What can be added through OTA over-the-air upgrades

[Silverback]

Hi, I am hoping to take delivery of my 4s in July. As always regretting not ticking more options. Can anyone advise what can be added through OTA upgrades. Specifically thinking about the Electric Sport Sound?

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[chrisk]

Electric Sport Sound cannot be added as a software option because it requires hardware. It can be retroffited but that requires both software and hardware installation as described in this doc
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10183502-0001.pdf

I also expect it to be expensive.

 

[W1NGE]

You will be limited in choice - indeed there may be no FoD options. UK cars come with all services except the data package (don't buy it) which isn't actually FoD.

Depending on your spec will determine what FoD options remain.

If you don't have Power Steering Plus then that will be an FoD option.

If you have ACC and don't have Innodrive then that too will be an FoD option.

In summary, don't get too excited about FoD (not the same as OTA updates remember) as it is market and factory fit option pre-requisite dependent.

Sport sound is meh at best - I never use it now and wouldn't spec again.

OTA is for software updates to PCM etc (no major upgrades).

FoD (Function on Demand) is what you are referring to and relies on the LTE module for downloading new functions.

Semantics but just clarifying for you.

 

[Silverback]

Thanks both. I appreciate you taking the time to help.

chrisk - thanks for the info on the aftermarket option, I was hoping it was a simple case of the hardware is already there, but not enabled, it was only a £345 option.

w1nge - thanks for the clarification. A Taycan went past me when I was in london last week and it sounded pretty good, but if you don't use it now, perhaps it is just a gimmick (also less disappointed that I did not tick the box).

I did manage the find the below earlier today, hidden in the depths of the Porsche newsroom.

Additional updates via Functions on Demand
Furthermore, additional updates can always be carried out on current-model-year Taycan via Functions on Demand (FoD). These are flexible upgrades that work on an over-the-air basis after the sports car has been originally configured and purchased. Current FoD, in addition to the Porsche Intelligent Range Manager (PIRM), are Power Steering Plus, Active Lane Keep Assist and Porsche InnoDrive. Customers can choose whether they want to purchase the respective function for their Taycan or take out a monthly subscription. The latter option includes a three-month trial period. After registering and selecting the desired function(s) in the Porsche Connect Store, the Porsche backend sends a data package to the Taycan via the mobile phone network, providing a connection can be established. Drivers are notified of the availability of such a data package by the Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Activation then takes a few minutes: a message appears on the central display after it has been successful.

 

[W1NGE]

Thanks both. I appreciate you taking the time to help.

chrisk - thanks for the info on the aftermarket option, I was hoping it was a simple case of the hardware is already there, but not enabled, it was only a £345 option.

w1nge - thanks for the clarification. A Taycan went past me when I was in london last week and it sounded pretty good, but if you don't use it now, perhaps it is just a gimmick (also less disappointed that I did not tick the box).

I did manage the find the below earlier today, hidden in the depths of the Porsche newsroom.

Additional updates via Functions on Demand
Furthermore, additional updates can always be carried out on current-model-year Taycan via Functions on Demand (FoD). These are flexible upgrades that work on an over-the-air basis after the sports car has been originally configured and purchased. Current FoD, in addition to the Porsche Intelligent Range Manager (PIRM), are Power Steering Plus, Active Lane Keep Assist and Porsche InnoDrive. Customers can choose whether they want to purchase the respective function for their Taycan or take out a monthly subscription. The latter option includes a three-month trial period. After registering and selecting the desired function(s) in the Porsche Connect Store, the Porsche backend sends a data package to the Taycan via the mobile phone network, providing a connection can be established. Drivers are notified of the availability of such a data package by the Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Activation then takes a few minutes: a message appears on the central display after it has been successful.

Yes - there is also a Porsche Connect Manual (or Porsche Good to Know App (the owners manual)) which you should read to learn much more about these services (there are many). Download the app and relevant manuals (pdf attached here).

You will get PIRM by default (std in UK), Active Lane Keep (std in UK) - note not Lane Change Assist (requires factory fit hardware), Power Steering Plus (FoD as mentioned).

You should expect to get the following (see list below) as standard spec on the car. Many are operated via the Porsche Connect App or the My Porsche website portal. Some features relate to functions on the PCM. Many of these are 'extra' in other countries and can be selected via FoD on a try before you buy basis but your choices are limited given what I said earlier.

If you haven't got Power Steering Plus then that is a miss and a worthy option to FoD if you are ok paying extra for it. It is a 'must have'.

Electric Sport Sound is available from the Porsche Tequipment website but it costs 2 - 3 times more than had you spec'd at build. It is most definitely not worth these charges (labour costs are high).

Item 6) is your vehicle tracking - the car has the hardware but you need to subscribe to activate. This is a service managed by Vodafone in UK and is good for your insurance.

1. E-Control
2. Apple Music
3. Car Alarm
4. Car Control
5. Car Finder
6. Car Security Package (PVTS+ - requires subscription)
7. Charging at Home
8. Climate
9. Horn & Indicator
10. Location Alarm
11. Lock & Unlock
12. Navigation Plus
13. Online software update
14. Porsche Charging Service (Taycan)
15. Smart Service
16. Speed Alarm
17. Trip Control
18. Breakdown Call
19. Calendar
20. Charging Planner
21. Finder
22. News
23. Radio Plus
24. Valet Alarm
25. Voice Pilot
26. Weather

 

[Fish Fingers]

I originally specced sport sound.

Went and got a test drive and tried it on and off. Decided I much preferred it off and cancelled it as an option.

 

[B61]

Just a thought: I ordered sports sound and I'll use it in areas where there are lot of animals, so I hope they will hear me before they approach the road.

 

[Mac2000]

You will be limited in choice - indeed there may be no FoD options. UK cars come with all services except the data package (don't buy it) which isn't actually FoD.

Depending on your spec will determine what FoD options remain.

If you don't have Power Steering Plus then that will be an FoD option.

If you have ACC and don't have Innodrive then that too will be an FoD option.

In summary, don't get too excited about FoD (not the same as OTA updates remember) as it is market and factory fit option pre-requisite dependent.

Sport sound is meh at best - I never use it now and wouldn't spec again.

OTA is for software updates to PCM etc (no major upgrades).

FoD (Function on Demand) is what you are referring to and relies on the LTE module for downloading new functions.

Semantics but just clarifying for you.

Great overview... I would just add that the features you can add OTA are not that exciting, plus when you do purchase them (just bought the Power Steering Plus), Porsche struggles to deliver the update. I hope they get their act together and strengthen their OTA/Connected service program so that it does actually work over the air and not not OTA (wired through dealership system)... kills the whole spirit of technology advancements

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