Electric parking brake
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
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I think it's admirable and uplifting that Porsche is striving to make their cars so Stephen Hawking can drive one, but most of us aren't crying over the loss of a handbrake as much as the loss of what was once a car that took some measure of skill to drive. I really wish Porsche would just stop trying to bs that they're interested in making these cars better, and admit that what they're really trying to do is make their cars idiot-proof in order to tap the vastly under-served market of idiots.
What does "better" mean? Whose definition of better are we talking about? If it's your definition then they are lying. Maybe others think they did improve it.
So what if VW did make it easier for the vast groups of the "under served" to drive the car. A good driver will always be able to get more out of a car than someone with lesser skill anyway.
VW is going to continue to want to make a car that will sell well. It isn't about serving the "market of idiots", it's about increasing sales. If I owned a company that made cars and the vast majority bought automatics, I would cater to that group. Early adopters and hardcore might make a companies beginnings, but they don't always keep a company around.
Porsche is still offering a compelling product. Perhaps the times are a changing and they are trying to keep up or stay ahead. If they didn't change enough, they would get hammered, if they change anything, they get hammered. They really are damned if they do, damned if they don't to some degree.
You obviously like the older models and there is nothing wrong with that, but we idiots like what they are making now as well and I bet there are a lot of us around.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
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Those buffoonishly-exaggerated inferences are indicative of a narcissistic personality defending what he perceives as a challenge to his omniscience. I trust that wasn't what you intended to convey.
I have no gripe with Porsche adopting technology where it enhances the safety of the car in the hands of those with imperfect driving skills, which comprises most of us. Before ABS and PSM, the 911 was much easier than most cars to put in the weeds (or the wrong lane of traffic). For me, a power seat was a mandatory option, due to back problems. Ditto the tilt/telescopic steering column. A hands-free bluetooth for the 'phone is likewise mandatory for me in a car with a stick.
But I know I am not alone in thinking that car makers today appear in a race to see who can cram the most electronic gadgetry into their product, like they did with chrome and tailfins in the 50s. Cars that stop themselves and park themselves are one CPU away from driving themselves. If what you want is an iPad shaped like a Porsche, then the 991 is certainly a step in your direction. Those of us who want a sports car with more physical involvement in the driving, I guess will have to look to the secondhand market.
Porsche Nut
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: CA
A concern of mine is that it might not work in a real emergency when all systems may have failed. There's something reassuring about a physical connection between the emergency brake lever and the actual brakes that does not rely on electronics.
I also use it when stopped on an incline to avoid riding the clutch.
I also use it when stopped on an incline to avoid riding the clutch.
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: North Bay Area, CA
A concern of mine is that it might not work in a real emergency when all systems may have failed. There's something reassuring about a physical connection between the emergency brake lever and the actual brakes that does not rely on electronics.
I also use it when stopped on an incline to avoid riding the clutch.
I also use it when stopped on an incline to avoid riding the clutch.
Porsche Nut
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From: CA
I'll admit up front, I prefer a manual handbrake not least because it's what I'm used to. That said, I've adjusted to using the electric EB in my Cayenne S and it's not that big of a deal. It can perform the same functions as the mechanical brake, for example during emergency stops and holding on hills that you mention. It's actually particularly suited to the latter as it releases automatically when you press the throttle. You're right, there's no mechanical connection to an electric EB, but then there isn't one to your throttle either, and that's a critical interface that's utilized far more often. I guess we should be concerned about that too.....
It's only happened to me once and it was not in a Porsche. But since we're calling it an emergency brake, it should work in all emergencies.
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: North Bay Area, CA
True I would be more concerned about not stopping than not accelerating. They can both get you in trouble but given the choice, I'd rather NOT have the brakes fail.
It's only happened to me once and it was not in a Porsche. But since we're calling it an emergency brake, it should work in all emergencies.
It's only happened to me once and it was not in a Porsche. But since we're calling it an emergency brake, it should work in all emergencies.
Last edited by Mike in CA; Apr 9, 2012 at 11:30 PM. Reason: sp
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15,863
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From: Clifton, NJ
I thought you was hardcore man. I thought you were 100% schumacher all the time.
you would...drive an almighty 911 and talk on the phone? no way that could be...you got a race car there.
You must really be involved with the driving experience while blabbing on your cell phone.
are these guys serious? really?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15,863
Likes: 1,632
From: Clifton, NJ
A concern of mine is that it might not work in a real emergency when all systems may have failed. There's something reassuring about a physical connection between the emergency brake lever and the actual brakes that does not rely on electronics.
I also use it when stopped on an incline to avoid riding the clutch.
I also use it when stopped on an incline to avoid riding the clutch.
True I would be more concerned about not stopping than not accelerating. They can both get you in trouble but given the choice, I'd rather NOT have the brakes fail.
It's only happened to me once and it was not in a Porsche. But since we're calling it an emergency brake, it should work in all emergencies.
It's only happened to me once and it was not in a Porsche. But since we're calling it an emergency brake, it should work in all emergencies.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,458
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From: SF Bay Area
Wordsmith
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I use the thing simply because I loathe the way PDK behaves like an automatic and lets the car roll onto the "P" parking lock like a family minivan.