New Porsche 911 Has A ‘Wet’ Mode To Eliminate Aquaplaning

The 2020 Porsche 911 includes a number of innovative new features that ensure it’s the best 911 ever. However, one new piece of technology which did slip under the radar at the vehicle’s launch late last year is a novel ‘wet’ mode.

Automotive News reports that Porsche decided to add it to the latest-generation 911 in a bid to eliminate aquaplaning, something the sports car can be prone to due to its low weight and wide wheels and tires.

The safety system uses tiny microphone sensors that measure the intensity of the water on the road that’s splashed into the front wheel arches. If the vehicle’s computers think wet mode could be useful for the current conditions, it will inform the driver to enable the system.

To reduce the risk of aquaplaning, this mode increases power distribution to the smaller front wheels, reduces engine torque buildup, and triggers a set of aero flaps to increase downforce. Additionally, actuating systems for Porsche Stability Management and Porsche Traction Management are lowered.

The Porsche Advanced Development department actually developed a similar safety system in the 1990s as part of a European research program, and initially, the tech was going to be used by range-topping models like the 911 Turbo.

However, August Achleitner, also known as ‘Mister 911‘, decided against implementing the system at that time.