When it comes to smartphone technology, it isn’t crazy to think that your phone is listening and responding to its environment to improve your experience. Cars are now doing the same thing with cameras, including those used for backing up, staying inside lanes, and parking assist.
But now, Porsche is introducing microphones in the wheel wells that listen for wet driving conditions to improve handling and safety.
The Problem
Many performance vehicles, by virtue of their design, are at an increased risk of hydroplaning. Wide tires and a lightweight design aren’t assets for a car on water. One common saying is that the Porsche 911 likes to go for “swims.”
The Solution
Many vehicles today have optional weather modes that can be selected by the driver to help with traction in different conditions, but it’s up to the driver to determine if the conditions warrant a different setting.
Now, the 2020 Porsche 911 (classified as the 992) has microphones that listen for the sound of water making contact with the wheel inside the wheel well. When the system is triggered, it notifies the driver to engage a wet weather mode which is supposed to increase safety and handling.
Road and Track explains that, “Wet Mode softens throttle response, keeps automatic-transmission-equipped vehicles in a higher gear, reduces engine torque and limited-slip differential lockup, and makes the stability control and ABS more sensitive.” AWD models will have more torque sent to the front tires, as they’re narrower than the rear.
Porsche actually developed a wet weather mode in the mid-’90s, but it never made its way to the 911 production line due to accident concerns. Nevertheless, it appears that this new microphone technology has instilled enough confidence in Porsche to allow the 992 to take a dip.
Source: Road and Track