When you buy a new Porsche it’s pretty easy to quickly add on additional expenses in options, lots of them. Should you get the bigger wheels? Do you need leather wrapped air condition vents? What about deviated stitching on your seats? Seriously, the options can seem literally limitless. However, there are certain performance and visual options that most people seriously consider. One of those is the Porsche Sports Exhaust option or PSE for short (currently around $3,000 on the 911).
By now, I’m sure most of you are familiar with it, but if you’re not, Porsche first introduce the system in 2009. Since then, it’s changed little other than some external visual modifications. Basically, the system consists of an exhaust flap on each main silencer that’s activated by the engine’s electronic control system. Once activated, the system varies the sound of the exhaust as a function of engine load, speed and road speed.
But is it Worth It?
Here to answer that question for us is none other than YouTube’s Nick Murray. Nick took his 991 C4S (without PSE) and compared it against his friends’ 991 C4S equipped with PSE. While we don’t necessarily agree with all that Nick has to say, we do agree that his C4S without PSE appears wider due to the tail-pipe configuration.
What do you think? Is it worth the extra $3,000?
View Comments (6)
My 2003 C4S has the factory sport exhaust option, and I believe it was available for some time before my 2003 was on the drawing board. Maybe not known as "PSE" until 2009?
Chuck, you are of course, correct. Our post should have said something along the lines of "this version has been available since 2009". With a link to the intro of the updated system at http://flatsixes.wpengine.com/cars/porsche-options/porsche-sports-exhaust-system/
$3000 would be better spent elsewhere on this car, as the sound is not really heard in the cabin, which to me would be the object of spending that $3000. Or, perhaps one could build an audio system to pipe that $3000 sound into the cabin a bit so one could hear and enjoy $3000?
BTW, my Mr. Coffee makes that popping sound like the sport exhaust to signal that it's done. Unfortunately I can't drive it!
=rds
Yes, here they are, the first signs of 'How can I, [Porsche], sell my sporty electric car to my sporty public'; struggling how Industry wants to secure its 'sports car experiences', after Volvo, Porsche is panicking.... on a Porsche Forum, they ask me [Jo public, like me, having one in my barn] what we think (seriously pfffffff)!
Well I think, it is 'complete nonsense', not only zero pence worth, it is a dishonest move, shying away from the genuine sports car experience sound; just sell it as an App for on your phone, but miles away from your physical product; for sake, it is not even April; what an humorless joke!
Hi Ms Pepper Girl !
Schotzie my 2006 911 Coupe was ordered with a OEM Porsche sport exhaust . The flapper valve stopped working so I thought that I would try a well know aftermarket system . After one week I sold the aftermarket system on Panorama ( Porsche Club magazine ) and reinstalled the sport factory OEM system . I must say that the aftermarket exhaust made my 997 sound like a teenagers Japanese car with the huge exhaust hanging off the bumper with a loud drone !!
YES YES YES the OEM sport exhaust IS worth the cost ! Porsche as you know spends countless hours working on the sound and in my opinion its perfect ! BTW I am 64 so have been a car guy for years starting with a 1970 MGBGT I remember reading that Triumph drove their then new TR 6 to a country estate to "tune" the exhaust . The article said that they shoved a broomstick up the exhaust to get the sound just right !! Porsche I am sure that you would agree would be appalled !!! LOL ! So long story short to all the Porsche shoppers if you buy ONE option make it the Sport exhaust you are buying a world class sports car and it SHOULD sound like one !
If you have a Boxster PSE is an absolute must.
The Boxster GTS in Sapphire Blue with Sports exhaust is the roadster that Porsche has every built:
.... The last of the flat sixes with a just the right amount of power that the Lava Orange 911 turbo will be watching my tail lights recede on the twistys
...With the sports exhaust the neighborhood dogs will now you are coming
...It's the car that the kid at the gas station and the mature gentleman at the Whole foods will say... nice ride
Your grandchildren will thank you in 25 years when you hand the keys to them