The 1998 Porsche 911
Carrera 4 Cabriolet

The 1998 Carrera 4 Cabriolet combines the enjoyment of open-air motoring with the traction and roadholding of Porsche's all-wheel-drive system. The Carrera 4 Cabriolet six-speed manual gearbox is optimized for smooth, light and precise shifting. Whether the convertible top is open or closed, the Carrera 4 Cabriolet retains the familiar 911 silhouette, and incorporates all the aerodynamic and safety refinements made to the 911. Key features include the 3.6 liter flat-six 282-horsepower engine, six-speed manual transmission, all-wheel-drive system, high-performance all-disc brakes with ABS, high-performance tires on alloy wheels, welded unitized body of double-sided galvanized steel, aluminum suspension components, speed-dependent extendible rear spoiler, second-generation side-impact protection, heated windshield washer nozzles, fog lamps incorporated into the front spoiler, and modular polyellipsoid headlamps with a headlamp washer system. Litronic gas discharge headlamps, which are twice as powerful as halogen headlamps while using 30 percent less electrical current, are optional.

SEATING - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

The 1998 Carrera 4 Cabriolet will be available with optional child seats which can automatically deactivate the passenger air bags. Created to address the child seats concerns of child air bag safety in two-seat and 2+2 vehicles, the new Porsche child seats will both mechanically and electronically deactivate the passenger air bags when properly installed on the front passenger seat. The new Porsche child seat line features three different seats designed for three occupant sizes based on body weight: up to 22 lbs. (10 kg), 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and 37 to 100 lbs. (17 to 45 kg). Each seat is equipped with its own safety belt system including the adapter which inserts into the cross bar buckle common to all three.

VARIORAM™ VARIABLE TIMING - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

Like all 1998 911 models, the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet uses Porsche's Boxer engine traditional 3.6 liter, air-cooled, horizontally opposed, six-cylinder, 282 horsepower (210 kW) engine. The engine redesign in 1995 resulted in a nine percent increase in power without any fuel economy penalty while meeting stringent emission standards. The additional increase in horsepower, with a substantial boost in the engine's mid-range torque curve, has been achieved by the incorporation of Porsche's patented Varioram™ induction system. Varioram optimizes the engine's volumetric efficiency for high torque output, Varioram™ resulting in quick throttle response and strong acceleration. The system uses induction variable-length intake pipes and separate, differently tuned air intake systems system for medium and high engine speeds, to optimize torque and power output characteristics across the usable engine rpm range. The improved engine uses inlet valves that are larger, 50 mm compared to 49 mm, and exhaust valves that are 43.5 mm instead of 42.5 mm. The camshafts have modified valve timing, and an optimized ignition system has been adopted. The Varioram system's intake manifold operates with long intake pipes at moderate engine speeds. Cylinder filling is improved by resonance in the individual intake pipes. A significant increase in orque at moderate engine speeds across a relatively wide rpm range results.

A set of sliding sleeves which form part of the long intake pipes uncover apertures, located approximately at their centers, at engine speeds over 5000 rpm. This reduces the effective length of the intake pipes and establishes a connection with the resonance compartments. The alternating intake cycles in the left-hand and right-hand cylinder banks force the air column in the intake manifold to oscillate. These oscillations or resonances are used to achieve optimum torque at the top end of the engine speed range. Resonance charging achieves optimum effect over a narrow rpm range. The Varioram resonance system is designed to change over quickly between two engine speed ranges. From 5800 rpm up, a resonance flap opens, exposing another resonance cross-section between the resonance compartments of the two cylinder banks. The intake manifold's resonant frequency is then optimized for very high engine speeds. Combining ram effect charging and resonance charging, a combination unique to the Varioram intake manifold, high torque is produced across the entire engine speed range. Torque is improved by 18 percent at mid-range engine speeds between 2500 and 4500 rpm. A peak output of 229 ft. lbs. (310 Nm) of torque is achieved at 3500 rpm, compared with 193 ft. lbs. (262 Nm) on the earlier engine design. The torque gain is reflected in the acceleration time from 50 mph (80 kph) to 75 mph (120 kph) in fifth gear, which has been reduced by about 18 percent. With Varioram in place, it is possible to drive in a higher gear and with lower engine speeds with no loss in engine flexibility. Engine output with Varioram has increased from 270 hp (200 kW) to 282 hp (210 kW), and maximum torque from 243 ft. lbs. (330 Nm) to 250 ft. lbs. and torque (340 Nm). The high specific output and exceptional pulling power of the increased 3.6 liter Varioram engine make the best of everyday driving, with the added benefit of lower fuel consumption.

EMISSIONS SYSTEM - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

A monitoring system for all components with exhaust emission control OBD II relevance is a feature of all 1998 Porsche 911 engines. Any time the car is driven, the OBD II (on-board diagnostics, second generation) system measures the efficiency of the catalytic converter, identifies misfiring, and monitors the fuel system, fuel tank venting, secondary-air injection, oxygen sensors and other components and systems which affect exhaust emissions.

