It's no secret that the Spies are big fans of the new 997 Carrera's.
But one of the things that mystified us is why satellite radio, MP3 and bluetooth capability is not available on a 70k plus vehicle.
Based on info from different Porsche dealership's, customer demand for these features couldn't be more pent up.
Until now, we were never able to get a straight answer of why.
Based on information from an internal Porsche mole, here's the REAL scoop.
1. Satellite radio-Because the 997 still uses the older MOST bus, it's impossible for Porsche to add satellite radio and HIDE the antenna.
We're told the designers hate the shark fin style antennae used by BMW and others SO much, they would rather NOT offer the feature than wreck the design of the vehicle.
Rumor has it that the new technology bus that allows a hidden antenna lands in 08 Carrera's.
Look for the satellite radio option on 08 997's
2. MP3- MOST bus issue as well. Should be available in 08.
3. Bluetooth- Partially a bus issue but this one is the most interesting.
We're told that when the decision had to be made made for these cars (about three years ago), Porsche engineers were not comfortable with the safety issues related to bluetooth/cell phone stuff (cancer, etc.).
So they played it safe for fear that the safety issue did not blow up in the face of the intial adopters of this technology.
Those kind of lawsuits are not fun.
We're also told they're still not 100% convinced but becuase of competitive pressure, look for it on 08 models.