Porsche presented the second generation mid-engined Cayman sports coupe at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. The highlight is the new, flat-six `boxer' engines, developed to incorporate new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency.
A further improvement of both fuel economy and performance is guaranteed by the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), the new double-clutch gearbox now available as an option on both the Cayman and Cayman S.
The Cayman now has an engine displacing 2.9 liters, which develops 265hp, an increase by 20hp over the prior 2.7-litre model.
The 3.4-litre power unit in the Cayman S now features Direct Fuel Injection, and delivers 320hp, up by 25 bhp.
These developments see the engines fitted to the Cayman and Cayman S coupes offering more power than those in the Boxster roadster. This move emphasizes the sports orientation of the Cayman and further differentiates the coupe.
When combined with the PDK transmission, the new 2.9 liter engine in the Cayman delivers 31.0mpg, which is approximately 10% better than the previous model with the Tiptronic S automatic transmission. Increasing fuel economy by an even more significant 15% to 30.1mpg, the 3.4 liter Cayman S with PDK offers an even greater saving over its predecessor with Tiptronic S.
While instantly recognizable as a Porsche, the Cayman is individual in its design. Originally launched in 2005, the characteristic silhouette of the Cayman has remained fresh and contemporary. Its distinctive coup lines are combined with a long wheelbase and a rear aspect that slopes gently downwards. From the rear, the Cayman is defined by a large, opening rear lid, powerfully sweeping wheel arches and an automatically extending spoiler.
As is Porsche tradition, the styling of the next generation two-seater Coupe has evolved subtly. However, it is clearly distinguishable from outside through its newly-designed nose and tail. The new halogen headlights with their integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT, and the new LED rear lights tapering to the outside are integrated elegantly in the remodelled bodywork.
The rod-shaped side lights in LED light conductor technology add distinction to the car's looks, which are further enhanced through their horizontal arrangement in the outer air intakes. Yet a further highlight is provided by the round fog lamps featured as standard.
For the first time the Cayman is available with a Lights Package featuring bi-xenon headlights, dynamic cornering lights and LED day-time driving lights. Replacing the fog lamps, these light units are made up of four LEDs arranged in round light units like the eyes on dice.
The wheels come in new designs and are half an inch wider than previously on the Cayman 2.9 liter model in order to accommodate the larger brake system of the S-models which are now fitted on the front axle. The Cayman and Cayman S feature the latest generation Porsche Stability Management (PSM) which now offers two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. Whenever the driver lifts off the throttle pedal very quickly - which is typical immediately prior to an emergency braking manoeuvre - the PSM hydraulic control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure in the brakes before the driver even presses the brake pedal down, which has the effect of moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs, and ready for immediate action. This significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly.
When recognising that the driver is braking in an emergency due to the very fast operation of the brake pedal and a defined brake force, the PSM hydraulic control unit actively delivers the brake pressure required for maximum stopping power.
In conjunction with 18- and 19-inch wheels, the new models in the Cayman range are also available with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Locking action is 22% under power and 27% in overrun. This significantly improves both traction and stability, providing a substantially higher level of performance on winding roads, particularly on the race track. A further advantage is the more stable load change behavior. At the same time, the mechanical differential, through its particular function, interacts perfectly with the electronic Automatic Brake Differential (ABD) for optimum traction control, the locking action delaying the tendency of one wheel to spin on a road surface slippery only on one side
The next generation Cayman features as standard the new CDR-30 CD radio. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 complete with hard disc navigation is available and when specified serves as the central control unit for all audio, communication and navigation features.
PCM 3.0 is more versatile through its touchscreen, which enables the driver to select specific functions simply by pressing the appropriate key on the larger 6.5-inch monitor. PCM 3.0 is available with highly convenient voice control and, in conjunction with the optional, universal audio interface, can now be used also to control external audio sources such as an iPod, USB stick, or Bluetooth.Seat ventilation combined with seat heating is also available as an option.