Loosely translated from the original German

New dimensions of open-top driving

The new Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is based on the 911 Carrera coupé version introduced in September 1993. Numerous convertible-specific components have been optimized compared to the previous model and fit into the overall harmony of the classic sports car. Thanks to a new type of restraint system in the rear, which is arranged in a belt dome, the convertible can once again be offered as a full-fledged 2+2 seater in various countries. With an optional wind deflector that automatically opens when the top is opened, Porsche offers an absolutely new, user-friendly solution in the Carrera Cabriolet.

Tradition continues

Open-top Porsches are as old as the company history of the Zuffenhausen sports car manufacturer. The first car to bear the name Porsche was the Porsche No. 1, Type 356, in 1948 with an emergency top. The demand for open-top Porsche sports cars has always been very high. Today, the convertible versions are an integral part of the model range. Around 40 percent of the 911 model from the series (964) that was discontinued at the end of 1993 were ordered as an open version.

Top optimized

For years, Porsche has been meeting the desire for an open sports car with full everyday usability with its convertible versions. Even at the top speed of 270 kilometers per hour, the closed top remains dimensionally stable thanks to its solid construction; wind noise is kept within acceptable limits.

From the very beginning, the construction was crucial for the qualities of the high-quality 911 top, with around half of the roof being made of embossed sheet steel profiles. Despite this uniquely high proportion of fixed roof, the top can be folded up tightly thanks to sophisticated kinematics.

The fully automatic, electric roof mechanism was largely adopted from the previous 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet. The roof opens and closes in just around 13 seconds. The roof operation has been modified compared to the previous model. In the new Cabriolet, it is also possible when the engine is running. However, for safety reasons, the vehicle must be stationary when the roof is opened and closed. To ensure this, the roof operation of the new Cabriolet only works when the handbrake is applied. The ignition key must be in "position 2".

Sealing system modified

The 911 Cabriolet has impressed with its functional and solid top since its market launch in the 1983 model year. However, the new generation of Cabriolets has set new standards thanks to a double-acting sealing system.

The rubber profile and the corner pieces of the upper windshield frame seal have been revised. If an above-average amount of water cannot be kept away from the outer rubber lip of the top, for example due to a particularly intensive car wash, the excess falls into collecting pockets that are incorporated into the profile. The water is completely drained away via drains through the door seals of the A-pillar.

By combining several components into one-piece units - as with the roof frame - the sealing of the interior is optimized.

Rear window replacement simplified

The reduction in components and a simplified fastening system make the new top easier to install than that of the previous model. In this way, the costs for the customer when changing the top are reduced.

The rear window replacement system is particularly noteworthy. If the plastic window had scratches or was damaged, the entire roof had to be dismantled so that a new rear window could be sewn in. In the new 911 Carrera Cabriolet, the rear window is secured with a zipper and glued into the roof tarpaulin with hot glue. This means that the window can be changed in just 25 minutes.

Interior improved

The new interior of the new 911 Cabriolet has also become even more attractive. The entire roof kinematics and the fastening of the roof tarpaulin are now covered by an interior roof liner, creating a very tidy and smooth ambience. The new roof liner is made of a material that is particularly soundproof and can be folded up very easily.

Again as a 2+2 seater for the USA

Thanks to the new development of a three-point belt system for the rear seats, the new 911 Carrera Cabriolet can again be offered as a 2+2 seater convertible in the export countries USA, Canada and Australia from model year 1995.

All legal requirements regarding the position, force absorption and deformation of a restraint system are met by a specially designed belt dome made of steel. It is installed between the rear seats and serves as the upper attachment point for the belts. The dome structure is surrounded by a foam part and is covered with the leather or artificial leather of the interior. This means that it blends harmoniously into the interior of the convertible. The rear seat backrests have been adapted to the new contour. They can no longer be folded down.

The raised brake light, which is required by law in some countries, is integrated into a bracket on the engine cover. The sporty-looking bracket is characterized by excellent rigidity and is painted in the color of the vehicle. The bracket is also available in the rest of the world (RoW countries) as an M number from March 1995.

Design further developed

The shape of the convertible top does justice to the form-integrated design of the new Carrera: generation. The exciting lines of the new Porsche 911 can also be found in the convertible version. The open version also signals great dynamism and agility - like its coupe: counterpart.

The areas above the rear window have been rounded off. The main bow and the roof frame had to be redesigned for this. The rear window is straight.

Fully automatic wind deflector, exclusive to the world

Porsche offers an exclusive feature for the 911 Carrera Cabriolet with a fully automatic wind deflector. It is the first of its kind to raise itself when opened. When the top is closed, the wind deflector also lowers fully automatically. It is driven by a rocker arm connected to the side control arm of the top and is located on the roof lining when the top is closed. The headroom is still the same as in the coupé. The convertible remains a full-fledged 2+2 seater.

The new wind deflector consists of an aluminum profile frame covered with mesh fabric. It is positioned behind the front seats and, when the top is open, also closes off the rear compartment with a fabric cover that is automatically pulled out. This prevents the formation of wind swirls and the luggage underneath is protected from dirt and prying eyes. The wind deflector can be placed horizontally in the rear of the vehicle at any time using a manually operated locking mechanism. For open-top driving fun with three or four people, the wind deflector can be removed in just a few easy steps and stowed in the trunk. The fully automatic wind deflector is available as an optional extra.