BRAKING NEWS: THE BALLPOINT PEN LINK

PSCB might sound like an initialism for shell shock but it’s actually a new brake system that’s standard on the Cayenne Turbo and optional on lesser models. Called Porsche Surface Coated Brake, it refers to a layer of tungsten carbide applied to the surface of the otherwise standard iron brakes. If this material sounds at all familiar, it is because it’s also used to make the balls of most ballpoint pens.

Porsche says the advantages include better braking performance and resistance to fade and extended disc life. It also means that if you park your Cayenne somewhere damp for a week or two, you won’t find that surface corrosion has welded your discs to your calipers, which is always handy.

Cars fitted with PSCB brakes will all come with white painted calipers, although those looking for ultimate braking performance will still need carbon-ceramic items, whose calipers remain painted yellow.