Air Bag: Description and Operation

6963 - Side Airbags

The new generation of the standard Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP) is a unique new development on the market. It now comprises two airbags per side: One thorax airbag and one head airbag.

A specially adapted thorax airbag is now integrated in the backrest 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 separate head airbag is additionally installed in each door - a world first in an open car. Head airbags are available in closed vehicles in the form of "curtain" airbags, which drop down from the roof frame.

No such solution was previously available for open vehicles. Instead, large side airbags were installed either in the seat or in the door trim panel, as on the previous model.

For the new Boxster/S (987) a separate head airbag has been developed which functions in a similar manner to a curtain airbag, but which inflates up from the door window channel in the door trim panel, rather than dropping down from the roof. This airbag again has a volume of approx. 8 liters, offering effective head protection. In the event of side impact, the head airbag inflates in the form of a protective cushion. Like the thorax airbag, the head airbag is also inflated using a hybrid generator. The sensors for detecting a side impact and thus for activating the side airbags are located in the airbag control unit on the center tunnel and in the area of the side sills.