Cayman gets an overhaul

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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.

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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

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Published December 6, 2008

Cayman gets an overhaul

The mid-engined Porsche's improved specifications is edging closer to the 911 Carrera. By Samuel Ee


AT a glance, the facelifted Porsche Cayman and Cayman S may not look very different from the car that appeared in 2005 but look closely and there are noticeable changes to the lamps and bumpers. The new 'two-tube' headlamps have a pair of bi-xenon lamps in the headlight cluster and the upper tube swivels. There are also separate LED driving lights below, as well as distinctive and newly designed LED rear lamps.

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/...ANGES6-PTJ.jpg
UPDATED
Look closely at the facelifted Porsche Cayman and Cayman S and you will see noticeable changes to the lamps and bumpers

The mid-engined Porsche also has a pair of brand new engines. The Cayman's 2.7-litre flat six has been enlarged to 2.9 litres while the Cayman S's displacement stays at 3.4 litres. The latter also features direct injection but both units boast more power but are still more economical than their predecessors - an 11 per cent improvement on the Cayman and 16 per cent for the Cayman S. The engines are also lighter and have less moving parts, and both satisfy the future EU5 ultra-low emission standard.

There are also new manual and automatic transmission. The Cayman's five-speed manual gearbox has been upgraded to a six-speeder as standard, while both versions' previous automatic transmission with torque converter has been replaced by the swift-shifting double-clutch gearbox. Called PDK for Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, it changes gears with minimal loss of torque. PDK also offers a lightweight benefit - at 1,375 kg, the new Cayman S with PDK is 15 kg lighter than the previous Cayman S with Tiptronic S.

There are also bigger front brake discs to rein in that extra power, as well as bigger wheels. Of course, the more expensive ceramic composite brakes are always an option. The suspension set-up has been updated with new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars in order to take the extra power. Ride comfort is fairly good considering that the Cayman has such dynamic performance. With the Cayman S's improved specs edging even closer to the 911 Carrera, is Porsche concerned that the mid-engined model will encroach on the entry-level 911's territory? As expected, the answer is no.

The performance gap may be smaller, says the German sports car company, but the Cayman S's main competitor is not the Carrera or C2. The mid-engined two-seater appeals to a different buyer from the iconic rear-engined 911 which is a 2-plus-2 with a different look.

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December 6, 2008 Saturday

Of blue blood

With a host of updates, the Porsche Cayman and Cayman S are better than ever before

By shreejit changaroth, in jerez


http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIM...S_SCCAYMAN.jpg
Like a well-tailored suit, the distinctive Porsche Cayman S makes the driver look good. -- PHOTO: PORSCHE

Famous the world over for building high-quality sports cars for nearly 80 years, Porsche is not quite as well known for something even more extraordinary - its mastery of the science of evolution.

If there is any product out there that even comes close to the systematic development of the 911, we have not heard of it.

Just as you begin to be convinced that the latest nine-eleven is the perfect sports car, another comes along and, astonishingly, is better in every aspect.

For the 2009 model, Porsche's mid-engine coupe gets a fine makeover that you really have to experience to understand what the fuss is all about.

When you walk around the new car, no major changes are noticeable - new front and rear bumpers, the usual tweaks to enhance appearance and visibility with bi-xenon headlights and LED for daytime lights plus monotone (red) rear lamp clusters.

True excitement lurks inside.

Two brand-new flat-6 engines debut in the new car - 2.9-litre in the Cayman and a direct-injection 3.4 in the Cayman S, which I tested.

Both versions enjoy an increase in power and torque and, as you would expect, both consume less fuel than before. Porsche's VarioCam Plus, which varies valve timing and lift, works its magic to help the 'base' engine deliver 265bhp at 7,200rpm and 300Nm between 4,400 and 6,000rpm.

Cayman S engines also develop maximum power at 7,200rpm but with the added benefit of direct-injection power is an exciting 320bhp and torque is rated for 370Nm at 4,750rpm.

Indeed, the Cayman S has always cried out for more power than the 295bhp it had to be content with till now.

The new Cayman S is a genuine driver's car. Equipped with the optional seven-speed (standard is a six-speed manual) Porsche double-clutch gearbox (PDK), which has a proper lever to switch gears, and the optional limited slip differential, it is not just quick from point to point but also incredibly agile around hairpins and sweeping curves.

The LSD locks up just 22 per cent, enough to allow the rear a small dose of oversteer that only enhances the car's overall adjustability and agility.

Porsche Stability Management takes care of over-exuberance. It can be switched off but there is not much point in doing so.

As always, the Cayman's steering is among the best in the business. Like the suspension, it has been updated with only minor revisions.

Three years ago, when the Cayman was launched, it was a brilliant car.

Now it is even better. Something tells me that this is only the beginning of an evolution.

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PORSCHE CAYMAN S

Price: To be announced
Engine: 3,436cc 24-valve flat-6
Transmission: Seven-speed double-clutch gearbox
Power: 320bhp at 7,200rpm
Torque: 370Nm at 4,750rpm
0-100kmh: 5.1 seconds
Top speed: 275kmh
Fuel consumption: 9.1 litres/100km (combined)
Agent: Stuttgart Auto

The 2.9 is selling at $250K including COE, i guess Cayman S shold be priced at $290K?

absolutely improved specs but wonder how much PI is selling.