Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
PerformanceAverage price
1500€ - 4000€
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is an electronic suspension management system that continuously and actively adjusts the damping force on each wheel. Based on data collected by multiple sensors (speed, acceleration, steering angle, body movements), the PASM central control unit modifies damper firmness within milliseconds. This responsiveness delivers exceptional duality: supreme ride comfort on rough roads and surgical precision during spirited driving. Drivers can typically choose between several modes, such as 'Normal' for daily use, 'SPORT' for dynamic driving, and 'SPORT PLUS' for maximum performance, often on the track. The system also slightly lowers the vehicle's ride height (typically by 10 mm) to improve aerodynamics and lower the center of gravity. PASM is a flagship technology that embodies the Porsche philosophy: creating everyday sports cars capable of adapting instantly to road conditions and driver inputs, thereby ensuring optimal safety and driving pleasure in all circumstances.
Benefits
- ✓Exceptional versatility between comfort and sportiness
- ✓Enhanced stability and safety by reducing body roll and pitch
- ✓Significant improvement in ride comfort on uneven road surfaces
- ✓Increased precision and agility during dynamic driving and on the track
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What is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)?
Porsche Active Suspension Management, better known by the acronym PASM, is an electronic adaptive suspension system developed by Porsche. It represents one of the key technologies that define the unique balance between performance and comfort found in the brand's vehicles. Its primary function is to continuously and individually adjust the damping force of each wheel based on driving style and road conditions. Unlike a traditional passive suspension with fixed settings, PASM offers an extremely wide operating range, spanning from a supple damping setting for comfort to a very firm setting for maximum agility.
How does PASM work?
The brain of the system is a central control unit that analyzes a multitude of data in real-time from sensors distributed throughout the vehicle. These sensors continuously measure parameters such as:
Based on this information, the control unit determines the optimal damping force for each wheel and sends commands to specific shock absorbers equipped with electronically controlled valves. These valves can modify the oil flow inside the damper within milliseconds, thereby altering its firmness almost instantaneously. Furthermore, PASM is often coupled with a 10 mm ride height reduction (or even 20 mm for PASM Sport versions), which lowers the center of gravity and improves high-speed stability.
The different PASM driving modes
The driver can interact with the system via a mode selector on the center console or steering wheel, allowing them to favor a specific setup:
The tangible benefits of PASM
PASM goes beyond being a mere technological gadget to offer tangible benefits for everyday driving and sports driving alike. It increases active safety by stabilizing the vehicle during avoidance maneuvers or emergency braking. Comfort is greatly improved, as the car seems to "read" the road and anticipate bumps. Finally, it multiplies driving pleasure tenfold by transforming the vehicle's behavior on demand, making it as docile as a luxury saloon or as sharp as a race car. Combined with other systems such as PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) for active roll stabilization or PTV Plus (Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus), PASM helps create a chassis of formidable efficiency and versatility, true to the Porsche DNA.
Compatible brands
Finitions équipées
52 finition(s) proposent cet équipement
Porsche Porsche Cayenne
Cayenne S E-Hybrid (facelifted 3rd generation) (2023-2026)
Porsche Porsche Cayenne
Cayenne Turbo (2nd generation) (2010-2017)
Porsche Porsche Cayman
718 Cayman GTS (982) (2017-2019)
Porsche Porsche Cayman
718 Cayman GTS 4.0 (982) (2020-2024)
Porsche Porsche Cayman
718 Cayman S (982) (2016-2023)
Porsche Porsche Cayman
Cayman GTS (981) (2014-2016)
Porsche Porsche Cayman
Cayman S (981) (2013-2016)
Porsche Porsche Macan
Macan 4S (2nd generation) (2024-2026)
Porsche Porsche Macan
Macan GTS (1st generation) (2015-2021)
Porsche Porsche Macan
Macan S (1st generation phase 2) (2019-2024)
Porsche Porsche Macan
Macan S (1st generation) (2014-2021)
Porsche Porsche Macan
Macan S Diesel (1st generation) (2014-2018)
Porsche Porsche Macan
Macan T (1st generation phase 2) (2022-2024)
Porsche Porsche Macan
Macan Turbo (1st generation phase 2) (2019-2023)
Porsche Porsche Macan
Macan Turbo with Performance Package (1st generation) (2016-2019)
Porsche Porsche Panamera
Panamera GTS (1st generation 970) (2012-2016)
Porsche Porsche Panamera
Panamera GTS (2nd generation 971) (2018-2023)
Porsche Porsche Panamera
Panamera GTS (3rd generation 972) (2024-2026)
Porsche Porsche Panamera
Panamera Turbo (1st generation 970) (2010-2016)
Porsche Porsche Panamera
Panamera Turbo S (1st generation 970) (2011-2016)
Associated equipment
Drive Mode Selector
The drive mode selector is an advanced electronic control interface that allows the driver to modify the dynamic behavior of their vehicle in real time. By interacting with a control (dial, button, or touchscreen menu), this system simultaneously adjusts several key parameters to adapt the car to different usage scenarios or driver preferences. The main systems affected are the powertrain, chassis, and steering. The system alters the engine mapping for a sharper or more relaxed throttle response, adjusts the shifting logic of the automatic transmission to prioritize fuel economy or performance, and can vary the firmness of the active suspension for optimal comfort or maximum road-holding. The weighting of the power steering is also modulated, shifting from high assistance for maneuvering to a more direct and communicative feel during sporty driving. This technology turns a single vehicle into several, offering exceptional versatility whether for an economical daily commute, a comfortable long journey, or a dynamic drive on winding roads. It is a key feature for personalizing the driving experience that has become essential in the modern automotive market.
