Porsche Updates Connected Car Features with SIM, Wi-Fi, CarPlay iPhone & AppleWatch

Porsche announced upgrades to its connected car services.It is opening a new office in Silicon Valley. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and Porsche Connect premiered on the Panamera with connected navigation and infotainment systems, complemented by innovative online services and improved smartphone and online integration. The company is offering free updates of Porsche Connect Plus.

Now to help customers connect to their digital devices between home, office and car, every new Porsche for the new Model Year 2018 (all cars built from June 2017) will come as standard with both PCM including navigation and Porsche Connect. Every new car will benefit from satellite navigation plus a wide range of connected services. Customers can also enjoy new released compatible services.

PorscheConnect allows users to send messages with Apple CarPlay and the Siri voice recognition system lets drivers keep hands on the wheel at all times and minimizes disruptions.

Porsche also offers an integrated SIM card, providing included data for the PCM-based Porsche Connect services. Wi-Fi and music streaming will become available via data packages from the Porsche Connect Store in the future. Further benefits include the latest maps from annual updates to the map database (via a Porsche Center) and periodic updates from the internet, which are included for three years.

Porsche Connect services include: Real Time Traffic Information, Online Search, Online Map Updates, Flight Info, Train Info, Fuel Prices, Parking Info and more. They are available for 24 months once they have been activated. It also includes a fully integrated online portal, the Connect Portal, enabling management of personal data, services and subscriptions. The Porsche Connect App allows further integration with both Apple and Android devices.

Remotely access the vehicle functions of your Porsche.

Porsche Connect Enables These Smartphone/iPhone functions:

  • Vehicle statistics
  • Vehicle data
  • Carfinder
  • Sound horn and flash lights
  • Fold in mirrors
  • Lock vehicle
  • Remote control operation of auxiliary heater
  • Remote control of air conditioning
  • Speed fencing
  • Geofencing
  • Battery and charge management
  • Remote control of hybrid functions
  • Hybrid journey statistics
  • Accident reporting
  • Breakdown call
  • Porsche Vehicle Tracking System

Function scope of the Apple Watch

  • Vehicle statistics
  • Vehicle status
  • Carfinder
  • Sound horn and flash lights
  • Fold in mirrors
  • Lock vehicle
  • Remote control operation of auxiliary heater
  • Remote control of air conditioning
  • Hybrid information
  • Notifications

The Porsche Track Precision App is a our personal trainer for the race track with

  • Automatic lap time recording
  • Recording of precise vehicle data
  • 3 live views available
  • Video analysis
  • Driving performance analysis

While the Apple Watch Can Provide:

  • Pulse measurement
  • GPS and video settings
  • Recording vehicle data
  • Live image check with the smartphone camera

Porsche alls announced, effective for all cars built from June 2017, there are further specification updates:

•          All 718 Boxster and Cayman models now feature DAB digital radio

•          All Macan models now feature a larger capacity 75-litre fuel tank

•          All 911 models now feature heated front seats (with exception of GT3) and floor mats

The launch of the new generation Panamera last year ushered in the latest era of digitization, with the Porsche Connect Plus services integrated within the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit. And every 911 and Cayenne already features PCM with satellite navigation as standard.

Porsche will also be inviting customers who already use Connect Plus to gain access to new services as well (excluding the integrated SIM). Through a complimentary migration process, customers will be able to upgrade. Existing customers should contact their local Porsche Center for more details.

The Model Year change also involves a regular price increase for all models and also option prices.

As an option, all Porsche Panamera Executive models are available with a newly developed large rear center console, and the latest generation of Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment. The 10.1-inch displays integrated into the backrests of the front seats can be detached for a wide range of uses; when needed, they transform the rear of the Panamera into a digital workplace. The high-quality displays can also be used as tablets outside the vehicle. Similar to the existing Panamera models, the exterior of the Executive versions can be further individualized with a Sport Design Package.

Porsche is taking the next step in its digitalization campaign: By opening a new site in Santa Clara, in California’s Silicon Valley, Porsche Digital, Inc. is beginning its activities in one of the world’s most important centers of innovation and digital leadership.

Above all, the aim is for Porsche Digital to work in partnership with innovators and leaders in new technologies, as well as cooperate with venture capital companies. Porsche also wants to invest directly in new companies that offer ideas and solutions for the digital future. Porsche Digital, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Porsche Digital GmbH, is set to employ around 100 people.

Its mandate is to recognize digitalization strategies and trends in the U.S. market more quickly and to be able to develop and test solutions for Porsche – making its proximity to technology enterprises and start-ups of particular importance. The office will focus on the topics of digitalization, connectivity, and smart mobility.

“The car is the ultimate mobile device of the future, and the future is being written in Silicon Valley,” said Thilo Koslowski, Managing Director of Porsche Digital. “This means it is particularly important to be right next door to leading IT companies in the USA, as this allows us to identify trends early and invest in new technologies at the right time. In addition to our own potential for innovation, above all we want to form strong partnerships.” The company has already invested in the venture capital fund “E.ventures US.” In the future, these activities will be intensified and expanded by the office in Santa Clara.