Porsche states that the GT3/Turbo has the same steering system as the base 991 Carrera's, except that the software updates has made the steering significantly better on the former. Anyone know if these software updates will be available to us lowly Carrera owners?

 

Great question! I asked my dealer last weak and he said there were only two updates for mine and that wasn't one of them. I'm going to a Porsche tour on June 15th and I'll try to remember to ask them.

ChuckJ

 

I love the steering on my 991SC.... I believe rear wheel steering is the key...

 

The geometry is different as well in the GT3, so that is also a factor.

 

They seem to be indicating that they were able to simulate better feel, akin to that of the old hydraulic system on the 997. I hope this is true, since the 991's steering just isn't quite there yet. It's certainly the best electric system I've ever driven though.

 

They spent a lot of time tuning the steering on the 991 and I heard they spent a whole lot more on the GT (of course part of that was because of the RW steering I'm sure).

ChuckJ

 

Is that the front geometry as well as the rear?

ChuckJ

 

Too bad we can't control the stiffness of the electric steering through the PCM. The Tesla S can...

Then again, they wouldn't be able to charge more for Steering Plus.

 

For sure. I would be shocked if its the same as the standard 911s. The front geometry will play a big role in the "added feel" the GT3 steering gets IMO. Im sure will see the piece that will allow us to replicate it, either with direct GT3 parts or aftermarket like the 997s.

 

Preuninger is interviewed in the new Panorama, which I got in the mail today. He says the GT3 steering system hardware is "exactly the same" as the Carrera (and that the former feels as good as the 997 back-to-back on any surface). Says software is the only difference, so one would have to assume that we could also benefit from this upgrade, subject to Porsche's generosity of course

As an aside, he also says that if you track any P-car, whether Centerlock or five lug nuts, you have to replace that hardware more often or it will fail. (He says the Centerlocks get 30 hrs on track but doesn't specify exactly how long five lug nuts last). That was big news to me. If anyone has insights on this, please share or PM me.

 

In his original interview with EVO, he states its software and suspension geometry.

30 hours is nothing!! Im surprised as well.

 

His comments aside, it would seem logical that the GT3 transmits more feedback through the wheel due to the stiffer suspension, bushings etc. So he may technically be right that the steering hardware is exactly the same, but for whatever reason he doesn't comment on the suspension's effects.