Convertible Top: Description and Operation

61 - Cabrio Top

The lines of the cabrio top have been modified in the area of the side windows. It now presents an impression of increased tension when viewed from the side. The resultant benefits take the form of increased headroom when entering and exiting the car with the top closed and better visibility to the sides and the rear.







The cabrio top is a totally new development featuring a magnesium structure. The tension bows and center spars of the corner and main arches are produced in aluminium. This has resulted in a further weight reduction for the cabrio top/roll-over bar unit in comparison to the previous Boxster/S (986) models, which already offered an exceptionally lightweight unit.







The basic principle of the cabrio top, with mechanical release, electric drive and zig-zag folding, has been retained. The quality has been further enhanced with extensive modification efforts. This improved quality is reflected in the fact that the top cover now for the first time consists of 3 layers of material. In addition to the top's outer fabric and the roof liner, an additional new intermediate layer of fleece has been incorporated under the outer fabric, resulting in a substantial reduction in interior noise when the top is closed.

The glass rear window, which is the only component to be adapted from the previous Boxster/S (986) model, is heated to ensure clear visibility in all weather conditions.



















As on the previous Boxster/S (986) models, the front area of the top consists of a solid cast magnesium structure. This offers enhanced passenger protection in particular in the event of the car rolling over with the top closed, since it improves the strength and stability of the top in this area.

The electric operating system for the top can be used at vehicle speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h). After releasing the top, the opening process must be started by way of a one touch button. The one touch function is available at speeds between 6 - 31 mph (10 - 50 km/h). At speeds below 6 mph (10 km/h), the button must be held. The closing process functions in the same manner.

At 12 s, the opening and closing time for the top on the new Boxsters again sets the standards in the area of cabrio tops with a top compartment lid and leads the competition.

The pre-assembled cabrio top unit consists of the top frame with top cover (1), the roll-over bar (2) and the water collecting pan (3), and is mounted into the body as a complete unit and connected to the top drive.







The principle for the top drive has been adopted from the previous Boxster/S (986) models. The drive power is transmitted from the centrally located electric motor via the flexible drive shafts to the two side mounted top operating mechanisms. On the axles of this mechanism are the steering arms which move the top via the push rods and the top compartment lid via the push rod springs.

The top movement is smooth and harmonious. The top is lowered smoothly towards the rear without leaving the vehicle's contours. The harmonious impression is further enhanced by the fact that the top compartment lid is opened and closed simultaneously with the movement of the top.







Water management in the area of the top has also been improved. A further water outlet has been added to the water channel at the front. This outlet serves to discharge the rain water which collects in the front header bow when the vehicle is stationary into the seal of the A-pillar via the corner piece of the seal. This results in improved water drainage, in particular markedly reducing the likelihood of rain water dripping into the vehicle after entering a car with a wet top.

In order to take into account the higher roll-over bar, the top's opening curve, the complete kinematics of the top frame have been redesigned. This way it was possible to accommodate the higher roll-over bar without changing the lowered position of the roof frame.