Porsche’s brand-new Cayman range will officially be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but to whet the appetite, Porsche has release pictures of the range-topping Cayman S model.
Porsche’s brand-new Cayman range will officially be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but to whet the appetite, Porsche has release pictures of the range-topping Cayman S model.
Based on the Boxster range, the Cayman will go into production in August, and will slot between the Boxster and 911 on the manufacturer’s line-up. The new coupé shares its mid-engined platform with the Boxster, but Porsche has said to have made significant changes to incorporate the fixed roof and practical hatchback-style rear window to the new model. It’s styling also incorporates a number of design cues popularised by the classic 911.
The range-topping Cayman S will be powered a 227 kW version of the 3,4-litre flat-six engine, which powers the car to 100 k/m in just over five seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h. The engine, which produces 346 N.m from 4 200 r/min, is equipped with the same variable valve timing system as found on the new 2005 911 Carrera.
The Boxster’s six-speed manual transmission has been shortened for the Cayman S for more precise gearshifts, while the five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission system has been tuned for the new model to incorporate unique electronic and hydraulic control maps.
Porsche’s Stability Management forms part of the standard equipment, while the Active Suspension Management system is available as an option.
The Cayman can be differentiated from its Boxster sibling by virtue of bigger bumpers and wider side sills, small rear windows behind the doors and a enlarged rear spoiler that automatically deploys at speed. Inside, the Cayman shares its dashboard, switchgear and seats with the Boxster.
A lightweight Cayman Club Sport is in the pipeline, but not likely to see the light until 2006. It will have the same engine output as the S, but a series of weight-saving measures, such as special body panels and an interior devoid of air conditioning, an audio system or sound deadening will improve the car’s power-to-weight ratio and ostensibly its handling and overall balance.
