Tex and/or a more blacked out facade, go GTS. If not, go 4S.

 

[Gkwan]

It's better to look good than feel good. And 21" RS Spyders look mah-velous.

exactly why I fall for it every time, I know I should take 20'' for better comfort, but I fell for my Turbo 21 Mission E. Same why I can never go for a CT or ST, can't resolve myself seeing this as a sports car lol

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