Porsche is modernising its PCM: greater performance and new features

[Flying ace]

The OTAs are software updates for the BMS and other hardware components. The PCM for the J1.1 has had no new build (3882 being the latest) since late 2023. Was told by Porsche at an event in Germany last year that there are no plans for updating or retrofitting the J1.1 with J1.2 software or software features. This could of course change but with Porsches software history and unofficial policy that older products don't get PCM updates I highly doubt that will change.

I am not complaining. I can live fine with PCM as it is now and have workarounds for the bugs. But it would be nice if Porsche had a bit of a different software policy for their electric cars then the ice cars.

agreed, j1.1. PCM has its flaws and it rooted in 2018-19 UE and tech. Sadly, similar to all (non-Tesla/Rivian) manufacturers, it's not updatable, but is usable with minimum issues. This was shock to me bc I was coming from a 2022 BMW and its idrive software was easily 1 generation/iteration ahead of our current PCM.

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[F1Ruaraidh]

given new hardware unlikely

Yep. Porsche is not Tesla so no HW upgrades.

 

[cardriva]

all this will still be outdated and likely throwaway once they fully integrate Rivian's tech.

Where are they integrating Rivian’s software

 

[refazi]

Where are they integrating Rivian’s software

Mainly on VW brand products

 

[cometguy]

The in-car maps were easier to see/read, and the voice recognition for navigation was better, in my 2018 and 2019 Porsches than in the Taycan and the new Macan EV. I don't care about most of the other "upgrades" that this press release talks about. Give me good-looking maps that are easy to read and voice recognition software that doesn't fail 3/4 of the time at understanding clearly stated street addresses. And there were more options in the instrument-panel "circles" in my 2018 and 2019 Porsches than in my 2021 Taycan. For example, I could show a display there with the amount of power/regen going to each wheel in my 2018 and 2019 Porsches, but there's no longer such a display.

 

[Mr.Smith]

given new hardware unlikely

@daveo4EV How much better is the Mecan EVs PCM compared to the Taycans?
I played with the Mecan EVs a little and it didn't blow me away.

 

[daveo4EV]

@daveo4EV How much better is the Mecan EVs PCM compared to the Taycans?
I played with the Mecan EVs a little and it didn't blow me away.

it doesn't blow me away but clearly better - faster, more stable, reboots faster, fewing "pairing" problems…the AR HUD is the best Porsche's ever done…

 

[Wivenhoe]

The Macan comfort entry is very novel. The car starts, plays CarPlay and unlocks as you approach so when you enter the car is ready to drive away. A bit unnerving at first as when you arrive you just open the door, leave and close the door, the car then shuts down so music is still playing and the car is running until you are out of proximity and then it locks.

 

[Spyerx]

So my hot take: these are basically disposable appliances that I'll keep for 2-3 years and ditch for the next thing... Whatever infotainment/electronics it comes with, it comes with, and have zero expectation of seamless upgrades and feature enhancements.

Maybe someday Porsche will get it. Not holding my breath.

 

[tophamn]

For anyone hoping these PCM updates will be retro-fitted: the first line of the statement reads "for the change of the model year" - so no, this is new cars only.

 

[4424]

Sad that Tesla is updating their cars from 2012 and we can't get an update for a 2024 car.

 

[Watchesandburgers]

Suggestion / idea: I wrote to my local dealer and said, roughly, "Hey, I know Porsche doesn't typically plan software updates for previous-generation vehicles. This is becoming the 'new normal,' so it would sure be nice if you could provide some of these new features to J1.1 Taycans."

Perhaps if enough of us write to them, they'll eventually do it. Not likely... but can't hurt!

 

[chun]

Suggestion / idea: I wrote to my local dealer and said, roughly, "Hey, I know Porsche doesn't typically plan software updates for previous-generation vehicles. This is becoming the 'new normal,' so it would sure be nice if you could provide some of these new features to J1.1 Taycans."

Perhaps if enough of us write to them, they'll eventually do it. Not likely... but can't hurt!

Hardware is roughly the same, so it's not that they can't do it.

The problem is it needs to be done the recall way, at the dealership. And it's likely 8h of work per car. That's a lot of service time porsche would have to cover out of their pockets. And with the money issues they are having, they might not do it, further proving people that maybe next car shouldn't be a porsche.

 

[F1Ruaraidh]

Given that Christophorus this month is waxing on and on about customisation being a unique Porsche thing, this is one clear area where they really need to up their game in the new era of OTA. Customisation no longer stops at the end of line.

I mean they won't even sell, fit and code a Porsche Design clock instead of the stupid compass when it's a trivial operation but they will retrofit a 22kW 3 phase charger.

It's utterly crackers. They really need to wake up.

Lost track of the number of hardware and software upgrades my Model S got over the last 6 years!

 

[jld1]

it doesn't blow me away but clearly better - faster, more stable, reboots faster, fewing "pairing" problems…the AR HUD is the best Porsche's ever done…

100% agree on all fronts. Just way more polished. The Macan EV also just improves overall on a lot of the quirks of the Taycan in general, not just with the PCM - made me jealous in the week I had it as a loaner. Luckily I don't like SUVs so I didn't get too attached.

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