Porsche brings wireless CarPlay to 911, Boxster and Cayman models up to 17 years old

The new screen does not turn the dashboard into an aftermarket catalogue

Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus, or PCCM Plus, is not a new idea. Porsche has offered modernised multimedia systems with a factory appearance for older models for years, but the new generation is now reaching considerably newer cars.

The new units are suitable for the 997.2 and 991.1 generations of the 911, and the 987.2 and 981 generations of the Boxster and Cayman. The model-year range runs from 2009 to 2016. Porsche offers two model-specific versions rather than a universal screen with a plastic adapter frame.

That is PCCM Plus's main value. The original multimedia system in a 991.1 or 981 is now clearly outdated, but enough of the car's remaining electronics depend on it that an arbitrary aftermarket unit is not necessarily an elegant solution.

CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly

The new PCCM Plus uses a seven-inch high-resolution touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. A USB connection is also retained.

More importantly, the system is integrated with the car's own electronics. The multifunction steering wheel can control PCCM Plus, while navigation directions and music information are shown in the instrument cluster. The car's personalised settings, support for factory audio systems and other model-specific functions are retained.

In the Boxster and Cayman, PCCM Plus turns the originally audible-only parking assistance into a visual system, showing the distance to obstacles on the screen. The system also supports a reversing camera if the car's equipment allows it.

Oil pressure, satellite view and a search for winding roads

Porsche has not limited itself to mirroring a phone screen. PCCM Plus displays oil temperature and oil pressure in its driving-data menu, while the navigation system shows speed limits derived from map data.

The navigation system gains a satellite view, while the Scenic Roads function can favour winding and scenic roads when planning a route. The latter is far better suited to the character of a 911 or Cayman than a conventional navigation system's fixation on saving three minutes by routing through an industrial estate. Map updates can also be downloaded wirelessly by the system.

A nano-SIM and 4G provide connectivity. In Europe, the system includes DAB radio, as well as FM and AM reception and Bluetooth music streaming with track and artist information. Depending on local legislation, YouTube can also be viewed when the car is stationary.

One small but likely important detail for Porsche owners concerns the virtual car displayed on the screen. Its colour can be matched to the real car's body colour.

Porsche cleverly fills an aftermarket gap

The point of the new PCCM Plus becomes clear when considering the cars' ages. The oldest eligible 997.2 and 987.2 cars are already approaching 20 years old, while the 991.1 and 981 remain technically modern sports cars. One of the parts ageing fastest is the multimedia system.

Porsche's solution retains the overall look of the original interior while removing one obvious drawback in everyday use. At the same time, the owner avoids the compromise of having to give up some of the car's factory functions in exchange for more modern phone connectivity.

This distinguishes PCCM Plus from an ordinary CarPlay screen. Porsche is not simply selling a new radio for an old car; it is electronically extending the useful life of models whose mechanical ageing is much slower than that of their original multimedia systems.

Porsche recommends having the system installed at an official Porsche Centre. The new units are already available in Europe, although the selection of functions depends on the specific model and equipment.