A recently discovered patent is suggesting the 2012 Porsche 911 Convertible could feature a new roof that is part hardtop and part soft top. The odd design certainly raises some eyebrows, but the roof section would apparently be metal while the rear window area has traditional canvas. This could help to eliminate the ungainly styling that is associated with folding metal roofs, but it also defeats some of the security benefits which are inherit in that design. Curious about the exciting new features in the Porsche 911, come talk to Barrier Porsche in Bellevue!
The all-new Porsche 911 (991) is one of the most anticipated cars. While it’s merely a matter of hours until Porsche pulls the wraps off of the 2012 911 Coupe, many have been wondering about the roof for the 991 convertible models. Any discussion mostly comes down to this: Will Porsche be bold enough to introduce a metal folding roof?
Some time ago, Porsche filed a patent for a 4-panel metal folding roof. This made many believe that Porsche would actually follow the likes of the Ferrari California.
German Car Forum did a search for patent applications Porsche has filed and found patent US 7,607,715 B2 which reveals the twist. Porsche is apparently set to combine a regular canvas top with a metal folding roof.
The roof comprises of four panels with at least the first and fourth panel being sheet-like penals, i.e. metal panels. The suprise however is the canvas top layer covering the whole roof. This canvas layer is fixed permanently to the whole area of the first and fourth panel, yet it’s fixed to the two panels in the middle only partially. This allows the canvas to remain flexible in that area during roof operation.
This begs one question: Why? According to Porsche’s patent application, this invention makes sure that an “attractive outer contour is ensured by the sheet-like supporting elements when the roof is closed”. There might be no other canvas top sitting that tight when the roof is closed. It allows even the 911 convertible to sport the signature 911 roofline formerly found in the coupe models only.
One would assume that 911 convertible owners wouldn’t want to miss a canvas top yet also welcome the increased ridigity coming with metal folding roofs (when closed).
Why Barrier Porsche
Porsche. Utterly unlike any vehicle you’ll ever drive. And at Barrier Porsche we are unlike any other dealership. When it comes to the finest in workmanship, technology and performance… think Porsche. When it comes to acquiring or servicing your Porsche, we want you to think Barrier Porsche. Our certified sales professionals, the most highly trained service technicians in the industry, and an ongoing commitment to customer care set us apart from the crowd. We are proud to represent one of the most extraordinary line of automobiles ever created… Porsche. Welcome, and we hope you enjoy your visit – virtual or otherwise!
Barrier Sales Consultants provide customer service before, during, and after a sale. In other words, we form relationships with our clients. We are proud that many of our Sales Consultants have been with Barrier since our doors opened. Our clients value the service we provide, and they invigorate us every day with their loyalty and their numerous referrals. We invite you to visit Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue to experience the Barrier difference for yourself:
B Preferred – The many benefits of our B Preferred program are certainly reason enough to choose Barrier. The value is substantial. The car wash alone is worth the price of admission!
Frame Patrol – each Barrier employee is on the watch for our clients in distress or in need of assistance. Our stores are nearly legendary!
Community – Barrier is actively involved and supportive of our community, not to mention the many and varied efforts of our individual employees!
Revenue – Barrier is one of the largest contributors to the revenue of the City of Bellevue and King County.
Charity – Barrier supports a myriad of causes and concerns in our community ranging from the United Way to Hopelink to the Arts and much more.
300 Employees – Jobs! Now more than ever the impact of providing employment in our community is invaluable!
Does a purchase anywhere else make sense? The value is here with Barrier!
Porcshe 911, Porsche Boxster, Porsche Cayman, Porsche Panamera, Porsche Cayenne Utilty
