Porsche is launching numerous extras and new colors for 2018 models, plus a power pack which can be specified as an ex-works extra for new cars or retrofitted to older 911S variants. Most of the options center around improving Porsche Connect, and enhancing the range of services available using that service. Several new interior and exterior colors are available across the model range, including a new 911 exclusive: Saffron Yellow (no photos available yet, but we’ll update the post once Porsche releases them).
Porsche Connect
Porsche offers the Porsche Connect service with the Connect Plus option in 14 countries. This service now features an integrated SIM card that supports LTE for improved data transfer, and includes a flat-rate for data consumed by navigation and infotainment. Connect Plus is available as standard equipment in the 911 and Panamera, and is available as an optional extra across the range in conjunction with a navigation unit.
The upgraded service includes an expanded concierge service for China and Japan, which allows users to book flights, rental cars, hotel rooms, and even make restaurant reservations using stored credit card information. This functionality is tied in with the Porsche’s navigation, and can add the locations for these tasks as navigable destinations.
The upgrades to Porsche Connect will continue throughout the year. Optional data packs, coming later on, will allow users to stream music or use their Porsche as a WiFi hotspot. These packs are sold on an individual basis and in two sizes; an initial pack and a top-up. The initial pack gives seven gigabytes of data and is valid for thirty days. Additional one gigabyte packs can be purchased if the seven gigabyte pack is consumed within the billing period. Both will be available from the Porsche Connect store.
Vehicles produced from September 2015 to present will be able to use the new services, save for the outgoing Panamera. Vehicles produced between September, 2015 and June, 2016 will need to be upgraded at a Porsche dealer. Later vehicles have the necessary firmware for the new features.
New Porsche Colors
Porsche has long offered some pretty adventurous stock colors, and the latest additions to the range continue this history of highly individual choices. New exterior colors include Crayon, previously offered on the Panamera, and now offered on the 911 and 718 ranges. Saffron Yellow Metallic is a new 911-exclusive, which features a 4-stage process with intermediate sanding for increased color depth. The 911’s Targa bar can now be ordered in black, an option not seen since the 964. Chalk will be available as a special color for an additional $3,150.
Other new Exterior and Interior color options include the following:
- Sport-Tex Interior in black or Graphite Blue/Crayon for the 911
- The 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition will be offered in Aetna Blue with a graphite blue interior
- The Cayenne will receive Pupurite Metallic and Palladium Metallic exterior paint
- The Panamera will be made available in Burgundy Red Metallic and Tistretto Brown Metallic
- The Panemera will also be available with a Black/Luxor beige interior (as will the Macan), and the club leather interior will be offered in both Cohiba Brown and Truffle Brown
Porsche Exclusive Power Kit
The last addition to the model range is the Porsche Exclusive Power Kit. Good for an additional 30 horsepower the kit includes larger turbochargers, updates to the Sport Chrono package’s dynamic engine mounts, sports exhaust, and modified brake cooling ducts.
The cost for the Powerkit in the U.S. in $12,350 for cars with manual transmission and $12,870 for cars with PDK. It is available for 911 Carrera S, Carrera 4S and Targa 4S models. It is standard on the 911 GTS models. From June 2017 onwards, the power kit will be available from Porsche Tequipment as a retrofit option for vehicles that already feature the Sport Chrono package. Pricing for the retrofit has not yet been released.