Porsche 911 sports car from the 1960s
German automaker Porsche is keeping up with the times by providing a new high-tech navigation system that is compatible with the brand’s classic sports cars.
The navigation system combines the practicality of modern technology with the aesthetic of the past. It allows users to update their Porsche models from as early as the 1960s and outfit them with tools that are commonplace today such as Bluetooth and smartphone compatibility.
“Porsche is a master at combining style and function,” said Jeff Hasen, a Seattle-based mobile marketing strategist. “Certainly the look of the most modern navigation systems would not be appropriate in these classic cars.
“With that said, the latest in functionality is not only desired by this audience, it would be expected from such a customer-friendly company like Porsche.”
Mr. Hasen is not affiliated with Porsche, but agreed to comment as an industry expert.
Porsche was unable to respond by press deadline.
Lost and found
The new navigation system is specifically designed to work with Porsche classic cars, a term that defines any vehicle produced more than 10 years ago. It is compatible with the first 911 model from the 1960s in addition to many more models that have been created between then and the mid-1990s.
The navigation system is designed to integrate with the dashboard
The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Porsche aesthetic. It is all black and blends easily into the dashboard of classic Porsche models, ensuring that the modern technology will not stand out.
Porsche’s precise navigation tools have been tested throughout Europe, and the device includes eight gigabytes of memory to store maps of various countries.
The minimalistic, black knobs and dials keep it from standing out
The automaker has worked to ensure that none of the features of today’s modern cars are left out of the new system. In addition to the navigation tools, it also has the ability to connect to external music sources and smartphones via Bluetooth.
By providing classic car owners with these high-tech additions, Porsche is ensuring that its heritage is passed down through the ages by collectors. This may help justify the high price tag that comes along with many of the classic models and make the purchase more practical.
The new system maintains Porsche’s signature elegance
One step ahead
Porsche is not the only brand that has sought to improve its navigation system in order to attract consumers. German automaker Mercedes-Benz looked to stay ahead of its competitors by fine-tuning a Google Glass door-to-door navigation system that likely piqued the interest of technology enthusiasts.
The automaker’s quest to create an operational Google Glass navigation program may encounter obstacles, but the innovative bent of the project demonstrated the brand’s forward-looking objectives. Reliance on GPS navigation is second nature for drivers today, so searching for ways to enhance this technology will likely appeal to huge swaths of consumers (see story).
Porsche itself has also introduced other technologically advanced features in an effort to increase the brand’s appeal to contemporary consumers. The German automaker released a microsite that allows consumers to discover and share routes to drive along in different countries around the world.
The site gives consumers the opportunity to browse routes that others have recommended as well as to share their own favorites. It is designed to highlight the Porsche GTS, a vehicle capable of going long distances at fast speeds and ideal for traveling these scenic drives (see story).
Porsche’s modern initiatives keep the brand from becoming out of date and ensure that it will remain popular with new generations.
“I’m not sure this is a deal-maker if someone is sitting on the fence about buying a Porsche, but it certainly makes these amazing vehicles that much more unique and cherished,” Mr. Hasen said.
Final Take
Kay Sorin, editorial assistant on Luxury Daily, New York