designman

Haven’t heard much commentary on the new variable steering and am wondering why. Is it so seamless that it goes unnoticed? If so I’m wondering why it’s even there. Can anyone make a comparison to BMW’s active steering? I drove the latter and loath it. In my opinion it is a case of BMW gilding the lily and they would seem to agree as it will not be on the new M5.

Is the variable steering on the 997 an improvement, does it add to the driving experience, or is it just a frivolous feature that you tolerate?

MJones

BMW varies the steering transmission ratio electronically in direct relation to the style and speed of driving and road conditions. It is not repeatable since it varies upon how fast or slow your inputs are.
Porsche has basically progressivly increased the tooth spacing on the steering rack as the steering input passes 30° to make the steering turn in more.
Ratio is 17.1 : 1 in center position to 13.8 :1 variable (vs 16.9 :1 on 996)
Lock to lock has been reduced to 2.62 vs 2.98 (996)
For a given input of >30° you will turn in a bit more, and is barely noticable

RonCT

What I think I'm hearing is it is repeatable in the Porsche - meaning one can get used to it and not be surprised.

Agree that BMW is blowing it technologically. First was I-drive, then Adaptive headlights, adaptive steering (terrible) and last but not least - no manual in future M cars (like the new M5, which gets a 7 speed SMG). Pretty soon they'll have "S-Drive" (Self Drive).

MoneyBiz

S drive might not be that bad.

Ray G

Unlike the BMW system, the Porsche steering is totally predictable because it's just a mechanical system. A computer does not change the ratio. BTW, I think the BMW system is a big mistake and potientially VERY dangerous when used on a track.

I love the feel of the 997 steering. After driving the 997 for a while (including on the track) I like it even more. It feels good around town, and at speed.

ryce

I've driven a new 645. Its big, heavy, smooth, the I Drive sucks, the active suspension is not bad, and the steering is just plain strange. I've had several BMWs, but I really have no interest in any of the new cars. I do have a hankering for an E30 M3.

jlee

The steering on the 997 is seemless and feels totally natural and "correct". The turn in response is sharper and feels more lively.

GrantG

Several reviewers have commented that the on-center feeling of the new steering on the 997 is more vague (than 996) - do you disagree?

jlee

In my opinion, there is nothing to not like about the steering on the 997(or the whole car in my opinion). The car feels much more solid and there is no twitchiness at all. It simply goes where you want it to go without having to adjust for irregularities of the road. I know this has been all said already, but the 997 is a vast(not incremental) improvement over the 996 in every respect that I can think of.

Ray G

I disagree with the reviews - I do not find any weird or dull on-center feel in the 997. Perhaps there is a little less vibration through the steering wheel than the 996, but nothing like "numb".

GrantG

Thanks guys!