Porsche Upgrades Its PCM for the 911, Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne

Faster hardware

The new PCM puts the processor, memory and other key components on one chip. Porsche says this gives five times the computing power, so the system starts up faster, switches between functions with shorter loading times and copes better with several tasks at once. The software can be improved later through over-the-air updates. The 911, Taycan, Panamera and petrol Cayenne will also adopt the display layouts first used in the Cayenne Electric.

Voice control, maps and apps

Voice Pilot is the new voice assistant. It understands natural speech, handles requests with several steps and follow-up questions, and can control navigation, media and apps. Navigation gains a new 3D map view. Electric models get the Porsche Charging Planner, which works out the best charging stops and includes battery preconditioning in its calculations so the car arrives at the charger ready for fast charging.

The App Centre lets owners install third-party apps directly in the car. Google Maps and Spotify are expected at launch, and Porsche plans to add more over time. Navigation apps installed this way can show their maps on both the central screen and the instrument cluster. Personalisation includes five themes, configurable widgets and a digital image of the car that can be rotated and is shown in the car's real exterior colour. Cars with Bose or Burmester sound systems gain Dolby Atmos through supported apps, including Apple Music.

Oliver Seifert, Porsche's head of infotainment, said the new generation "means we can create a more powerful digital platform" combining performance, connectivity and a consistent user experience across the range.

Prices and timing

Porsche has not said when each model gets the new system, which model years are affected or what it costs. Auto Express described the introduction as gradual, so the first cars to receive it are likely to be new orders as each model line is updated.

What it means for buyers

If you are about to order a 911, Taycan, Panamera or Cayenne, ask your Porsche centre whether your car will be built with the new PCM, as the faster hardware cannot be added later by software alone. The App Centre and native Google Maps reduce the need to rely on a phone mirror for navigation, and electric-model owners gain a charging planner that prepares the battery for fast charging.

See the Porsche 911 generations or the Porsche Taycan.