992 Cab driver's key with open/close top function??
 

So I was perusing the owner's manual (Porsche-2020-992-OWM-V2.pdf) that someone (can't recall who) helpfully posted for my 2020 992 Cab and found this entry:

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...50f7f9cb89.png
Neither of my keys has this function, although there is a blank space for it. Anyone have any idea on this? Did Porsche upgrade the keys?

Thanks.

Not in the US. We don’t have that functionality out of the box unlike RoW. You need to get the SmartTop module if you want to add it. Works well.

Mods4Cars SmartTOP.
I'll be buying my 5th one soon.

Yeah, I've been thinking about it, just a little uncertain I can do the install without effing it up. I'm pretty handy but have never done anything like this.

It was pretty easy on 991 but I don’t know if 992 is any different. I’ve had the dealer install the last two as part of new car prep. I did quite a few mods to my 991.2 but the ones I will repeat for sure are the SmartTOP and Numeric shifter +/- their pedals.
I can’t imagine not having ROW capabilities on a cab. So much more convenient, especially if it’s hot out and you can put the top down to release the hot air in cabin before getting in.

I installed a SmartTop controller in my BMW 135i cabriolet. Had it over 7 years now. The controller connections were OEM plug and play. I actually had the opportunity to meet the developer/ owner of the company. A brilliant programmer and builds a great product.
Reverse engineers the control logic if a manufacturer is unwilling to share protocols.

My dealer would not get near this, nor was I able to convince a local very highly regarded high-end shop to do it, so I think I would have to install myself. A gentleman from Texas (blanking on his handle) did a really good post on how to do it.

Separately, please tell me, what is "Numeric shifter +/- their pedals"??

Thanks.

Look for a local high end automotive audio store if you don't want to DIY. It's the guys who install sound systems, radar detectors, backup cameras, etc that will be willing and able to do this. It isn't super hard in a 992 but the access isn't great so it helps if you have really thin hands and arms...

https://www.numericracing.com
Shifter for MT, obviously. Pedals (to me) far nicer than OEM. Shifter is on another level compared to OE. It's so much better there's really no comparison.

My SmartTOP on my 991.2 went on the fritz and I was able to remove it, send it back under warranty (rapid turn around) and reinstall it myself. And I'm no mechanic. It was a little hard for me to get to but I managed. It's two plugs, one from OE and one into module. Someone competent should take 15 minutes or less. I had my indy install one on a Miata I had one summer and he said he felt bad charging me $35.

From what I understand it just returns US cars to ROW spec by allowing opening/closing the top with the remote and one touch up/down. You can program other things like window position, etc, but I only care about remote use and one touch.

I've had two different dealers install them in cars prior to delivery and neither one thought it was a problem.

Ah, now I get it, shifter is very nice. I'm trying to get an allocation for a manual cab S (like everyone else), so I'll have to keep this in mind.

Yeah, I know, the dealers/shops in the DC area just seem difficult.

Thanks.

Back to the original topic: remote open/close of the convertible top
I'm struggling to guess why Porsche would choose to delete this cool feature from US cars. Might it be possible to source Euro-spec OEM parts and retrofit them?

First and best guess: US regulations. Second guess: US liability. I can't imagine they would make extra effort to take a way a feature for no good reason.

In installed the Smart Top module in my '21 992S Cab, it's a PITA, aggravated by the fact that I'm a big guy. If you are small and skinny probably easier. The issue is lack of working space and you can't see a damn thing, you are working blind to disconnect the plug modules and reconnect the new ones. See the area between the carpet tabs and the metal silver bar (yellow arrows)? Your module is flat on the vertical firewall behind the silver bars and down,in the gap about 8". you have to do it all by feel. Getting the connector to release is a challenge. If you had easy access to the space it would be 15 minutes and done. But you don't have access, have to go very slow to avoid tearing or breaking tabs all over the place including the carpet tabs and have to set up lights and mirrors to see where the bottom connector is located. While not hard, it's not fun.

I'm in the DC metro area (Fairfax Station), if you get your module and want me to guide you through the install, you can bring your car and module over to my garage and I'll give you guidance and support while YOU put it in! I won't climb in your car and do it, however. The last Rennlister that came over for "help" with the install was on his cell phone the whole time talking business while I did all the work. That won't happen again.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...153c096b5c.jpg

I plan to have a radar / laser system installed in my car once it arrives next month, and the installer has said that he will install the Smart Top for me at the same time.

I put one of those in my prior Porsche (981) and that was a massive undertaking, very difficult because there are no access ports or holes in the firewall. It's extremely difficult to get wiring into the cabin without drilling new holes - which I would recommend against doing (ask you installer how he get plans to get through that firewall) Good luck on that. Mine was a three day project, with most the dash removed, the front bumper cover, both inner fender wells and passenger seat out. Big job, took me close to 40 hours.