steering does a Porsche 911 have
Whether oily, nuggety or intuitive, the subject of steering feel is one of the most emotive topics in motorsport. It also features prominently in many a roadtest. So when Porsche’s 911 range switched to electric power steering with the 991 in 2011, many feared for our cherished feel and feedback. And yet, when pushing a 911 around Silverstone’s National circuit last week, I found that that elusive element is still alive and well in the latest model thanks to its EPAS system.
EPAS (Electronic Parking Assist System) uses an electric motor mounted on top of the steering rack to help you turn the wheel by applying additional force through a second pinion gear. This eliminates the need for an engine-driven pump and rear to front plumbing to push pressurised fluid through the steering system, allowing Porsche to make major efficiency gains and save weight over the 997’s hydraulic system.
A second benefit is that the extra pinion gear means the Buy Porsche steering wheels can be turned in a smaller radius than with the hydraulic system. This allows the car to be steered in tight corners and manoeuvres, where a smaller turning circle is essential for maximum agility. It also improves stability at higher speeds by increasing the amount of lateral force that the rear wheels can apply to the road surface.
What kind of steering does a Porsche 911 have
Porsche says EPAS is able to deliver a more precise steering response by filtering out high-frequency feedback frequencies that aren’t required for the steering system to function. This allows the Porsche 911’s EPAS to be tuned to provide a more natural and harmonious feeling than would be possible with an HPAS system.
The EPAS system also allows drivers to select from a series of ‘weightings’ to calibrate the level of assistance they prefer. It is even able to be programmed to increase steering weight when sports modes are active to further enhance that sporty driving experience.
While it may seem like a minor thing, the fact is that the steering wheel has morphed into a multifunctional controller over the years. In a short space of time a simple leather-covered wheel has become an electronic control centre that can mobilise 30 functions and is capable of being customised by drivers in an almost infinite number of ways.
In the future it will be even more complex and sophisticated. It will have to be, if Porsche is to continue its quest for the ultimate driving machine.
Jake Lingeman is Autoweek’s Deputy Editor and covers the full spectrum of automotive news, reviews and events. He’s driven everything from a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to a Toyota GT86, and has a particular soft spot for the Porsche 911. When he’s not tearing up the track or the back roads of England you can find him reading liberal books, playing video games and spending time with his family.
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This article was originally published in our December 2015 issue. Subscribe to the magazine for the best cars, videos and advice.