Long Doors, now standard, came in when airbags had to be fitted in some markets. This meant the dash had to move further away from the seat. As a result the de-mister vents were no longer possible.

As a result there were changes to the structure of the front of the cockpit that allowed longer doors to make entry and exit easier.

It is all explained here:

4/4

And here:

100 years

Buy them, essential reading!!



Peter,
66, 2016 Porsche Boxster S
No longer driving Tarka, the 2014 Plus 8...