Bodyshell
BodyshellThe purpose of redesigning the bodyshell of the new 911 Carrera/S Cabriolet was to further increase rigidity compared with the previous model and also to further improve passive safety in the event of a frontal or offset collision (frontal collision with head-on impact on one side of the vehicle).
Five significant changes were made compared to the 996 Carrera Cabriolet:
- Use of the spot welding/bonding method
- Use of "Tailored Blanks" as well as high-strength and maximum strength steel
- Redesign of the joint areas (A-pillar)
- Use of a new bulkhead cross member made of boron steel
- Optimization of the upper door load paths for transmission of forces in frontal collisions
Five significant changes were made compared to the 996 Carrera Cabriolet:
- Use of the spot welding/bonding method
- Use of "Tailored Blanks" as well as high-strength and maximum strength steel
- Redesign of the joint areas (A-pillar)
- Use of a new bulkhead cross member made of boron steel
- Optimization of the upper door load paths for transmission of forces in frontal collisions
The side panels and floorpan assembly are joined together using the spot welding/bonding method. The "Tailored Blanks" technique involves welding fine panels made of different types of steel in various thicknesses together using laser technology. Even the redesigned joint areas (A-pillar) help to improve the rigidity of the body. The bulkhead cross member, which is made of maximum strength steel (boron steel), was completely redesigned and ensures an extremely strong structure in conjunction with the front side members.
The upper door load paths were optimized for improved passenger protection in the event of frontal and side impact. Furthermore, the new 911Carrera/S Cabriolet now has additional reinforcements in the joint areas of the A-pillar and in the sill areas compared with the 911 Carrera/S Coupe.
These significant modifications to the body of the 911 Carrera (S) Cabriolet have further increased the torsional rigidity and flexural strength of the bodyshell compared to the previous 911 Carrera (996) model. Torsional rigidity has increased by 5%, while static flexural strength has increased by 9%.
This body rigidity, which is outstanding for a convertible vehicle, allows more accurate chassis tuning and an improved impression of quality compared with the previous model. The consistent reduction of distortions and body flexing caused by uneven road surfaces (such as roadway expansion joints).
Bodyshell Structure
The safety of all passengers in the vehicle is an important development objective in the design and manufacture of Porsche vehicles and has been a significant factor in the development of the new 911 Carrera/S Cabriolet. In this regard, the Cabriolet not only meets but often significantly surpasses all regulatory requirements with regard to frontal, side and rear impact. For example, the new 911 Carrera/S) Cabriolet passes the longitudinal and roll-over test, which is important for open-top vehicles, even meets the requirements regarding roof strength for Coupes when the top is closed.
The further strengthened, and for the most part redesigned, bodyshell structure was adapted to suit the rigid passenger compartment with the help of computer-based designs relating to the deformation zones in the front and rear of the vehicle.
To achieve a higher level of safety with a further reduced body weight, member profiles and the design of body joints where through optimized and higher-strength steel plates were used. Energy is absorbed in the front of the vehicle by straight side members whose cross-sections are designed for optimum energy absorption. These are supported on reinforced areas of the passenger cell.
Side Impact Protection
Side impact protection has been built into Porsche vehicles since 1985. As in the Coupe model, a maximum-strength steel profile was integrated into the design of the door structure on the new 911 Carrera/S Cabriolet. In conjunction with the rigid side structure, this provides increased penetration resistance and ensures even better passenger protection in the event of side impact. The upper door load paths, which guide the force into the rear of the vehicle in the event of an accident, have been significantly reinforced once again compared with the previous model.
The use of impact elements on the front bumpers reduces the amount of damage in the event of a minor impact.