Porsche's New Communication Management System Wins Engineering Award

One of Europe’s most prestigious and respected engineering organizations has given the new and much advanced Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system—the central control unit for all audio, navigation and communications functions in Porsche cars including the 2009 Cayenne and latest generation of Porsche’s iconic 911s—an award for its design, development and ease of use.

The 2008 USE-WARE Award was presented to Porsche by VDI/VDE-Gesellschaft Mess-und Automatisierungstechnik earlier this month in recognition of the PCM’s “excellent standard” for providing the driver with simple, straightforward, rapid and easy-to-control communication functions. VDI, the Association of German Engineers, is the equivalent of the Society of American Engineers, SAE.

Larger 6.5-inch Touchscreen, Apple iPod® and Bluetooth® Connectivity, XM Radio with NavTraffic®

Among the key features of PCM 3.0 is the new 6.5-inch touchscreen display that offers the operator intuitive access to commands. This new concept eliminates 50 percent of buttons that had previously been located at the side of the console, providing extra space for the larger touch screen and allows for quick, intuitive and correct communication in half the time, which means the driver is less distracted.

The new, easier to use interface is coupled with the availability of seven new features, making PCM 3.0 a significant upgrade for 2009. Apple iPod® and mp3 integration, Bluetooth® cell phone connectivity, a new 40-gig hard drive based navigation system that can be controlled by voice commands, XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic® and BOSE© 5.1 Discrete Sound all contribute to new levels of Porsche convenience.

With the latest in iPod® integration, PCM 3.0 allows for full iPod navigation directly from the large touch screen. The upgraded system seamlessly incorporates Apple’s popular line of music players by allowing access to all playlists and menus. Standard mp3 players and USB® memory sticks are also supported.

Bluetooth® equipped cell phone users can now connect their phone for handsfree usage, allowing drivers to concentrate on the road.

Hard-Drive-Based Navigation, BOSE© 5.1 Discrete Sound

A new, 40-gig hard-drive-based navigation system, when coupled with the available XM Satellite Radio NavTraffic® allows for real time traffic reports that help guide the driver around potential time-wasting traffic jams. Porsche engineers estimate that commands that had taken users 60 seconds to enter in the navigation system with a conventional rotating/push button has now been reduced to only 20.

BOSE® 5.1 discreet sound plays music from a variety of audio sources including DVD audio, reproducing music as it was recorded – in five separate channels including from the new, in-dash six CD/DVD changer.

Designed to be Intuitive

In the development of the system, Porsche’s engineers chose a logical and simple presentation style for further ease of use. For example, the familiar Porsche menu structure for was retained to help foster a logical familiarity among experienced Porsche customers.

In addition, both driver and passenger will find the most important functions on the main menu. Secondary functions that are used less often have been moved to the subsequent level. With these and other advancements, the new generation PCM stands out through simple, straightforward control of all relevant functions.

VDI, The Association of German Engineers is a financially independent and politically unaffiliated, non-profit organization of 132,000 engineers and natural scientists. Established in 1856, the VDI is today the largest engineering association in Western Europe.

Learn more about PCM 3.0 and other exciting technological advances. 

Article posted on: 08-Oct-28