I live in Germany where parking lots are super tight (much tighter than in the US). Without RAS, I have had no trouble parking. I would not get RAS for the parking as it really isn't needed for that. If all the reports about the track are correct, then that seems to be the key use case. The high-speed cornering advantages of RAS are basically above 80 km/h, which is mainly going to be an advantage on the track. Also, I encourage people to try a car without power steering plus -- the front end is not very heavy and the normal steering is fine. You can save the money.

 

it’s worth noting that 80kph is a mere 50mph. I feel you can definitely take advantage of RAS on the mountain back roads.

+1 for no PAS+ I did not spec it. My dealer was incredulous. The standard PAS is plenty assistance enough.

 

My dealer was also incredulous -- "but what about your wife?" The power boost is already significant and my wife has never noticed that she needs more boost. I object on principle to paying so much for them to change one setting in the software.

In Europe the back roads have speed limits of 90-100 kph, depending on the country. At these speeds, the non-RAS car handles beautifully. In contrast, on a track like Hochenheim, cornering speeds can be over 200 kph and there I can imagine that the RAS increases stability significantly.

 

Dealers like Power Steering Plus, because being a PS+ car “helps with resale”. SAs really push it. If it is just a software difference, as some have asserted, it is basically a free money option for Porsche to deliver.

PS+ doesn’t change anything with the car at speed, but it does make things nice and light when parking.

My Alfa 4C has manual steering, so, I can get in “macho” parallel parking whenever I like.

 

Because dealers always include it, it is hard to test a car without it. I took a leap of faith and left it off without trying it without. It feels perfect without. Really, there is not the slightest need for it in a car with the engine hanging out the back. (note that I have the C4S so the C2 will be even lighter in the front)

 

My feeling exactly. It is ‘confident’ with PAS and not in the least bit heavy.

PS I’m in Switzerland. Speed limits are definitely a challenge. Funny how there are so many exotic cars out here 😂

 

It was not available as an option on my GTS. It was standard on my GT3T. The difference is remarkable. For me, after the engine, the RAS is the most notable upgrade between my GTS and my Touring.

 

You all come across the boarder into Germany I always see a lot of sports cars with Swiss plates in the Black Forest. And it is why the A81 has signs warning that it is illegal to race on the Autobahn. Enjoy it while it lasts -- I think a national 130 limit is inevitable.

 

I think the parking stuff is a cherry on top, but definitely not a major factor. If I really cared about that, I'd just get that 360 Birdseye camera add-on. Car parks fine without it. Same thing with PS+...you can turn the steering wheel with your fingers with standard steering.

Having read everything I can, there seems to be a consistent report that the RAS improves the car. Makes it feel smaller. Improves agility. I think the degree of improvement is the question and whether it's worth the money.

The cornering on tip-toes comment about classic Porsches is an interesting one. I've felt that in my 993. Obviously, this is a smaller and far more primitive car. I had a 991.2 Turbo with RAS and it felt more isolated and less alive. Not sure how much RAS plays a role in that - it's a MUCH different car than the 992.

The 992 that I test drove and loved did not have RAS. It felt natural in a way that was different than my 991.2 Turbo. No clue if RAS plays a role in that, but food for thought.

 

I tested c2s 992 cab and somehow did not like it over 991/718 gts

i again tested a 992c4s coupe with no rws and another 992c4s coupe with rws

i could not feel the effect of rws but the 992 4s was sweet in terms of handling , torque pull around bends and overalll fun than 991 c4s car I had in the past and liked it over 992s

 

when making U-turns in San Francisco .. something I do a lot... it makes ALL the difference.

 

It's literally one of the cheapest mechanical options on the car, almost hard to believe they didn't charge more... however, it is also literally two electrical motors and a control. unit... total weight gain, unlikely more than 6-7lbs.

 

Your comments about the 911 getting bigger and heavier are fair enough but if the car needed RAS for safety reasons it would be standard across the range. I’ve driven both 991 GT3 with RAS and 991.2 C2S without on the track (not yet a 992) and they both felt just like you expect a rear engined 911 to feel.

I’ve ordered my manual 992 without it.

 

I would expect some benefit with emergency lane changes and maybe added stability in the rain.

 

Possibly so but we're not talking Mercedes A-class elk test here. Seriously, you don't 'need' RAS in a modern 911. Porsche themselves admit that by making it an option.