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is an active roll stabilization system that represents the pinnacle of chassis technology at Porsche. Designed to transcend the traditional trade-off between comfort and performance, it utilizes active anti-roll bars on both the front and rear axles. These are equipped with actuators that are either electro-hydraulic or electromechanical (in the newer PDCC Sport version operating on a 48V electrical system). By continuously analyzing parameters such as steering angle, lateral acceleration, and speed, a control unit calculates the body lean when cornering. Within milliseconds, the actuators apply a counter-torque to the two halves of the anti-roll bar, neutralizing body roll almost instantaneously. The vehicle remains remarkably flat, even in fast corners, maximizing the tire contact patch with the road for phenomenal grip and agility. In a straight line, the system can decouple the bars to allow for more independent wheel travel, thereby better filtering road imperfections and significantly improving ride comfort—a duality that defines Porsche engineering excellence.
Sport Chrono Package
The Sport Chrono Package is an iconic performance option offered by Porsche, designed to heighten the sporty character of its vehicles. Much more than just an analog and digital stopwatch on the dashboard, this package is a complete ecosystem that transforms the driving experience. It integrates a mode switch on the steering wheel, allowing you to instantly toggle between Normal, SPORT, SPORT PLUS, and Individual settings. The SPORT PLUS mode, at the heart of the package, calibrates the entire vehicle for maximum performance: throttle response becomes sharper, PDK transmission shift maps are optimized for lightning-fast gear changes, and the chassis (in conjunction with PASM) becomes firmer. The package also includes the Launch Control function, which ensures standing starts with formidable efficiency by optimizing traction and engine speed. Another key feature is the SPORT Response button, offering 20 seconds of maximum engine and transmission responsiveness. Finally, it activates dynamic engine mounts that stiffen the powertrain-chassis connection for better stability during spirited driving, while preserving comfort during normal driving. It is the essential option for any Porsche enthusiast seeking thrills and efficiency.
Adaptive Air Suspension
Adaptive air suspension is an advanced chassis technology that combines the benefits of air suspension with an electronically controlled damping system. Unlike traditional steel coil spring suspensions, this system uses air springs (or air bellows) to support the vehicle's weight. A compressor adjusts the air pressure in these springs in real time, allowing changes to ride height and suspension firmness. The 'adaptive' aspect comes from continuously variable dampers, whose damping force is adjusted within milliseconds by an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU constantly analyzes data from various sensors (vehicle speed, steering angle, lateral acceleration, road conditions). The driver can also manually select different driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Off-road) to prioritize either maximum comfort or sportier driving dynamics. This technology thus offers an unmatched compromise between ride comfort, road handling, and versatility by adapting to vehicle load, driving style, and road conditions.
Active Suspension
Active suspension, also known as adaptive damping or adaptive suspension, is an advanced chassis system that continuously and in real time adjusts the firmness of each wheel's shock absorbers. Unlike a traditional passive suspension with fixed characteristics, active suspension uses a network of sensors (accelerometers, wheel speed sensors, steering angle) to constantly analyze road conditions, driving style, and vehicle movements (roll, pitch, heave). This information is processed by an electronic control unit (ECU) that sends commands within milliseconds to specific shock absorbers equipped with electromagnetic valves or filled with magnetorheological fluid. The system can thus vary the damping force to prioritize either comfort, by softening the suspension on rough roads, or sportiness, by firming it up to limit body roll in corners or during hard braking. This technology offers exceptional versatility, resolving the historical trade-off between ride comfort and road holding.