Porsche Explained: what is torque vectoring?

Porsche Explained: torque vectoring

Discover how torque vectoring gives improved precision and control through corners

August 7, 2025 | 3 min read

Porsche 911 Targa 4S driving on coastal road

What is torque vectoring and how does it make your car more agile when driving through corners? Let’s look at how this innovation works and the benefits it can offer to Porsche drivers

Torque vectoring technology has been available for Porsche models since it was introduced to the type 997 series of the 911 Turbo. It's chassis technology that improves turn-in, agility and performance through corners by varying the amount of power sent to each driven wheel.

It can make steering easier, maximise traction and make a car feel more controllable through a bend.

What is torque vectoring?

The term torque vectoring refers to two things. Torque is a measure of the force sent to a car’s wheels to push them round, while a vector is something that has both magnitude (a measurable amount) and direction.

So, torque vectoring essentially means using torque to help a vehicle change direction as efficiently as possible.

Graphic of how torque vectoring works on Porsche car — Torque vectoring works by sending more torque to the outside or inside wheel while cornering to counteract either understeer or oversteer to maximise the grip of the driven wheels and help make a car feel more controllable through bends Photo: Porsche

How does torque vectoring work?

Torque vectoring works by adjusting how much power is sent to a car’s driven wheels to help it take the driver’s intended line through a corner. Electronic sensors are used to measure factors such as steering wheel angle, vehicle speed, wheel speed and g-force. They also measure the car’s yaw rate – which means how quickly it’s rotating around its central axis (turning left or right).

A torque vectoring system constantly monitors all of these elements and, in real time, can redirect more or less power to either of the wheels on a driven axle to ensure that the car is making the turn as accurately as possible. Sending more torque to either the inside wheel or outside wheel while cornering adjusts the angle and momentum of the car through the bend, helping to counteract either understeer or oversteer and maximising the grip of the driven wheels.

Some torque vectoring systems do this using individual clutch packs that adjust how much power flows to each wheel. Others apply a small amount of braking on the inside wheel of a corner to minutely slow its rotation and thereby increase torque at the outside wheel. Both systems produce the same effect, increasing the yaw rate so that the car turns in more efficiently and takes the correct line through the bend.

What are the differences between PTV and PTV+?

Today, Porsche offers two torque vectoring systems across its model range – Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+), both of which use targeted braking of the rear wheels to adjust torque distribution.

Porsche Taycan 4S Sport Turismo driving through a corner — There are two Porsche torque vectoring systems across the model range – Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) either as standard or as an option, depending on the model. The Taycan 4S Sport Turismo shown here comes with PTV as standard with PTV+ as an option Photo: Porsche

Each also includes a rear differential lock that improves traction when accelerating out of corners by reducing power to a spinning wheel and sending more power to the wheel with most grip. PTV does this using a rear differential lock which is regulated mechanically, whereas PTV+ features an electronically controlled lock for fully variable torque distribution.

In each case, PTV and PTV+ work in harmony with other chassis and drivetrain innovations available for Porsche models. Combined with the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system, Porsche Torque Vectoring increases stability on wet roads, in snow as well as on roads with varying degrees of traction. The result is optimum performance both on the road and the track.

What are the benefits of torque vectoring?

The main benefit of torque vectoring is that it improves a car’s agility and stability when cornering, especially at higher speeds. By helping to achieve the intended line through a corner, torque vectoring makes steering the car more satisfying to drive and helps the driver maintain control of the car.

Which Porsche models have torque vectoring?

PTV is available for all Porsche cars, while and PTV+ is available for certain models. Both work in combination with either Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) or PASM Sports Suspension. PTV is currently available for Porsche 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman models, while the Porsche 911 is available with both PTV and PTV+, depending on the variant. PTV+ is available either as standard or as an option for Macan, Cayenne, Taycan and Panamera models (information correct as of July 2025).

Consumption and emission information

Taycan 4S Sport Turismo (WLTP): Electric energy consumption combined: 21.1 – 18.4 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO₂ class: . 911 Targa 4S (WLTP): Fuel consumption combined: 10.9 – 10.8 l/100 km (preliminary value); CO₂ emissions combined: 248 – 244 g/km (preliminary value); CO₂ class: . Macan Turbo Electric (WLTP): Electric energy consumption combined: 20.7 – 18.9 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO₂ class: .

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