autoevolution
 

Understanding Porsche’s Innovative Climate Control for Convertible Cars

We all love convertibles, as they deliver a unique sense of freedom when driving with the top down and make us feel more connected to the car. One of the biggest problems with them is climate control or the lack of it but thanks to Porsche’s innovative system you can enjoy your convertible without shivering on a cold day or sweating half of your body weight in hot weather.
Porsche 911 Cabriolet 992 8 photos
Photo: Porsche AG
Porsche 911 Carrera 4SPorsche 911 Carrera 4SPorsche 911 Carrera 4SPorsche 911 Carrera 4SPorsche 911 Carrera 4SPorsche 911 Carrera 4SPorsche's Innovative Climate Control
Convertibles have been around since the beginning of the automotive industry, with most early cars having an open top and later featuring folding textile or leather roofs.

As full steel bodies began to enter mass production in the early 1920s, roofless automobiles began to slide into a niche of their own.

In present times, these cars symbolize freedom better than any other type of four-wheeled vehicle. Whether it is an older model or a new generation sports car, the joy of driving with the top down and the wind blowing through your hair is guaranteed to lift your spirits and trigger a huge smile on your face.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
Photo: Porsche AG
If the convertible you get to drive is a Porsche 911, the thrill of that flat-six harmoniously roaring behind you will elevate your emotions and make that smile even wider.

To keep those emotions alive for longer and increase comfort when driving in the open air, Porsche engineers set out to create the most advanced climate control system in a convertible.

Modern roadsters feature multi-zone climate control or at least a manual AC system, but on very hot days or in colder weather they do a poor job of improving comfort when the car is driven with the top down.

With closed body cars, climate control usually relies on an interior sensor that permanently monitors cabin temperature and adjusts the flow of air accordingly.

In a cabrio, the equation is a bit more complicated since the open-air can drastically decrease the efficiency of such a sensor.

Porsche’s new automatic climate control system is now capable of processing around 350 signals in half-second intervals aided by twenty external and internal interfaces that include control units for the engine, soft-top, doors, and seats.

Porsche's Innovative Climate Control
Photo: Porsche AG
Sensors continually monitor parameters such as exterior and coolant temperatures together with engine speed, insulation, and vehicle speed.

This data is used by the climate control system to permanently calculate the ideal air temperature, air outlet volume, and air distribution in the open-top interior.

This sophisticated system is particularly noticeable at low speeds. When you drive your new convertible 911 on a hot, sunny day, you will be surrounded by a pleasant breeze.

Moreover, if you decide to go for a drive in colder conditions, you can enjoy the topless experience without the unpleasant feeling of air being blown in your face in vain.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
Photo: Porsche AG
The new system distributes more warm air via the center air vents, which results in a cozy shield of warm air protecting you and the passenger.

In changing weather conditions, which are common in spring or fall, the automatic climate control reacts to sudden changes and adjusts the airflow and temperature accordingly without any intervention.

This revolutionary system is available on the latest generation of Porsche 911s, which you can now enjoy in any season. Just make sure to use sunscreen in the summer and lift the top when it is raining or snowing, because the climate control is obviously not capable of protecting you from UV rays, rain, or snowfall.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Vlad Radu
Vlad Radu profile photo

Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories