Porsche has refreshed its Roads app with new AI
Manufacturer reckons latest free-to-use version does an even cleverer job of calling out interesting B roads...
Don’t you just hate it when Waze, Google Maps or whatever your smartphone sat nav of choice is punts you off a blissful stretch of tarmac in the name of saving a few minutes? Well, Porsche has you covered. It has developed an app that says ‘sod it’ to the fastest route, allowing you to uncork your flat-six with a more scenic alternative.
The Roads by Porsche app has actually been around for a few years now, and is said to have amassed 180,000 avid users who share their favourite routes for others to drive on. There’s also a feature that lets users organise gatherings with other enthusiasts (sounds familiar), using some of the world’s greatest driving roads as their meeting point. It functions a bit like a social network, minus the unsolicited messages and dodgy political views from a distant uncle.
Now, Porsche has announced a major overhaul for the app that now means anyone can pick up the app in search of a decent driving road. The firm has used the past few years to gather data on what makes a great drive, which it feeds into a trick bit of software that crunches the numbers and finds the ideal route to match your needs. You’re able to choose from a selection of routes based on length, how twisty the roads are, and even the topography. These can either be A to B routes, or a full loop. Some have even tried to replicate grand prix circuits in their local towns and cities, which looks cool - but are probably a bit rubbish to actually drive.
Robert Adar, Porsche’s marketing chief, said the app “allows driving fans to find their own individual dream route with just a few clicks. AI works out a suitable route based on various parameters such as the curves of the road, the topography, landscape features, or exciting points of interest. From their starting point, the user can plan a circuit route or navigate to a specific destination – no matter where in the world they are.”
Or what car they're driving, we might add. The only requirement being that you have a smartphone (sorry Nokia 3310 users) to bung the app on, where it’ll essentially turn into a sat nav when you start your route. It’s completely free, too, though can show your gratitude to Porsche by letting them take a peek at your data. Hard to say no to that if it lets the AI conjure up better driving roads.
I wonder if it also sticks to roads that have no potholes?
On another note, any comments on the app, rather than comments from miffed Android owners?
Looks very good so far. I asked it for a one hr loop starting from home and it came up with a good route. Will certainly give it a try in future.
There may well be the functionality already, but I can't see an obvious way of entering start and end points, and allowing the AI to suggest a route. There must be a way of plotting a route from point to point as there are plenty saved on it, but I can't work it out. EDIT TO ADD found it! Press 'Drive', then press the red + icon.
I hate to say it, but it would also be a handy app for cycling... you can save and export (or import) a route as a GPX file.
I used to have the Ultimate Drives app but that didn’t work too well.
My favourite B roads are were too bumpy for my 997 so I sold it. Probably not what Porsche were hoping for.
I used to have the Ultimate Drives app but that didn’t work too well.
My favourite B roads are were too bumpy for my 997 so I sold it. Probably not what Porsche were hoping for.
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