happyclam

shouldn't be hanging down should it?

911 carrera blue

Obama's NSA's device !!!!

Macster

Lo-Jack?

docmirror

WiFi Booster or extender. Used to extend the distance of a weak WiFi signal.

As for antenna orientation that's a complex subject.

It could be used to extend the WiFi capability of a phone in tethering mode, or as a extender for a home base router to get the WiFi out to the car and area around the car. Whatever WiFi it's linked to will be extended.

[edit; It's actually a transceiver, as it both transmits and receives. ]

Slakker

Definitely not stock. There should be a model # or at least an FCC registration number on it.

charlieaf92

My insurance company (Nationwide) keeps asking if I want to participate in a program to lower my rates. Essentially they put some type of GPS tracker in the car for a period of time (30 days maybe) then review driving habits (acceleration, speed, sudden stops, time of day driven, total driving time, etc) and depending on what they see will potentially discount my insurance. My agent has assured me that it can't impact my premium by increasing it, only decreasing. I have my doubts so I haven't opted to participate.

I don't believe the unit has broadcasting capabilities, but I've never seen one in person. Perhaps its something similar?

FRUNKenstein

Is it plugged into the OBDII port?

happyclam

Hard to tell. I'll have to get in there and examine. It takes contortions.

docmirror

I would read the disclaimer very carefully. It's possible that they won't raise your rates, but they might drop you or decline coverage in the event of an accident. Progressive offers this tool as well. I know nothing about it, but you can be assured that if an insurance co is offering it to you, it's not for your best interest, it's for theirs.

kingfred

I have Nationwide and I signed up for their SmartRide program on previous cars in the last 2 years. They offer up to 15% discount based on how far you drive, but in reality if you barely drive your car you will see around 7-10% off your bill. The device they send you connects to your ODBII port and has a built in mobile phone that reports your daily driving habits back to their control center, where you can view how many miles you drove on their website. You have to keep the device connected to your car for at least 6 months. In California they only report mileage driven and your discount is based only on that, in other states your discount is based on how you drive and the more times you slam on the brakes or floor the accelerator will lower your discount. Now that I sold my other cars that had the discount and bought 2 Porsches I have not signed up for the program again.
In regards to this thread, the device pictured is nothing like what the SmartRide device looks like.

FRUNKenstein

Welcome kingfred - strong first post. How's about an intro thread with some pics?

kingfred

Thank you. I've been lurking around for a while. I actually have a '17 Macan and Boxster, but I saw this thread and thought I would comment since I had more information. I'll post up an intro thread soon.

DTMiller

Miss a payment and you'll maybe find out?

frisbee91

Big brother is watching you...

ZuffenZeus

My vote it's a GPS tracking devise. What you're seeing is the transmitter.

My nephew purchased a used Lexus on craigslist and paid cash money. The person that sold him the car had put a tracker on it and he came and stole it back in the middle of the night. The car was originally stolen from the lease owner out of Florida. The FBI/GBI got involved and caught the thieves. They are currently sitting in prison.

Again, I think it's a GPS transmitter for tracking the vehicle in case it was stolen, but I could be wrong. Without better pictures, this could be one of many types of electronic devises.