Porsche Range Grows with 'Cayman' Sports Coupe

By Motoring Channel Staff - 24/05/2005

From Stuttgart in Germany, Porsche has come clean with its first official images of the Cayman, a small coupe model based on the Boxster architecture.

The new Cayman S, to be officially launched on November 26, 2005, increases the Porsche range from four to five models: 911, Boxster, Cayenne, Carrera GT and now the Cayman.

This sporty 2-seater, based on the Boxster series, boasts a newly developed 6-cylinder boxer engine with a capacity of 3.4-litres and an output of 217KW (295hp).

The assembly delivers an impressive performance: high and constant propulsive power at lower and medium speeds. The sports car's maximum speed is 275km/h (171mph).

With a manual transmission and a centrally placed engine, the Cayman S accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds (0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds).

Equipped with Porsche's VarioCam Plus system for variable intake camshaft control and valve timing, the Cayman S has a torque of 340Nm (255 ft. lbs.) between 4400 and 6000rpm. The VarioCam Plus system was previously reserved for the 911 series.

Power transmission is executed via a 6-speed gearbox with short, precise shifting travel, which was taken from the Boxster S and further developed.

The familiar 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission is also available on request, and has rocker switches in the steering wheel spokes for a sports gear shifting operation. The Tiptronic S transmission was refined specifically for the sports coupe, receiving a new electronic and hydraulic control unit.

At first sight, the Cayman S looks likes a typical Porsche sports car. At the same time, however, its autonomous design ensures that it stands out against the Boxster and 911 Carrera. The new front is accentuated by oval main headlamps and distinctive air inlets.

The fog lights integrated in the outside air inlets underline Porsche's current design philosophy. The low-lying upper windshield sill and the pronounced roof profile accentuate the unique and dynamic front view.

The characteristic silhouette of the Cayman S owes itself to the newly designed coupe line with a long wheelbase, a rear end that falls away gently and side windows that perpetuate the dynamic contours of the sill area. The model's rear view is defined by a large tailgate, powerfully sweeping fenders and an automatically extending wing.

The distinctively styled dual exhaust outlet is located centrally below the fenders, a la Boxster. The tailgate has a large upward opening width for loading the not-too-small 260-litre boot. The boot, in conjunction with the front luggage compartment (150 litres) and numerous additional storage compartments, ensures that the 2-seater also has high practical value.

The aluminium chassis with a large track emphasises the sporty, dynamic appearance of the vehicle, which is fitted as standard with 18-inch tyres. In combination with Porsche Stability Management (PSM), also a standard feature, the chassis sets a benchmark in the area of driving dynamics and active driving safety.

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) can be ordered as a option, and this system lowers the body ten millimetres closer to the ground and automatically adjusts the suspension ratings to the given road conditions. The driver can select the Normal or Sport programs via a button in the center console.

The basic price for the Cayman S is €50,300. The vehicle costs €58,529 in Germany including value added tax and country-specific requirements. The Cayman S will go on sale in the United States and Canada in mid January of 2006 at a price of $58,900 US.