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Porsche 997: What is the Sport Chrono Package?

The optional Sport Chrono package or Sport Chrono Plus package offers engine, chassis, and transmission enhancements that improve your car's overall performance and enhance your driving experience.

By William Henderson - March 24, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 911 (997) (2005-2012).

With the Sport Chrono package, you get a Sport button (manual transmission) and/or Sport Plus button (Porsche Doppekupplung or PDK gets both). Each button activates different engine and transmission dynamics and affects how your car performs and handles. Pressing this Sport button causes your throttle pedal response time to become more sensitive, which doesn’t affect your overall power at all. The button is located on the center console.

Figure 1. The optional Sport Chrono package is available in later 997 models, and is an optional aftermarket modification if your ride isn't already equipped with it.

Key Features

You also may get an analog clock that is linked to your PCM (or navigation) system. This clock, including a timing display that lets you view, store, and compare lap or other driving times, can also show you your total driving time, lap distance, lap number, and recorded lap times.

Figure 2. Analog clock.

The Sport Chono package in cars with PDK causes upshifts to take place at higher engine speeds and downshifts to happen sooner, deactivates the coasting mode and auto start/stop function, and activates the optional sports exhaust system. A display in the steering wheel and instrument cluster will indicate when you’ve pushed the Sport button or activated Launch Control. Launch Control helps create a “racing start,” such as if you’re on a track and racing, by helping you achieve the best possible “standing start.”

Figure 3. Launch Control display.

In cars fitted with Tiptronic S transmission, Sport Mode creates faster automatic gearshifts. No matter your speed, lift off the throttle and the system shifts down to apply engine braking. Activating Sport Mode switches the Porsche Activate Suspension Management (PASM) or Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) in the 911 Carrera S models to a harder damping setting and offers more direct steering and, as a result, better roadholding. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) raises the thresholds for your ABS and engine management system to trigger. The Sport Chrono Plus package includes the option of storing personal settings for up to three ignition keys, so three different drivers can store and access their preferences when they turn on the car with their specific ignition key. You can store preferences for several settings, including lights, climate control, and door locks.

Cost

If your ride doesn’t already come equipped with the Sport Chrono or Sport Chrono Plus package, you can have it installed. Expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,800 for this upgrade. Some aftermarket installations don’t come with the timing function.

Common Questions

Does it matter if I have a manual transmission or PDK?

No. The Sport Mode option is available in both types of cars.

What's the best feature of having the Sport Chrono package?

This really depends on you. Many 997 owners report that the package's built-in timing function is its best selling point. Of course, if monitoring and recording driving time doesn't matter to you, then the package's affect on upshifting and downshifting should be beneficial enough to sway you.

My car doesn't have a built-in Sport Mode. Can I have it installed?

Yes. A dealer or mechanic can upgrade your ride with Sport Mode. Expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,800 for the install. Porsche owners report that this takes between two and three hours to complete.

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