Until now, if you wanted the convenience of a head-unit that offered navigation, Bluetooth and iPod/iPhone connectivity in your classic Porsche your choices were quite limited. Sure, you could cobble together a system using your phone, mounts, stand-alone GPS devices and alternative head-units, but in doing so you lose that all important factory look. In some extreme cases owners go so far as to alter the interior with head-units that require cutting larger holes to fit them, permanently destroying the factory look. While that’s fine for some, for others, in today’s world of sky-rocketing prices, keeping the appearance of their classic Porsche the same as when the factory delivered it is a must. Porsche Classic has you covered. Introducing their newly developed navigation radio for Porsche sports car generations between the first 911 from the 1960s and the last of the 911 series with air cooling from the mid 1990s (993 series), including the earlier front-engine and mid-engine models.
The new unit combines classic looks on the outside with ultra-modern technology on the inside. Based on the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system this new unit fits perfectly into the DIN-1 slot that has been used in Porsches for decades and is operated by means of two knobs, six discreetly integrated buttons and a touch-sensitive 3.5-inch display. Functions include navigation, hands free telephone via built in speaker and microphone, Bluetooth for smart phone connectivity and USB interfaces for a variety of other external devices. The integrated amplifier delivers 4×45 watts and can be connected either directly to the loud-speakers or to the original sound system using an optional adapter cable.
Thanks to the appearance of the black surface and the shape of the knobs, which are supplied in two authentically styled versions as standard, the navigation radio blends into the dashboard of classic Porsche models as if delivered from the factory.
The new navigation radio is available immediately, in Germany, from Porsche Classic Partners or Centers and costs 1,184 euros including VAT. In the United States, the Porsche Classic navigation radio is in the final testing stages. Availability and pricing for this market will be determined upon completion of testing. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear when that is.
View Comments (4)
If this PCM and navigation is as bad as the navigation in my 2014 991S, forgetaboutit. The navigation is so bad I don't even use it. I still use my iPhone or a REAL map. I can't tell you how many times I have asked the Porsche to take me to a Holiday Inn Express (or whatever) in a particular town (where I have reservations) and the system tells me there isn't one in that town. What? Same with numerous restaurants and such. Once it took me to a location and the store I was looking for wasn't there. I stopped a "passerby" to ask and they said, "Oh that store has been gone for several years"....you got that right, SEVERAL YEARS. And this was when the car was brand new. The navigation seems outdated and unreliable. Just stick to Google Maps and save the money.
1,200€ and no CD player?
What's a CD?
Thanks for your review Lauren. Keeps me from doing a costly mistake.