Porsche has unveiled details of its upcoming sixth-generation PCM infotainment system before it’s integrated into the 911, Cayenne and Panamera ranges this summer. The developers behind the new-for-2021 Porsche Communication Management system (PCM) have focused on providing swish, simple and clear menus, which evolve the style first seen in the Taycan into a format that features some handy new tech.
Starting with the hardware, note the curved instrument cluster glass and the slim central screen design, which pretty much anyone to have sat inside Porsche’s first electric car will have found impossible to not like. The menus and user experience all aim to minimise effort from the driver point of view, and the system learns a driver’s habits to predictively offer them their usual preferences.
According to Porsche, the new hardware and software architecture of PCM 6.0 allows even faster calculations by the navigation system – always taking into account real-time traffic information. The significantly reduced and more clearly designed map view is also a factor that contributes to the speed at which information is provided.
Using real-time traffic data, the roads are shown in different colours depending on the traffic situation. The route monitor allows quick access to all the relevant information, and traffic jams and waypoints along the route are clearly shown. The Porsche navigation system also shows traffic information for individual lanes.
The most important innovations include integrations of Apple Music and Apple Podcasts built into the PCM, and wireless Apple CarPlay support. In addition, Android Auto is included for the first time, and the Voice Pilot voice assistant can now understand instructions in natural language.
The navigation system calculates faster and displays its information more clearly. PCM 6.0 also ensures that software updates will be possible using over-the-air technology – meaning updates can be carried out wirelessly. In the future, the PCM system could also become the digital basis for adaptive sound – music that dynamically adapts to driving style.
“We have succeeded in combining the classic radio experience with the modern streaming experience,” said Martin Bayer, Manager Navigation and Infotainment at Porsche AG.
“It is not just about listening to audio content, but rather the in-depth integration of Apple Music and Apple Podcasts built into the Porsche infotainment system.
With Apple Music built-in, the driver can add a song they hear on broadcast radio to their Apple Music library, or if the driver likes a particular artist on the radio they can switch to a custom Apple Music station that will only play that artist’s music.”
With PCM 6.0, Porsche brings the digital functions of the Taycan electric sports car to combustion engine models for the first time. The interactive ‘Good to Know’ operating manual is integrated into the system, smartphone calendar entries are displayed on the PCM 6.0 touchscreen via the Porsche Connect app, and, if there is an active Bluetooth connection between the car and the smartphone, Porsche drivers can also dial into conference calls using the calendar service. Software updates for the infotainment system are also available via over-the-air technology.
