I think that most of the enthusiasts on this board would be biased towards *****, swithces and levers. BMW "advances" like iDrive and clutchless shifting (as well as the new body styles) are why I have a 997 instead of an M6. I'll keep the E39, its a classic.

 

I agree 100% - the E39 M5 is an awesome ride...

 

I have MMI in my Audi A6 and frankly, even with miminal buttons, I don't think it's easier to use than my 997. I personally think the better solution is voice activated that Infiniti and some of the other Japanese marques have. I test drove an M35 and it's voice activated system was impressive, especially the Nav.

Unfortunately Porsche would probably implement something more like Audi's voice activation, which in my A6 isn't nearly as functional and relies heavily on the user programming in voice tags for everything; even then, Audi's recognition of the commands is spotty.

 

i doubt porsche would do voice activation due to the fact that you wouldn't be able to use it while driving a cabriolet. if they did it, it would be a secondary control system with something else (switch, buttons, idrive, *****) act as primary.

 

Just another distraction from the road!
We've got TV's mounted on the dash, cars that park themselves, amongst other quite brilliant designs. All useless, In my opinion. It will ruin sports driving, we already have the black box fitted to some cars. Where will it end.
Rant...Rant...Rant.......................????

 

well, the self parking is on Lexus LS460. Wouldnt call it sports driving machine. i dont think 911 will EVER get self parking or TV (albeit it might already have TV option in europe. BMW and MB have TV as an option on the iDrive screen on all of their cars)

i would guess with cars driving themself?

 

Nice to hear! I actually bought an E60 M5 with the intention of replacing my E39 M5. Needless to say I sold the E60 within 6 months and still have my beloved E39. I think both I-Drive AND SMG are the worst things that ever happened to BMW (aside from Chris Bangle) and I will not buy another one for as long as I have to use either one. In fact when I needed a new SUV I searched all over for a leftover 2006 X5 4.8is so I would not have to get an '07 with I drive.

My answer, if Porsche were to go to the same system I would have to look elswhere as things like this change the entire dynamic of a car and thus would no longer be what a Porsche is to me.

 

i would guess with cars driving themself? [/quote]

They will start nagging you next, Just like the wife!
Hang on, if I dont put my seat belt on it does nag me & the faster i go, the louder it gets.
Sounds familiar....?