Porsche Acronyms Explained

When it comes to acronyms Porsche is probably the only car company in the world that could compete with the US Army when it comes to their use. We receive emails on an almost daily basis asking us for information/help on one Porsche acronym/system or another. Instead of continuing to answer each email as a one-off we decided to create a post (with the help of Porsche’s technology micro-site) that outlines the most common acronyms. Where possible we gave a link for more information and in most cases the link will have a video further explaining Porsche’s technology. We will eventually convert this post to a permanent page, under Porsche resources, so it always available (and update it as necessary). For now, if we missed something or you think we should add an acronym, just let us know by commenting below.

DFI: Direct Fuel Injection

Porsche’s Direct Fuel Injection helps to reduce fuel consumption CO2 emissions without compromising performance. At the heart of the system lies an injector which sits directly on the cylinder head injecting fuel directly into each combustion chamber with the help of a high pressure pump at a pressure of up to 120 bar. This disperses the air/fuel mixture more precisely, increasing the mixing of air and fuel.

Because direct injection reduces cylinder temperature, more air than normal can be compressed into the combustion chambers. This increases the energy density of the mixture and hence leads to fuel saving. It is possible to control the required fuel volume exactly via the duration and pressure of injection.

LSDL: Limited Slip Differential Locking

A mechanically locking rear differential is standard in the 911 all-wheel drive variants and is available as an option for all other 911, Cayman and Boxster models in conjunction with 18 and 19-inch wheels. It further enhances traction at the driven rear axle on uneven roads and when accelerating out of tight bends. This is accomplished by the damping of load-change reactions during fast cornering.

If you’re buying a Porsche and you think you might want to play with on a track, the LSDL option is something you should seriously consider.

MOST: Media Orientated Systems Transport bus

The data exchanged between the various audio and communications systems is done via the Media Orientated Systems Transport (MOST®) bus. This powerful digital technology uses high-speed fibre optics to ensure absolute consistency during data transfer. An essential prerequisite for advanced audio quality, it links the CD autochanger, BOSE® Surround Sound System amplifiers and PCM telephone module (all optional). The result is a significant improvement in sound reproduction.

PASM: Porsche Active Suspension Management

PASM is an electronic active damping system. It offers continuous adjustment of the damping force on each wheel, based on current road conditions and driving style.

At the press of a button, the driver can choose between two modes. While ‘Normal’ mode provides a blend of performance and comfort, the ‘Sport’ setup mode has a much firmer range of settings. The system responds to changing road conditions and/or driving style by continuously varying the individual damping forces within the parameters defined for the selected setup mode (‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’). Pitch and roll are reduced, whilst contact of each wheel with the road is optimized.

PCM: Porsche Communication Management

As the central control unit for audio, navigation and communications PCM is available as standard equipment on all Turbo models and optionally available for all others.

PCM can be further configured with everything from a TV tuner (in some markets) to Navigation and Bluetooth. If you like your Porsche full of gadgets, this one should not be missed.

PCCB: Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes

PCCB technology provides unparalleled fade resistance and consistently high friction levels by utilizing specially treated carbon fiber ceramic discs and composite pads in conjunction with six-piston calipers at front and a pair of four piston units at the rear. Other key benefits include the remarkable durability of the pads and discs, and over a 50% weight decrease over conventional metal equivalents.

If you’re looking to reverse the course of the Earth’s rotation when you slam on the brakes, then PCCB is for you. Be warned though, there has been lots of discussion about the good, bad and the ugly when it comes to the PCCB option. They are expensive to maintain and even more so to replace. The general consensus we’ve heard is that if you track the car often and can’t afford the replacement costs, go with the standard/steel brakes. If, however, money isn’t an issue, you don’t want any brake dust or just have to have those eye poppin’ yellow calipers, then by all means, go for it!

PDK: Porsche Doppelkupplung

Porsche’s newest transmission is essentially two half-gearboxes in one and thus requires two clutches – designed as a double wet clutch transmission.

This double clutch provides an alternating, non positive connection between the two half-gearboxes and the engine by means of two separate input shafts (input shaft 1 is nested inside the hollowed-out input shaft 2). In English, this means the next gear (up or down) is always ready to go and no matter how good you think you can shift a manual, the PDK transmission is faster! More importantly, PDK will make you a better driver on the track. While some argue that it takes some of the tactile feel from track driving, we’re of the opinion that if it makes for faster times then… why not?

PDCC: Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control

Available on the Panamera and Cayenne models PDCC is an active anti-roll system that anticipates and significantly reduces lateral body movement during cornering maneuvers. In addition, it minimizes the lateral instability of the vehicle on uneven ground.

The effect is achieved with the aid of active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles which respond to the current steering angle and lateral acceleration by producing a stabilizing force that precisely negates the roll of the body.

POSIP: Porsche Side Impact Protection System

Standard on all current models, POSIP provides an additional two air-bags on each side (one for the body and one for the head) located in different positions depending on the Porsche model. POSIP includes additional safety features unique to each Porsche model based on its configuration.

PSM: Porsche Stability Management

PSM is an automatic control system that stabilizes the vehicle at the limits of dynamic driving performance. Sensors continuously monitor driving direction, speed, yaw velocity and lateral acceleration. Using this information, PSM computes the actual direction of motion. If this direction deviates from the desired course, PSM initiates braking interventions targeted at individual wheels in order to stabilize the vehicle.

PTV: Porsche Torque Vectoring

PTV is a system that actively enhances vehicle dynamics and stability. As a function of steering angle and steering speed, accelerator pedal position, yaw rate and vehicle speed, PTV is able to improve steering response and steering precision significantly by specific braking of the right or left rear wheel.

In other words, if the 911 Turbo is too much car for you to handle, PTV can help to keep you from stuffing your new 911 if you take a turn way too fast for your driving ability. 🙂

UAI: Universal Audio Interface

With this optional feature, the storage compartment in the centre console in combination with the optional PCM will contain up to three connections: one for your iPod®, one for a USB stick/MP3 player and one as an AUX interface for any compatible audio source of your choice. The iPod® or USB stick can be controlled conveniently and safely using the PCM.

VarioCam and VarioCam Plus

Okay, we know it’s not an acronym, but so many people asked we though we would include it. Variocam is Porsche’s variable valve-timing system. According to Porsche it continually adjusts valve timing for increased power and torque to provide smooth running at all speeds, better fuel economy and lower emissions.

VTG: Variable Turbine Geometry

Available on 911 Turbo, 911 GT2 and the Cayenne Diesel with Variable Turbine Geometry it is possible to achieve higher turbine speeds, and thus higher boost pressure, at lower engine rpm. Cylinder charging is significantly improved, with a corresponding increase in both power and torque. Maximum torque is reached at lower rpm and is retained across a wider rev range.

[Source: Porsche Technology Glossary]