TRANSMISSIONS - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

The 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet comes with a six-speed manual Six-speed transmission. Modifications to the transmission have made the Porsche 911 manual Carrera 4 Cabriolet more enjoyable to drive in everyday conditions. Dual-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, along with ball-bearing sleeves which reduce friction and enhance shift precision, are features of the manual gearbox that make shifting action more precise and driving a 911 even more pleasant. The six-speed transmission weighs virtually the same as the previous five-speed version. Weight savings coupled with operating efficiencies were design parameters throughout development of the Porsche Carrera 4 Cabriolet. (The Tiptronic S automatic transmission is not available on the Carrera 4 Cabriolet.)

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

The same all-wheel drive (AWD) system used on the 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo is used on the 1998 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. At 111 pounds (50 kg), the system clutch is half the weight of the earlier Carrera 4 AWD system and is 33 percent more efficient in operation. A maintenance-free viscous center clutch controls power distribution between the front and rear wheels. The viscous clutch, which runs in silicone fluid, responds to power, engine speed and temperature differences to vary the amount of slip between the front and rear axles. If both rear wheels spin, the center clutch diverts engine power to the front wheels, ensuring that maximum traction is always available. Torque split between the rear wheels is regulated by a conventional rear locking differential. The viscous clutch and rear differential act together to divert engine torque to the wheels with the most traction. Porsche's Automatic Brake Differential (ABD) system augments rear differential brake action. Should one rear wheel begin to spin, the locking differential transmits differential the power to the other wheel which still has traction. If this is not sufficient to restore traction, then ABD, using input from the anti-lock brake system sensors, applies braking power to the slipping wheel to help initiate traction. The ABD system functions at speeds up to 43 miles per hour (70 kph). The three-way combination of locking differential, ABD and all-wheel drive provides greater directional stability and offers maximum traction on less-than-ideal road surfaces. All-wheel drive reduces weight transfer differences, which can affect stability, by allowing the maximum of the Carrera 4 Cabriolet's weight to be used at all times to help maintain traction.

SUSPENSION - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet front suspension is an evolution of the Front MacPherson-type strut, coil spring and stabilizer bar unit from past 911 suspension models that pr.ovides increased stability, excellent handling and ride comfort. Due to design changes made to most suspension components, the suspension system weighs some 6.6 pounds (3 kg) less than its predecessor, thus improving driving characteristics by reducing unsprung weight. Porsche's Lightweight-Stable-Agile (LSA) multi-link, subframe-mounted rear suspension system has replaced the semi-trailing arms and struts of previous suspension 911 models. Four lateral links in two horizontal planes, which appear like upper and lower A-arms, provide precise wheel control. A refined version of the "Weissach" suspension pioneered on the Porsche 928 helps improve stability by using the outside rear wheel toe-in during cornering. Stability, regardless of side forces, and precise tracking are the system's virtues. The LSA package, in addition to the four links, includes dual gas shock absorbers, coil springs and a rear-mounted forged aluminum subframe.

BRAKES, WHEELS AND TIRES - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

Porsche cars have made their reputation on their braking as well as their ABS 5 acceleration and cornering, and the 1998 Carrera 4 Cabriolet carries on that tradition. The Carrera 4 Cabriolet and all other 911 variants use large-diameter, internally vented and cross-drilled rotors, four-piston calipers and asbestos-free brake pads, augmented by the Bosch ABS 5 anti-lock braking system. The 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet comes equipped with 17-inch 17-inch wheels pressure-cast alloy wheels (7J by 17 inches in the front and 9J by I7 inches in the rear) fitted with steel-belted radial 205/50 ZR-17 tires up front and 255/40 ZR-17 rear tires.

CONVERTIBLE TOP - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet has a fully lined and padded power-operated Electric convertible top with automatic latching and unlatching. The convertible top is soft top designed to operate quickly, quietly and safely. (The top can only be raised or lowered when the car is stopped and the parking brake is set.) A rocker switch on the center console operates the electric top mechanism, and a folding cover is provided to secure the convertible top when it is in the down position.

INTERIOR - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

The 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet interior features Porsche's 2+2 leather seating package with power height adjustment (optional full electrical equipment adjustment), and a white-on-black instrument panel including five round analog gauges, with the ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel. Carrera 4 Cabriolet interior equipment includes dual front airbags, three-point restraints for driver and passengers, automatic temperature control air conditioning, power windows, central locking and alarm system with immobilizer and remote entry system, heated external rearview mirrors, leather-covered steering wheel, interior lights with delayed shut off, cruise control, cassette/coin holder and door trim panels with covered armrest bins and open map pockets.

AUDIO SYSTEMS - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

A six-speaker AM/FM/cassette audio system manufactured by Becker is standard on the Carrera 4 Cabriolet. System features include a head unit with system removable control panel (for security), electronic tuning and digital display. Available options include an indash compact disc player, a remote CD changer, an eight-speaker 150-watt audio system, and digital signal processing. Other significant options available for the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet are full-power leather sport seats, Litronic high intensity discharge headlamps, a rear-seat delete package, infrared security system and limited-slip differential with automatic brake differential (ABD).

WARRANTY - Buy The Carrera 4 Cabriolet Here

Every new Porsche sports car is covered by a two-year bumper-to-bumper limited warranty with unlimited mileage, which includes Porsche's roadside warranty assistance program. The galvanized body and 26-step paint and anti corrosion process enable Porsche to warrant each car against rust perforation for 10 years and unlimited mileage. In addition, the paint has a three-year limited warranty.

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