Rev Matching

What is rev matching?

Rev matching is the technique of blipping the throttle during a downshift to bring engine speed up to the higher revs of the lower gear. Without it, releasing the clutch causes a jolt — engine braking snatches at the driveline and unsettles the car, especially mid-corner. With rev matching the gear change is smooth and the car stays stable.

The heel-and-toe technique

The classic method combines braking and blipping with one foot: the ball of the foot stays on the brake while the heel, or the outer edge of the foot, taps the throttle. Hence the name heel-and-toe. The coordination takes practice, but it is essential for driving a manual car quickly. You brake for the corner, downshift and blip the throttle — all at the same time.

Rev matching in modern Porsches

Modern Porsches with PDK handle rev matching automatically — the electronics match engine speed on every downshift. Manual 911s now offer an automatic rev-matching function too. Purists switch it off to master the technique themselves. Anyone who perfects manual heel-and-toe gains a deeper understanding of vehicle dynamics.

Perfecting your technique at ESC

On ESC trackdays in a manual Porsche our instructors show you how rev matching works — from the theory to the perfect execution. The CarForGo fleet offers both options: PDK for relaxed driving, manual for traditionalists. Choose your experience.