Porsche 918 infotainment system to be based on HTML5

While some automakers, like Ford and General Motors, are beginning to open up their code to outside developers via application programming interfaces, Porsche's taking a very interesting route for the 918 Spyder's infotainment system. The the hybrid supercar's dashboard interface uses the same code that the modern Internet runs on: HTML5.

Germany's AutoBild reports that Porsche cites the ease of programming as part of their rationale for the system; smartphone integration is another. The HTML5 standard was designed with the mobile web in mind and as such, was defined to run easily on low-power devices.

We're theorizing here, but it besides ease of coding, which is great for a small-volume product like the 918, using HTML5 could show some minor electrical-efficiency benefits, which dovetail nicely with the 918's plug-in hybrid nature.

Will we see this utilization of web standards trickle down across the Porsche range? Given that about a decade after the 959, the 911 Turbo was just as capable a performer as that AWD Kevlar wonder and that the 918's rear-wheel steering has already found its way into the latest GT3, we wouldn't be surprised if it does.

By Davey G. Johnson