mr funny
06-12-08, 11:43
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/motor/story/0,4574,308919,00.html?
Published December 6, 2008
Packing more bite
The Cayman S II has achieved an equilibrium of its parts that should silence any critic. By Samuel Ee
WHEN the Porsche Cayman S was first introduced three years ago, some thought the chassis of the mid-engined sports car was too good for the engine. Not anymore. The Cayman S II has achieved an equilibrium of its parts that should silence any critic now. The facelifted versions of the Cayman S and the smaller-engined Cayman feature visual updates expected of any refreshed model. But more than that, the two variants have also undergone significant changes under the sheet metal, with brand new engines, transmissions, suspension and brakes.
The entry-level Cayman's horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine used to be 2.7 litres and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or Tiptronic S automatic transmission. Now, it has a bigger 2.9-litre power plant with an extra 20 horses to take it up to 265 hp, and a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed PDK double-clutch gearbox. PDK stands for Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, the supremely smooth and fast-shifting transmission which is already found in the 911 Carrera and Carrera S.
But it is the revised Cayman S that should have Porsche fans drooling. The 3.4-litre flat-six engine's displacement is about the same but that is the only thing that remains unchanged. Everything else about this unit is brand new - it is six kg lighter, has less moving parts and most importantly, boasts direct injection. The maximum output is 25 hp higher at 320 hp and torque is beefed up 30 Nm to 370 Nm. Yet Porsche has managed to improve fuel consumption by 16 per cent to eke out 10.9 km per litre (under the EU4 standard).
Everything looks great on paper but can the drive meet the higher expectations? Thankfully, yes, and in fact, within the very first minute behind the wheel. Slot the gear stick into D, slam your right foot on the gas pedal and the Cayman S hurtles all the way to 200 kmh without so much as a fuss. And the biggest surprise of all? It doesn't feel like 200 kmh.
The composure of the Cayman S at high speed is sublime and it is as calm as a zen garden in the cabin. It helps that under normal circumstances, the PDK's gear changes are like silken tofu. There are of course the alternatives - Sport and Sport Plus. Both of these increase throttle response and produce faster gear changes at higher engine speeds, with the latter taking it to an almost hardcore extreme more suited for track day than daily use. Then there are the steering wheel-mounted gear paddles if you prefer to shift manually.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Cayman S II is the power. The car has a newfound responsiveness. Bury the throttle and you can really feel those extra 25 horses. And the Cayman's chassis is so good that you will be able to exploit all the engine has to offer if you are a good driver. This mid-engined Porsche has a 46:54 front/rear weight distribution, and this balance allows for more precise cornering.
This Cayman demands respect though, otherwise it could turn around and bite you. Take a corner too fast or too untidily and it may squirm, or worse, fishtail.
One interesting option to have is the rear limited-slip differential. This mechanical locking differential enhances traction and stability and is perfect for winding roads or track use. As in the 911, the Cayman S with the new PDK gearbox can perform a neat trick called Launch Control. Press the Sport Plus button, step on the brake pedal with your left foot as you rev the engine hard. Release the brakes when you hear an electronic beep and the Cayman S takes off like a bomb, accelerating to 100 kmh in just 4.9 seconds or 0.2 seconds faster than without using Launch Control. It is so much fun that you will find yourself trying it every time you find an empty stretch of road.
Previously, some people may have found the Cayman S wanting for its styling, its power or simply because it is not a 911. But in its new dynamic form, they will most likely see it in a new light.
