Introduction to Porsche's Advanced Features

Porsche, known for its performance and luxury, offers a wide range of advanced automotive features designed to enhance driving experience and efficiency. One such feature is the automatic start-stop system, which becomes particularly relevant in vehicles like the newer 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet. This system is designed to save fuel and provide a more dynamic driving experience. However, it raises questions and concerns among drivers regarding its impact and functionality.

Understanding the Automatic Start-Stop Feature

The automatic start-stop feature in a car automatically shuts off the engine when the car comes to a stop, such as at a red light or in heavy traffic, and restarts it when the brakes are released. This feature is prevalent in many modern Porsche models, including the 2021 992 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, and is intended to improve fuel efficiency by reducing the time the engine is running idly. However, this feature can be disconcerting or even frustrating for drivers, leading to a range of concerns and observations.

Personal Experiences with the Automatic Start-Stop Feature

Driver feedback from various owners of different Porsche models, including the Porsche Macan GTS, Porsche Cayenne Macan, and Porsche Panamera, shares a common experience: these newer models consistently employ the automatic start-stop feature. Notably, the driver of the 2021 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet confirms that the engine does indeed turn off at a red light with the foot on the brake, but it restarts immediately when the brake is lifted.

However, the opinions vary on whether this feature poses any risks or impacts the longevity of the car. Some owners, such as the driver of a 2017 Porsche Macan GTS, express concerns about the feature's impact on the battery and starter, given the frequent restarts it entails. They also mention the annoying hesitation that occurs when the engine restarts, which can potentially compromise the driving experience.

Hircon: Controlling the Automatic Start-Stop Feature

Due to these concerns, some owners, notably the driver of a Porsche Macan GTS, opt to disable the automatic start-stop feature. In this case, the feature can be easily turned off via a console button, and it remains off the next time the car is driven. This approach has reportedly helped drivers with older Porsche models extend the life of their batteries for nearly five years. However, the newer Porsche models do not offer a simple button to disable the feature, requiring users to navigate through touch screens instead.

For models like the 911 Boxster and Cayman, especially those equipped with dual-clutch transmissions, the automatic start-stop feature is even more prevalent. The impact of this feature on manual transmission models remains uncertain, but it's widely believed that the feature is active in these sports cars as well.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

While the automatic start-stop feature in newer Porsche models, including the 2021 992 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, serves the purpose of improving fuel efficiency, it is not without its drawbacks. Concerns about the impact on the vehicle's longevity and the user's driving experience are valid. The future of this feature in Porsche models seems to be evolving, with more sophisticated systems and driver-friendly interfaces being developed to mitigate these concerns.