2020 Porsche 911’s New “Wet” Mode Explained

The new Porsche 911 doesn’t look all that different from the model it replaces, but that doesn’t mean it’s not all new. In fact, plenty has changed with the new generation 911, which is not only more powerful than before, but also safer and more comfortable, even under less than ideal conditions.

Among the highlights of the new Porsche 911 is, of course, the new Wet mode, a new assistance system designed for increased stability and driver support on wet-road surfaces.

Porsche shed more light on their innovative assistance system, which uses acoustic sensors in the front wheel wells to detect swirled-up spray water.

The system then preconditions the PSM stability control and PTM traction control in order to intervene earlier and more sensitively than normal. It also prompts the driver via a warning light to manually switch to ‘Wet’ mode via the mode switch on the steering wheel.

When the new ‘Wet’ mode is activated, everything is primed to reduce the risk of aquaplaning; from 55mph or about 90km/h, the front cooling air flaps remain open and the active rear spoiler is extended to its “performance” setting for a more secure aerodynamic balance.

At the same time, the torque build-up of the engine becomes smoother and the shift strategy of the eight-speed PDK transmission is also adapted. If the car is equipped with all-wheel drive, the system shifts more torque to the front axle and reduces the locking ratios of the electronically controlled rear differential.

Porsche claims that the new ‘Wet’ model results in a more confidence-inspiring handling under the conditions, without restricting the maximum power from the engine or the top speed of the vehicle. “It should be seen as an assistance system in the truest sense,” said August Achleitner, head of the Porsche 911 model series.

The first two versions of the new Porsche 911 are the Carrera S and Carrera 4S models. Both are powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine with 444hp (450PS) and 391lb-ft (530Nm) of peak torque. With the assistance of the new eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, both models require less than 4 seconds for the standard 0-62mph (100km/h) run (Carrera 2S: 3.7 seconds, Carrera 4S: 3.6 seconds).

Porsche’s new ‘Wet’ mode will be offered as standard on all 911 models.