It's no secret that Porsche is above all synonymous with closed-course racing, when it comes to motorsport at the manufacturer from Zuffenhausen. So, from this perspective, it is also synonymous with rear-wheel drive. However, this limited view makes us forget other sports disciplines that have led Porsche to develop one of the most successful (if not the best) all-wheel drive in the world. Porsche Quebec returns below to its history and its presence in the current lineup. We also look at what is necessary for its efficiency in all road conditions.
Porsche and the history of rally raid: the quest for ultimate traction with Porsche all-wheel drive
Porsche and the quest for optimal traction is a quest older than the brand itself. Indeed, Ferdinand Porsche created, in 1899, a first car whose four wheels are driving. It will then be presented at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900. Porsche all-wheel drive therefore precedes the creation of the brand itself.
This quest will continue in 1947 with the Type 360, also called "Cisitalia". This car, equipped with a twelve-cylinder compressor and intended for competition, was light and, above all, equipped with a disengageable all-wheel drive. However, the heyday of four-wheel drive at Porsche happened later, in the 1980s. During this period, Porsche presented a study at the Frankfurt Motor Show: a 911 Turbo Cabriolet with four-wheel drive. The manufacturer will use the same idea in particular for the Type 953, a racing car that raced at the Paris-Dakar in 1984.
The experience acquired with the latter will allow him to lead to the creation of one of the first supercars in history, the 959, presented in 1985. This will create the foundation of what all-wheel drive represents at Porsche, an operating principle still valid on the PTM system. Porsche's technical choices will also be confirmed by the manufacturer's double victory, again with the 959, at the Paris-Dakar 1986.
From 1988, Porsche will anchor the principle of its all-wheel drive with the 911 Carrera 4 Type 964, before extending it to the rest of the range. The momentum continued in the 1990s and 2000s, then culminated with the creation of the Cayenne, which introduced "Porsche Traction Management" (PTM) in 2002. Building on this success, Porsche continued its momentum with the design of the Macan, entered production in 2014.
As of today, you will find the iconic Porsche four-wheel drive system throughout the range, with the exception of the 718. This means that, in addition to the Porsche Macan and Cayenne which logically have all-wheel drive, you will also find Porsche all-wheel drive on the Porsche 911 (ex. 911 4S), and Porsche Panamera (ex. the Panamera 4S and its standard all-wheel drive). One of the most advanced models, the Porsche Taycan and Taycan Cross Turismo, goes even further by offering even more developed all-wheel drive (eg on the Taycan 4S).
Even with such an efficient system, it is important to have the right tires for optimal traction. It is therefore necessary to opt for winter tires for the cold season, and to choose good summer tires for the summer season.
But that's not all. The circumference of the tires is also very important. Indeed, an all-wheel drive is composed of several cogs allowing the four-wheel drive to work harmoniously. If the tires are of different circumferences, beyond the manufacturer's tolerances, the wheels will spin at different speeds. The Porsche all-wheel drive gears will then be in constant demand. This will result in premature wear of these and, in the long run, will result in less optimal grip. Among the factors affecting the circumference of tires is their wear. It is therefore important to monitor this regularly in order to maintain the uniformity of your tire circumference, so that you can maintain the efficiency of your Porsche all-wheel drive. The easiest way is to leave it to our specialists to check your tires when you change them in summer or winter.
Make an appointment now at the Center Porsche Québec to have your tires fitted and / or have them checked. You will be assured of their good condition thanks to the great knowledge of our experts, your reference Porsche Ccncessionnaire in the National Capital near Ste-Foy. We will carry out the necessary checks so that you can drive safely with your all-wheel drive Porsche, whatever the season, without you having to worry about it.
