The other day, while practicing driving the Boxster GTS (MT), I wrote that “it’s fun how the car automatically blips the throttle in Sport Plus mode when equipped with the Sport Chrono Package on a manual transmission.” After that, a reader commented:
Does auto-blipping also work in Sport mode, not just Sport Plus? The 718 Cayman brochure says that with the Sport Chrono Package, auto-blipping occurs even in Sport mode.
A reader who has owned both the 718 Boxster and the 981 Boxster Spyder replied to this comment, and from what they wrote, “the 981 auto-blips only in Sport Plus mode, but the 718 auto-blips already in Sport mode.”
My husband apparently researched this topic extensively, but since I was curious too, I looked it up online and found a wide range of information from automotive media to personal blogs.
Here’s what I found online about the 981 Boxster first.
Auto-blipping is a feature included when purchasing the Sport Chrono Package, and it operates as an assist function only when Sport Plus mode is activated.
*Source: 981 Boxster’s Blipping Function
Cars equipped with Sport Plus mode have auto-blipping, which automatically matches engine revs during downshifts, allowing smooth gear changes. Conversely, in Sport or Normal modes, the auto-blipping function does not operate (article from August 2017).
*Source: How to Drive an MT Porsche
From the 2013 model year, manual transmission cars equipped with the Sport Chrono Package added a feature that automatically blips the throttle to match revs during downshifts in Sport Plus mode.
*Source: Checking Automatic Rev Matching on 991 MT Models — Mostly Unnecessary Info
My Boxster is equipped with PASM and the Sport Chrono Package… (omitted) I don’t often use Sport Plus mode with auto-blipping when driving alone.
*Source: Porsche Boxster, 15,000km [1]
Mr. W’s 981 Boxster has auto-blipping! When Sport Plus mode is ON, there’s no need to blip the throttle manually during heel-and-toe! This feature has been included since the 2014 model year. My 981 Boxster doesn’t have it.
*Source: Enjoying a Night Drive with W, a Fellow 981 Boxster Owner
During a test drive on public roads with the 6-speed MT, I was impressed by the auto-blipping control that activates when Sport Plus mode is selected.
*Source: Driving Porsche’s Top 2-Door Sports Models
Porsche offers the “GTS” badge on mid-engine sports cars like the Cayman and Boxster. The 6-speed MT’s shift feel is solid and pleasant, and by selecting Sport Plus mode via the center console switch, auto-blipping activates during downshifts. This allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering.
*Source: [Porsche Cayman GTS Test Drive] With Options, It Even Surpasses the 911 — Motohiro Yamazaki
Hmm, I see.
Next, I looked into the auto-blipping function on the 718 Boxster…
In Sport mode, the engine responds even more directly, and auto-blipping activates during downshifts. In Sport Plus mode, these characteristics are further enhanced and optimized for maximum performance.
*Source: Skip Navigation: New 718 Boxster GTS and 718 Cayman GTS
The shift operation synchronized with the Sport Plus exhaust sound is simply “fun.” Also, selecting Sport mode or higher (Sport / Sport Plus) adds the blipping function during downshifts.
*Source: Porsche 718 Boxster GTS (MR/6MT) [Test Drive]
By the way, Porsche’s English website states:
The drive becomes even more dynamic in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package: in SPORT and SPORT PLUS mode, the dynamic throttle-blip function ensures the optimum engine speed for every downshift, a more emotional driving experience and an impressive sound.
*Source: 6-speed manual transmission
So, summarizing the auto-blipping info for the 981 and 718, it seems that:
✓ Boxsters before the 981 did not have auto-blipping
✓ Early 981 Boxsters also lacked the feature
✓ From around 2013–2014, Japanese-market Boxsters equipped with the Sport Chrono Package activate auto-blipping only in Sport Plus mode (not in Normal or Sport)
✓ From the 718 Boxster onward, cars with the Sport Chrono Package activate auto-blipping already in Sport mode (works in both Sport and Sport Plus modes)
That’s how it seems.
While researching, I was surprised to find quite a few people saying “Auto-blipping is unnecessary!”.
I didn’t opt for the Sport Chrono Package this time. Actually, the Carrera 4 MT’s Sport Chrono includes an automatic rev-matching blip during downshifts, which feels like an unwanted interference. (omitted) With this extra feature, you can’t do rev-matching or heel-and-toe shifts manually anymore.
*Source: 991 Carrera 4 Delivery!
If you only dislike the auto-blipping, you could skip the Sport Chrono Package, but it also adds other driving benefits. (omitted) So it’s a package worth having if you want those extra features.
*Source: Checking Automatic Rev Matching on 991 MT Models — Mostly Unnecessary Info
Oh, I see (；ﾟДﾟ).
Since I’m a beginner at driving manuals, I’m actually grateful to have the auto-blipping feature, but I guess seasoned MT drivers feel differently. I kind of understand why.
Regarding heel-and-toe, Porsche states that it “requires advanced skill and should only be attempted after proper training.” (*Heel-and-toe method) Also, someone online wrote that “I heard from a dealer that recent Porsches are designed assuming drivers won’t do heel-and-toe manually, relying instead on auto-blipping.”
I see, that makes sense. But my husband, who loves driving manuals, never really said much about this before or after buying the Boxster GTS (MT). So I asked him about it, and he said:
Well, I totally understand people who want to do heel-and-toe themselves. But recent Porsches have brakes positioned significantly higher than the accelerator, so unless you have nimble feet, heel-and-toe on public roads is tough.
You usually don’t press the brake hard enough at normal speeds for the brake and accelerator pedals to line up nicely, making it hard to blip the throttle.
On the other hand, on a race track, the pedal heights are just right, making it easier. But if you want to set lap times on the circuit, having auto-blipping definitely makes driving easier and improves your times.
I see. Hearing “you need nimble feet to heel-and-toe” made me realize I definitely can’t do it. Actually, my ankles are very stiff and I can’t flex them well (I tend to fall backward). Even massage therapists and chiropractors are surprised by how stiff my ankles are. For me, practicing heel-and-toe would have to start with flexibility exercises first.