Porsche understood its current interiors and technology pack are a little overwhelmed by the current evolution of the media environment and decided to improve them radically. The all new Porsche Panamera, unveiled for the first time just two weeks ago, is the first model to feature the technology revolution that Porsche will introduce inside its range.
Together with the new Panamera, Porsche is introducing a new infotainment package and the next generation of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM). With the market launch of Porsche Connect in more than 40 countries, the Germans are helping to simplify everyday life through mobile technology.
The Porsche Connect Portal and the Porsche Connect Store ensure that customers always have an overview on the Internet of the services they are using and enable them to configure and activate a number of individual services.
The new range continues to include Porsche Connect Support as a call centre in Europe, the USA and Asia. In China and Japan, the call centre additionally takes on the function of a 24/7 concierge service for customers, offering services such as restaurant reservations.
Porsche Connect comprises a number of coordinated service offers. The basis for them is the Connect module in the car. It includes the services for the remote control of vehicle functions and querying of vehicle data by means of smartphone and Apple Watch. Also contained in the package are a smartphone storage compartment in the centre console and Apple CarPlay for using various iPhone apps via the PCM.
The top-of-the-range package Connect Plus is based on this module. It additionally offers a navigation module, an LTE telephone module, a WiFi hotspot in the car as well as numerous Internet-based services. Connect Plus is supplied as a standard feature in the Porsche 911 and Panamera and is available as an option for all other models, in combination with the necessary navigation module.
At the core of Connect are the more than 20 services offered in three packages which can be used free of charge within a certain time period.
The PCM with touchscreen is the centrepiece of Porsche Connect. Integrated as standard in all Porsche models, the version and functions vary according to type and equipment options. The 12.3-inch touchscreen in the new Panamera marks the next stage of development for the PCM. It provides the foundation for an entirely new display and control concept: the Porsche Advanced Cockpit with high-resolution displays and smartphone-like user interface. For the first time, the PCM has a startup screen that can be personalised. Small accessories known as widgets provide a fast and simple way for users to define their most important functions. Access to the PCM in every touchscreen version is with multi-touch operation. The touchscreen reacts as soon as the user’s hand approaches, switching from the active overview mode to operating mode.
In addition to the integrated CD/DVD player, the PCM also has USB interfaces, which provide an option for connecting an iPhone or USB memory stick. The PCM then acts as convenient means of control. Media can additionally be played via one of the two SD ports or via the jukebox (10 GB). Music for the jukebox can also be imported via the SD and USB ports. The mobile phone preparation allows convenient connection of mobile phones that support the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) via Bluetooth.
