We’ve already seen the new 911 Carrera and Boxster, so we knew it was only a matter of time before Porsche would reveal the all-new Porsche Cayman to the world. This third generation Cayman is a completely new development and features many improvements over its predecessor – longer wheelbase, wider track, lighter, faster, more efficient and more powerful. Like before, the Cayman slots in directly between the Boxster and 911 Carrera, and is the third sports car model from Porsche to feature innovative lightweight body design. Depending on the specific model and equipment, the Cayman is up to 30kg lighter and consumes up to 15 percent less fuel per 100km than the previous model.
The new Cayman is more distinctive than ever. Its proportions are new, and yet it is clearly a Porsche sport coupé; an extended wheelbase with shorter overhangs and 18- and 19-inch diameter wheels with larger rolling circumference are identifying visual characteristics of the car’s more enhanced driving performance. Its styling is marked by precise lines and razor-sharp sculpted edges. They emphasize the car’s low, extended silhouette with the windscreen shifted forward and the roof line that reaches far back. Especially expressive and characteristic are the dynamic recesses in the doors, which guide induction air into the distinctive air scoops on the rear side panels and then directly to the engine. This offers the most prominent visualization of the concept of a mid-engine car.
From the front end, the new Cayman is marked by its dominant cooling air inlets, which increase in size towards the sides of the car. Just as unique to the new generation of the sport coupé are the large, low rear lid made of aluminum and the rear section with its wrap-around edges. Mounted directly to the rear lid is the thin blade of the rear spoiler, which – in contrast to that of the Boxster – is higher and deploys at a steeper angle. The overall appearance of the Cayman is more independent than before, and it is well-differentiated from the previous model.
The Cayman will be offered first in two variants – the Cayman and Cayman S, with no word yet about any lightweight, go-faster R version. The base model will be powered by a 2.7-liter flat six with 275hp whilst the S is powered by a 3.4-liter that makes 325hp. There’s quite a difference in power between the two, and this is reflected in their Zerotohundred sprint times: 5.4 seconds and 4.7 seconds respectively, to a top speed of 266km/h and 283km/h. A manual six-speed transmission will be standard, with the seven-speed PDK automatic available as an option; this enables faster acceleration and better fuel economy. But Porsche is also upgrading the Cayman with some new optional features – Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for the very first time, which controls the distance to the car ahead in traffic and vehicle speed, a specially developed Burmester sound system, as well as a keyless Entry & Drive system, which is available as an option.
Availability of the all-new Cayman is scheduled to be in Malaysia in Q2 2013, although there has been no estimate pricing yet. No worries though – we’ll update as soon as we get more information.
