Porsche has taken the wraps off the third generation Cayman at the Los Angeles Auto Show; its longer wheelbase, all-new chassis and lower weight further optimising the established dynamic credentials of the mid-engined sports coupe.
Since its debut in 2005, the Cayman has earned a particular reputation as a driver’s car. For the latest model, the two-seater has been newly-developed from the ground up and – after the 911 Carrera and Boxster roadster – is the third sports car model series from Porsche to feature innovative lightweight body design.
Consequently, the new Cayman is up to 30 kg lighter than the prior model, depending on the specific version and equipment, and offers up to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency- despite its increased engine output and driving performance.
The new Cayman is more distinctive than ever. Its proportions are new, and yet it is clearly a Porsche sports coupe; an extended wheelbase with shorter overhangs and 18- or 19-inch diameter wheels with larger rolling circumference are identifying visual characteristics of the car’s more enhanced driving performance. Its styling is marked by precise lines and razor-sharp sculpted edges. They emphasise the car’s low, extended silhouette with the windscreen shifted forward and the roof line that reaches far back.
Porsche offers two flat six ‘boxer’ engines in the Cayman, a 2.7-litre and 3.4-litre, which both combine ample torque with high power in the upper engine rev range. One consequence of this high-revving concept is that although the 2.7-litre has a 0.2-litre reduction in engine displacement compared with the previous 2.9-litre unit, it still develops a higher power output.
With its specific power of 101.6 hp/litre, the 2.7-litre engine is the first Cayman to break the magic 100 hp per litre displacement barrier for sports car engines. Both engines now produce their maximum nominal power at 7,400 rpm; it was 7,200 rpm previously. Not only were peak powers increased by 10 hp to 275 hp (202 kW) in the Cayman and by five hp to 325 hp (239 kW) in the S-model; their two power curves also lie above those of the previous engines, which means that overall the six-cylinder engines produce more power at identical engine revs.
The new engines draw their air from both the left and right air scoops. In the 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine of the Cayman S, a switching resonance flap improves cylinder fill, providing high torque at low revs as well as a uniform torque curve. Both engines feature variable valve timing and lift (VarioCam Plus) on the intake side for optimal timing in charge changes.
The new Cayman employs a six-speed manual transmission as standard; its gear ratios are optimally chosen for the engine’s unique characteristics. The double clutch PDK is also available as an option. It offers seven gears and shifting without any interruption in propulsive power, and it enables faster sprints and better fuel economy.
The Cayman also now offers a Sport button as standard that lets the driver choose between sport-oriented tuning and that which is optimised for fuel efficiency. In Sport mode, the electronic engine management system makes the engine respond even quicker, with more direct dynamic response of the engine. In vehicles with PDK, automatic mode results in later upshifts and earlier downshifts. Moreover, the start/stop function and coasting function are deactivated.
The PDK is precisely tuned to the vehicle dynamics of the new Cayman. For example, in manual mode it enables controlled drifts with the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) deactivated – assuming a suitably protected roadway. Detection of the yaw angle and steering input angle initiates prevention of upshifting and permits a specific dynamic driving style.
Electro-mechanical power steering replaces the previous hydraulic system of the Cayman. Its high performance lets drivers experience the agility of the Cayman even more intensively. The driver receives direct feedback via the steering wheel, and negative or unnecessary “noise” is filtered out.
The new Cayman models ride on wheels and tyres that are now one inch larger in diameter than on the previous model. Standard now are 18-inch wheels (Cayman) and 19-inch (Cayman S), which give the sports coupe increased lateral stability and handling properties. Optional wheels include 20-inch Carrera S design, 20-inch Carrera Classic with bi-colour styling and the new 20-inch Sport Techno rims from the Exclusive programme.
The standard tyres are optimised for low rolling resistance, with a typically high level of Porsche performance in terms of handling and braking distance, and they are also low in weight. A seven per cent reduction in rolling resistance compared with the previous models contributes towards reducing fuel consumption.
Standard equipment on the Cayman includes air conditioning, CD audio with seven-inch touch-screen control interface, universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, automatic headlight activation, auto stop-start function, electronic parking brake, ‘Sport’ button, 18-inch alloy wheels, top tinted windscreen, floor mats and a three year warranty. In addition to the more powerful, larger capacity engine, the Cayman S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior, and Bi-Xenon headlights.
The new Porsche Cayman will arrive in UK Porsche Centres in March 2013. The Cayman is priced from £39,694, and the Cayman S priced from £48,783.
Last updated: Friday, 30th Nov 2012, 12:10