When a bold leap to a new Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV)-centric platform is off the table, organizations must take an alternative, more incremental approach to evolving legacy systems—minimizing compromise while keeping the ultimate SDV vision in sight. This presentation explores practical strategies for transitioning existing platforms, with a focus on the most impactful elements to unlock SDV value within real-world constraints. We’ll discuss how to untether the underlying platform by softening the software stack, and leverage concepts like a semantically defined API (via the use of COVESA VSS and/or Android VHAL as an example) to further extend platform scalability and maintainability. Through targeted investments and architectural foresight, this session will show how to modernize a legacy platform effectively—enabling innovation without a complete overhaul.