The Sport Chrono Dial

When I purchased my Panamera, I opted for the “Sport Chrono Package”. With Sport Chrono, a dial is mounted on the steering wheel, allowing you to instantly switch between Normal mode, Sport mode, Sport Plus mode, and Individual mode by turning the dial.

At the center of this dial is a switch called the “Sport Response Button.”

The “Sport Response Button” is a mode above Sport Plus. It activates for just 20 seconds, putting the engine and transmission settings into a state of maximum performance. A timer on the display shows the remaining seconds, and after about 20 seconds, it automatically returns to the previously selected mode. (Pressing the button again during activation cancels the mode.)

To put it in Dragon Ball Saiyan terms,

・Normal = Saiyan
・Sport = Super Saiyan… a light state of excitement and aggression.
・Sport Plus = Super Saiyan 2… the aura around the body becomes fierce like burner flames.
・Sport Response Button = Super Saiyan 3… muscles swell and hair stands on end like needles. The so-called “Mukincks” form.

That’s the kind of feeling it gives. However, while Super Saiyan 3 sacrifices a lot of speed for power, the “Sport Response Button” maximizes both power and speed, so it might even be more impressive than Super Saiyan 3. (What am I even talking about? lol)

Acceleration That’s Almost Scary

After taking delivery of my Panamera, I pressed this switch only once or twice on an empty highway, but when pressed, the gears immediately drop to 2nd or 3rd, and the acceleration feels like a powerful force pushing you from behind. The accelerator felt lighter, and I had the illusion that the whole car had become lighter.

The acceleration was so intense that I got scared and quickly turned off the switch, so I think I only experienced it for about 2 seconds (lol). It was almost frightening acceleration, so I didn’t even have the presence of mind to look at the speedometer… but if I had kept pressing, I think I would have easily exceeded 200 km/h.

My husband also tried pressing this switch recently on the Hanshin Expressway Bayshore Route, and he said this:

He has pressed this switch several times before and, even though he’s already experienced the power and acceleration, he’s surprised every time he presses it. Even in Normal mode, the Panamera kicks down and accelerates impressively when you press the accelerator hard, but this is on a whole different level. You definitely can’t keep it pressed for 20 seconds, and if you did on Japanese roads, you’d surely die (；ﾟДﾟ)

Indeed… lol.

Here’s What People Say Online

Looking around online, several people have shared their impressions of pressing this switch. (Though these are mostly for the 911 or Boxster, and different model years, so the feeling might vary slightly) Generally, they say things like this:

On PDK-equipped cars, the mode switch in the center includes the “Sport Response Button.” Pressing it unleashes maximum acceleration for up to 20 seconds. When I pressed it, wow!!! The car automatically downshifted and accelerated fiercely. It feels a bit gimmicky, but the effect is definitely strong.
*Source: Minkara, Rami7’s page

Pressing it immediately activates Sport Response mode, changing the engine and gearbox to the sportiest settings. This mode lasts 20 seconds, with a countdown on the meter. It’s a bit like a racing car’s overtake button—maybe a bit over the top—but it was definitely fun.
*Source: webCG Porsche Macan GTS / 718 Cayman GTS / 911 Carrera GTS [Test Drive]

When pressing the “Overboost Button,” the change is noticeable, with RPM and boost increasing for 20 seconds, delivering very strong acceleration and response. (There’s no limit to how many times you can use this button; once 20 seconds pass, you can press it again immediately.)
*Source: LIFE IN THE FIRST LANE “Porsche 718 Boxster Test Drive. Turbocharging Dramatically Changes Engine Characteristics and Personality”

What I liked most was the mode switch on the lower right of the steering wheel. Usability has improved dramatically. The highlight is the Sport Response switch in the center. Known as the overboost button, pressing it completely changes the car’s character! It’s like Jekyll and Hyde, charging forward with one push (lol). The acceleration is brutal and so much fun.
*Source: Dakara S Yatchu~unen☆〃

From this model, a 20-second boost was added. You have to be careful where you try it because it’s intense (heart pounding). When you press the button, the meter shows the seconds. Trying a 0-start full boost for 20 seconds was amazing! It accelerated so fast that the front wheels barely slipped and almost lifted off the ground. The tires are ECO-friendly, and the acceleration is great. Fast.
*Source: 718 Boxster S Test Drive 2,500cc 4-cylinder 20-second Full Boost

That’s the general consensus. Many have tried it on regular roads, not just highways, and wow, it’s impressive!

When Would You Use It?

I thought about when you’d actually use this “Sport Response Button,” but honestly, outside of the track, I don’t think there’s much occasion to use it on Japanese public roads. Maybe just to try it out since it’s there. It’s probably most effective on Germany’s Autobahn with its long straights, or on circuits like the Nürburgring with long straight sections. Also, maybe if you ever had to do a chicken race like in Fast & Furious… (Though that’ll never happen lol)

However, pressing this “Sport Response Button” makes you realize that the driving experience you usually enjoy is only a few percent, just the tip of the iceberg, of what your Porsche is truly capable of. In that sense, it might be a meaningful button to have.