The Auto Infotainment Edition

On cars, technology, and bringing new tech to vintage vehicles

Colin here. I am a sucker for a mid-nineties BMW 750. There’s something about the body design that is timeless and elegant. The 007 film integration at that time, diverging from the usual Aston Martin, also helped boost its stock in my mind. Bond chose a light blue 750il as his getaway for Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).

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I’d love to have one (preferably driven only in Southern California with low mileage). But as any fan of classic car shapes knows: it’s one thing to fall in love with an exterior and performance. It is quite another to have to deal with antiquated, old infotainment systems. Even modern cars that don’t have a smooth integration with how we navigate the world today (Carplay, Android), require sometimes arduous workarounds (and wires). 

Why is this interesting? 

There is a larger movement to overhaul vintage vehicles with modern, electric motors, giving a new lifeblood to classic cars. For example, a classic Landcruiser has “been re-birthed with an electric motor and Tesla batteries to enjoy a zero emissions coastal cruising life.”

But a lighter lift (and more practical option) can be seen with the easy, modular installation of a new infotainment system, something Porsche just rolled out. According to Carscoops:

Back in 2020, Porsche moved to remedy this situation by offering a retrofit single DIN Porsche Classic Communication touchscreen unit for classic 911s and a double DIN PCCM Plus setup for the 996-generation 911 and original 986 Boxster. Now it’s come up with a similar solution for the 997-generation 911 and 987 Boxster that followed, plus the 987 Cayman coupe and Cayenne SUV.

The PCCM Plus system for the 2003-2008 Cayenne is wider than the unit for the sports cars and features its hard keys at either side of the screen, rather than below. But both units feature a 7-in touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite navigation with maps displayed in 2D or 3D. And if you’re replacing an older system that already offered navigation, you’ll still get to see arrow instructions in the gauge cluster.

There are regional variations for users from around the globe. And while the prices aren’t cheap (around $1,500), it allows a modern touch and conveniences for vehicles that still have some pep in their step. (CJN) 

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Thanks for reading,

Noah (NRB) & Colin (CJN)

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Why is this interesting? is a daily email from Noah Brier & Colin Nagy (and friends!) about interesting things. If you’ve enjoyed this edition, please consider forwarding it to a friend. If you’re reading it for the first time, consider subscribing.