The Performance roof box from Porsche Tequipment combines usability and performance.

Everyday usability and performance: seemingly contradictory characteristics that Porsche has always combined successfully in its products. This also applies to the newly developed Performance roof box from Porsche Tequipment. Alongside the new design, the focus of development was on the maximum permitted speed. The Performance roof box has been subjected to a comprehensive program of trials and tests for the new Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo – for speeds up to 200 km/h. Trials and tests for other models will take place successively. The innovative luggage system will be available through Porsche Centres from May 2021.

Cooperation with Studio F.A. Porsche

The exceptional design was created in cooperation with Studio F.A. Porsche. With a slight counter-curve shape and a separation edge, the design is based on the “form follows function” principle. A three-dimensional silver Porsche logo adorns the rear end. In the same way, as for vehicles, the designers worked on a 1:1 clay model at an early stage. In spite of increasing digitalization, physical prototypes help the designers to assess whether their designs achieve the desired effect in three dimensions.

These models can also be used for initial wind tunnel tests in order to aero-dynamically optimize the design. “In addition to the permitted speed, the individualization options for the roof box will also be unique,” explains Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualization and Classic at Porsche AG. “Like the box, the side blades are available in High-Gloss Black and three other popular colors from our model range: Dolomite Silver Metallic, Carrara White Metallic, and Volcano Grey Metallic.”

The side blades can also be optionally ordered primed or painted in the individual vehicle color. The new roof box has the additional designation “Performance” due to the fact that it has been tested at maximum speeds of up to 200 km/h. In this way, Porsche meets the wishes of many customers who also want to use the additional luggage space at higher speeds. This testing included comprehensive tests relating to aerodynamic behavior and handling characteristics. “The test program for the roof box was very demanding,” explains Jochen Schmid, Director Tequipment at Porsche. “On its way to series maturity, it was driven on test tracks for several thousand kilometers as part of overall vehicle testing.”

Tested in Weissach

In the driving dynamics tests, we focused on the controllability of the vehicle with a fitted roof box at high speeds. This program was complemented by endurance testing in the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach. Among other things, the roof box had to prove its ability to withstand tough conditions on the rough-road track. The wind tunnel in Weissach served as a test facility to test the aerodynamics and noise development.

In addition to unique design, outstanding individualization options, and performance typical for the brand, the development of the new roof box focused on simple handling and a high degree of everyday usability. For instance, the box can be conveniently mounted on all base carrier roof transport systems by means of a quick-fastening system. The roof box has a capacity of 480 liters and can be opened from both sides. This permits easy and uniform loading.

The Porsche Tequipment Performance Roofbox data at a glance:

Edited Porsche factory press release.
Pictures courtesy Porsche AG.