Porsche Drops A Big Tech Update For Older Models....

Infotainment tech has made significant advancements in the last five years, let alone since the early 2010s. Apple CarPlay arrived in the first vehicles in 2014 and took several more years to become a common feature across much of the industry. Google's Android Auto system launched in 2015 and also eventually proliferated to models from multiple automakers.

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Now, Porsche is stepping back in time to give older models – surprisingly older in some cases – a taste of this modern tech nearly everyone uses.

More Tech In The Center Screen

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The German automaker is introducing a new generation of its Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus) system. The latest version fits the 2009-2016 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, and 911 models. The screen seamlessly replaces the seven-inch touchscreen already on the center stack of these vehicles. Plus, models with the multifunction steering wheel can also use those controls to operate the system.

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The new PCCM Plus system adds support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to these vehicles. Many of these cars predate the tech even existing, but now owners can easily pair their smartphone with the infotainment display through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The setup even integrates with the instrument cluster display to show navigation instructions and the names of music tracks there.

In addition, occupants can watch YouTube videos on the screen while the vehicle is parked. While not quite as impressive, the owner can even select the vehicle's color on the screen to match their car.

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What Other Tricks Can PCCM Perform?

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PCCM Plus also adds several other features to these vehicles. For example, it supports navigation with satellite imagery, and speed-limit information appears on the map. The Scenic Roads function selects winding panoramic routes for an exciting drive. Boxster and Cayman get a visual display for their park-distance warning to replace the existing purely acoustic system. If you don't want to listen to your own playlists, there's support for AM and FM radio, too.

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Porsche is committed to supporting its older vehicles, and this isn't the first time the company has introduced updated infotainment technology. An earlier version of PCCM was designed that could fit 911s going back to the original 1960s models. There was also a model for the 1999-2005 996-generation Porsche 911, and 1997-2004 986-generation Boxster. Both systems included Apple CarPlay support for these models.

In 2023, Porsche expanded the PCCM lineup to add support for the 2005-2008 Boxster and Cayman, 2005-2008 911, and 2003-2008 Cayenne. These included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and satellite radio functionality. The version for the 911, Cayman, and Boxster could also remember the owner's preferences for the headlights, windshield wipers, climate controls, and locking.

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CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:

Porsche is among a small number of automakers introducing modern infotainment systems to their older vehicles. The other notable example is Jaguar Land Rover, which has similar tech for the 2010-2012 Range Rover.

A Porsche from the early 2010s is still fairly modern, and many of these vehicles still see frequent use on the road. For a long road trip, having CarPlay or Android Auto would make it easier for occupants to listen to their favorite music or podcasts. The technology's full integration with the Boxster/Cayman's parking sensors makes this functionality even better.

Porsche will introduce the updated PCCM Plus system in early 2027 in the US, but the company has not yet announced pricing for it. For reference, previous models of the technology have cost around $1,500 to $1,700, depending on the application. Plus, they require installation from a certified Porsche Classic Partner or an authorized dealership.

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