Showing You the Way

Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is one of the particularly attractive options offered by Porsche as a special feature. Developed jointly by Porsche’s engineers in Weissach and Siemens’ specialists in communications technology, PCM has been available since the 1998 model year for the current Carrera and Boxster models. Fitted ideally right in the middle of the instrument panel, PCM consistently combines a whole range of functions in one and the same unit, thus facilitating use and operation of the individual information systems. And for each function mode there is an optical display on a five-inch colour screen.

PCM allows the driver and his passenger to operate and control the following functions:

• The audio system with RDS radio, cassette player, and – if fitted – CD changer.
• The optional top-HiFi unit with DSP amplifier (Digital Sound Processing) and top-quality loudspeaker systems.
• The display for the automatic air conditioning complete with heater, ventilation, defroster and air conditioner.
• The on-board computer showing the time, date, time spent on the road, average speed, average fuel consumption and further data upon arrival.
• The integrated two-watt car telephone with hands-free operation, activated by entering a GMS card.
• The navigation system developed by Siemens with exact determination of your current location, your route and destination by means of satellite navigation, presentation of a road map on the CD-ROM, measurement of the distance covered by means of the ABS sensors, and detection of the direction in which you are driving by means of an electronic compass.

Apart from road maps and city guides, the CD-ROM also offers other important information, such as service stations, hotels or particular sights. The driver receives instructions by means of voice messages and is also guided to his destination by arrow symbols or a road map presented on the screen.

The complete unit comes in clear, functional Porsche design, merging perfectly into the instrument panel. Positioned conveniently in the middle, it may be operated by both the driver and front passenger. The price of PCM is a lot cheaper than the cost and installation of the individual units it comprises.

Another very interesting and even more affordable unit available through Porsche’s Exclusive programme is the TrafficStar navigation system integrated in a sophisticated car radio. While it does not present information on a colour screen and the route suggested is not shown on a road map, TrafficStar nevertheless offers all important data by means of short and informative symbols on an LCD display. And a CD-ROM entered in the compact-disc slot presents a road map of the country in which you are currently travelling. Wherever the essential data of that country are already stored in the system, you can then remove the CD-ROM using the same drive unit to play music CDs.