[email protected]
SPECS
Porsche Cayman / Cayman S
Engine 2,893cc / 3,436cc flat-6
Transmission 7-speed PDK
Max power 265hp @ 7,200rpm / 320hp @ 7,200rpm
Max torque 300Nm @ 4,400-6,000rpm / 370Nm @ 4,750rpm
0-100 kmh 5.7 secs / 5.1 secs
Top speed 263 kmh / 275 kmh
Price from $250,000 (with COE)
Distributor Stuttgart Auto
Tel 6363-0911
Published December 6, 2008
Packing more bite
The Cayman S II has achieved an equilibrium of its parts that should silence any critic. By Samuel Ee
WHEN the Porsche Cayman S was first introduced three years ago, some thought the chassis of the mid-engined sports car was too good for the engine. Not anymore. The Cayman S II has achieved an equilibrium of its parts that should silence any critic now. The facelifted versions of the Cayman S and the smaller-engined Cayman feature visual updates expected of any refreshed model. But more than that, the two variants have also undergone significant changes under the sheet metal, with brand new engines, transmissions, suspension and brakes.
The entry-level Cayman's horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine used to be 2.7 litres and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or Tiptronic S automatic transmission. Now, it has a bigger 2.9-litre power plant with an extra 20 horses to take it up to 265 hp, and a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed PDK double-clutch gearbox. PDK stands for Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, the supremely smooth and fast-shifting transmission which is already found in the 911 Carrera and Carrera S.
But it is the revised Cayman S that should have Porsche fans drooling. The 3.4-litre flat-six engine's displacement is about the same but that is the only thing that remains unchanged. Everything else about this unit is brand new - it is six kg lighter, has less moving parts and most importantly, boasts direct injection. The maximum output is 25 hp higher at 320 hp and torque is beefed up 30 Nm to 370 Nm. Yet Porsche has managed to improve fuel consumption by 16 per cent to eke out 10.9 km per litre (under the EU4 standard).
Everything looks great on paper but can the drive meet the higher expectations? Thankfully, yes, and in fact, within the very first minute behind the wheel. Slot the gear stick into D, slam your right foot on the gas pedal and the Cayman S hurtles all the way to 200 kmh without so much as a fuss. And the biggest surprise of all? It doesn't feel like 200 kmh.
The composure of the Cayman S at high speed is sublime and it is as calm as a zen garden in the cabin. It helps that under normal circumstances, the PDK's gear changes are like silken tofu. There are of course the alternatives - Sport and Sport Plus. Both of these increase throttle response and produce faster gear changes at higher engine speeds, with the latter taking it to an almost hardcore extreme more suited for track day than daily use. Then there are the steering wheel-mounted gear paddles if you prefer to shift manually.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Cayman S II is the power. The car has a newfound responsiveness. Bury the throttle and you can really feel those extra 25 horses. And the Cayman's chassis is so good that you will be able to exploit all the engine has to offer if you are a good driver. This mid-engined Porsche has a 46:54 front/rear weight distribution, and this balance allows for more precise cornering.
This Cayman demands respect though, otherwise it could turn around and bite you. Take a corner too fast or too untidily and it may squirm, or worse, fishtail.
One interesting option to have is the rear limited-slip differential. This mechanical locking differential enhances traction and stability and is perfect for winding roads or track use. As in the 911, the Cayman S with the new PDK gearbox can perform a neat trick called Launch Control. Press the Sport Plus button, step on the brake pedal with your left foot as you rev the engine hard. Release the brakes when you hear an electronic beep and the Cayman S takes off like a bomb, accelerating to 100 kmh in just 4.9 seconds or 0.2 seconds faster than without using Launch Control. It is so much fun that you will find yourself trying it every time you find an empty stretch of road.
Previously, some people may have found the Cayman S wanting for its styling, its power or simply because it is not a 911. But in its new dynamic form, they will most likely see it in a new light.
[email protected]
SPECS
Porsche Cayman / Cayman S
Engine 2,893cc / 3,436cc flat-6
Transmission 7-speed PDK
Max power 265hp @ 7,200rpm / 320hp @ 7,200rpm
Max torque 300Nm @ 4,400-6,000rpm / 370Nm @ 4,750rpm
0-100 kmh 5.7 secs / 5.1 secs
Top speed 263 kmh / 275 kmh
Price from $250,000 (with COE)
Distributor Stuttgart Auto
Tel 6363-0911