Pugnacious

My question is in regards to the throttle mapping change only, I am aware of the other changes Sport Chrono initiates and would like to focus just on the throttle mapping.

I hear claims that the car “feels” more responsive with Sport Chrono on but does the Sport Chrono package actually improve performance? I know it doesn’t change the power output of the engine (like on the GT3 where you get 13 more ponies by making changes to fuel delivery and timing), but that it just front loads the throttle response.

So my question is: with Sport Chrono on are 0-60, quarter mile or lap times improved? “Feels” more responsive is subjective and not provable but actual recorded track times are objective and verifiable. Is there an actual improvement in performance?

gravedgr

No. The improvement is imaginary since, as you said, the mapping is the same - it just occurs sooner relative to pedal travel.

MJones

A number of adjustments are made in Motronic when the Sport function is
activated. The electronic throttle characteristicis switched to a steeper setting
(only in manual mode with Tiptronic S).
This produces a faster throttle response to accelerator pedal movements to
subjectively increase the spontaneity of the engine.

When the Sport Chrono button is pressed, the abrupt cut-off is active in 1st to 5th gears for the manual gearbox (without Sport Chrono function only in 1st and 2nd gears) and in the manual setting for Tiptronic transmission.
The so-called dash pot is executed less smoothly and with less emphasis on
comfort. This means that the throttle closes faster when released. The result
is a heightened, “racing-like” engine dynamic.

Coochas

One picture is worth a thousand words:



No change in acceleration numbers, just fun factor.

robbonds

go drive it -feeling faster is subjective - but trust me - you will feel it

Coochas

It is interesting isn't it? It's definitely not faster, but what makes it seem faster is the quicker throttle blipping, quicker cut-off as mentioned above, and the throttle mapping.
I suppose in some ways it is like the PSE: it does not make the car faster, but it changes the visceral experience.

TT-911

Just test drove a 997 S cabrio tip for a few hours , before that a normal 997 with PASM. Both had the sport chrono thing. I played with it constantly to see if I would miss it in my car. I now know for sure I will not miss it what so ever.
Car is not faster , does not feel faster , just more aggressive throttle response.
To me this is worth nothing. So I am happy I do not need to order it and end up with the ugly thing on the dash.
BTW, this button is similar to the sport button on the M3 I had a few years back. Never used it back than either.

gpjli2

I find power delivery in standard mode to be more linear and a better representation of where you are in the gearing/horsepower range at any given time. I have found myself "flatfooted" when attempting a high speed merge in sport and finding there is a lot of throttle movement left but little additional horsepower. I believe it worked better on the M3 which had a peakier power delivery and 1000 extra rpm to playwith.

Driveby

Agreed the 'Sport' button on the M3 worked better due to the nature of the S54 engine.

SilverSteel

I like to think of it as my "BI-POLAR" button,..allowing me to alter the car's personality instantly into a beast. Don't get caught up in the technical aspects of it--experience it and you too shall believe in the force.

MMD

LOL.

dstrimbu

From what I've read, Sport mode also cuts out the soft rev limiter, and defaults to hard fuel cutoff only at 7,300 rpm... FWIW.

-don

gpjli2

I have had the limiter shut engine down in normal mode (oops!).How is it different in sport? Is rpm 100 higher?

dstrimbu

gpjli2,

According to the owner's manual (p.71 US manual) - in Sport mode:

"...The rpm limiter charateristic is "harder", i.e. the engine is immediately throttled when the performance limits are reached (only in manual selection model for vehicles with Tiptronic S)."

Also, PSM's limits are relaxed. I've noticed this big-time, you can yaw the rear out considerably before PSM intervenes.

And, by the way - don't worry about hitting the rev limiter in either sport or regular mode. That's what it's there for - to prevent overrevs. You can hit it all you want, just don't select 2nd gear when you're going hard for 4th... <yeowch!>

-don

kauai_diver

Sorry for a quick thread derail but does pressing the Sport button really lower the car by 10mm? I've tried to notice the diff in height but never could.