Porsche is giving owners of its modern classics a very good reason not to replace their perfectly good cars just because the infotainment system feels ancient. Zuffenhausen is launching a new generation of its Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus), bringing modern infotainment features to more than 300,000 cars from the 2009 to 2016 model years.
The upgrade is available for the 997.2 and 991.1-generation 911, along with the 987.2 Boxster and Cayman and 981 Boxster and Cayman. Yes, the headline feature is exactly what you'd expect: wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Porsche uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for the wireless connection, so owners can finally stop fishing around for a USB cable every time they get in their sports car. A USB connection remains available if you prefer a wired setup or want to charge your phone.
The new PCCM Plus gets a seven-inch high-resolution touchscreen, but Porsche hasn't simply slapped a generic aftermarket head unit into the dashboard. The system was designed to integrate with the car's existing electronics and interior, including the multifunction steering wheel where equipped.
Plenty Of Other Features Beyond Wireless Connectivity
That means navigation directions and music information can still appear in the instrument cluster. It also supports factory-fitted sound systems, parking sensors, and reversing cameras. In the Boxster and Cayman, the system adds a visual representation of the parking sensors, which previously relied solely on audible warnings.
But wait, there’s more. Porsche has also added a few features that are considerably more interesting than simply mirroring your phone. The trip computer can display oil temperature and oil pressure, while navigation can show speed limits, satellite imagery, and even suggest particularly twisty roads through a Scenic Roads function. Because apparently Porsche knows its customers might need help finding a road with corners.
It also offers DAB, HD, FM, and AM radio (depending on the market), plus Bluetooth audio streaming with track and artist information, 4G connectivity via a nano-SIM slot, and over-the-air map updates. Certain markets even get video streaming while the car is stationary.
It Looks Like It Was There From Day One, Doesn't It?
Perhaps the best part is that Porsche has resisted the temptation to make the new screen look completely alien inside a 10- to 15-year-old sports car. Owners can even configure the virtual Porsche shown on the display to match their car's exterior color. How neat is that?
If you know your Porsches, you'll know this is hardly the first attempt at giving old cars new tech. The company has offered PCCM and PCCM Plus retrofits for years, and now it's launching the most feature-packed version yet, pushing the factory-style retrofit deeper into the modern-classic era.
This is one of those rare infotainment upgrades that actually makes sense for an older car. A 911 or Boxster/Cayman doesn't suddenly become obsolete because its factory navigation is hopelessly outdated, and there's little reason to mess with a beautifully preserved interior to get CarPlay.
Porsche Continues To Improve The OEM+ Formula
Better yet, Porsche is doing what many owners actually want: adding modern functionality without turning the dashboard into a tablet showroom. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, proper integration with the car's existing functions, physical controls, and a screen that doesn't look completely out of place? More of this, please.
And if you're wondering whether Porsche will do the same for your slightly older 911, there's already a good chance it has. The company's retrofit program now stretches surprisingly far back, proving that sometimes the best new car is simply the one you already own with a better infotainment system.
The German luxury automaker would obviously rather have you spend that money on its factory-approved upgrade than hand it over to an aftermarket company for a screen that looks like it was designed for a different car.
I don't know which dashboard layout is perfect for you, but mine has to be this one: plenty of physical buttons and a right-sized screen with modern features.
Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus) new version
