Air Bag Systems: Description and Operation

Occupant Protection







The new 911 Carrera/S Cabriolet is equipped as standard with six airbags. This includes two-stage full-size front airbags for driver and passenger as well as the modified POSIP (Porsche Side Impact Protection) system already used in the 911 Carrera/S Coupe, which now comprises a new thorax airbag in the side of the backrest of the seats and a new head airbag in the door for each side of the vehicle.

Especially adapted thorax airbag is now integrated in the outer side wall of both the driver's and the passenger's seat to protect the upper body in a side impact. In the event of a crash the airbag, which has a volume of approx. 8 liters, is inflated by a gas generator based on hybrid technology. In addition to the thorax airbag, a head airbag unfolding upwards from the door panel is installed which offers good protection for the upper body and in the head area, even with the convertible top open. Head airbags are available in closed vehicles in the form of so-called "curtain" airbags, which drop down from the roof frame. No such solution was previously available for open vehicles.

The head airbag in the new 911 Carrera/S Cabriolet operates similarly to a "curtain" airbag; it does not unfold from above during a side impact as is the case with a closed vehicle. Instead, it opens from below from the door panel in the form of a protective cushion. The head airbag has a hybrid generator as is the case with the thorax airbag and offers effective head protection through the approx. 8 liters of airbag volume.

The sensors for detecting a side impact and therefore activating the side airbags are integrated in a central airbag control unit, an additional sensor is located in the area of the side door sills.