AUTO SPIES WORLD EXCLUSIVE: The real reason the Porsche 997 still doesn't have satellite radio, MP3 and bluetooth capability

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.

phantom330 - 5/1/2006 3:41:06 PM

+1 Boost

Gizmo or not, a lot of 911 customers use them as their daily driver, in which case bluetooth is an option that should be available. Not that this would deter me from buying one! :)

atomicbri - 5/1/2006 4:30:08 PM

+1 Boost

When do people actually drive their cars nowadays?I want cell phones, I need GPS SAT NAV Robobotics to help me drive. A Porsche is a driving machine. It is meant for its owner to become one with the car, I am glad they havent offered these. The car is my only escape from everyday life. When I shut my car door, off goes the cell, sometimes off goes the radio so I can hear the engine spring to life. And rev it on up. I enjoy driving and Porsches, like I said, are driver's cars. They can offer these in 08 as options (as Porsche always needs a heavy options list!!)Too much junk in cars these days to distract the truemeaning of what a car is meant to be doing, to be driven. Just the other day I see a car (New Mercedes ML) swiriving around in the lane on a 4 lane hwy. I get in the left lane to try and get around the SUV. I glance over and see two children's car seats, kids strapped in, and then I get to the front where "Soccer Mommy" Is apparently talking on the phone AND trying to I guess program her navagation system. I slightly honked my horn and I thought the woman was gonna shoot through her sunroof! Lady pay attention! She was not only endangering me, but also the lives of her children. Technology is nice, but cars are made to be DRIVEN!

phantom330 - 5/2/2006 3:46:23 PM

+1 Boost

fact of the matter is people talk on cell phones while driving, especially if it's a daily driver. Bluetooth makes this unsafe practice a little more safe, I wish more people had bluetooth. If it's a weekend car then it wouldn't be a big deal, but if you do business and travel via automobile, bluetooth is a must.

phil - 7/15/2006 10:20:52 AM

+1 Boost

Satellite radio can be installed in the 997 with the bose system. They use the satellite from the Cayanne and install it into the 997. It works!