Derived from the Boxster platform and with technology present in the 911, the new Cayman S will be Stuttgart's largest production volume sports car. It goes on sale in December 2005, with an approximate price of 60,000 euros.
The new Porsche Cayman S uses the platform of the well-known Boxster. It could be said that it is a coupe version of it but with elements that distinguish it as a new product.
It takes technology present in the 911 as the “VarioCam Plus” system for variable control of intake times and adjustments in the position of intake camshafts. This system had only been used previously in 911. Now, it is one of the engine condiments developed especially for the Cayman. The newly developed 6 boxer cylinders with a capacity of 3,400 cm3 generates 295 HP and allows to reach a maximum speed of 275 km/h. The maximum torque of 255 pounds foot in a range ranging from 4,400 to 6,000 RPM, places it right between the characteristics of the Boxster and the traditional 911.
The reaction of the propeller is very good in both low and medium speed, transmits its power through a six-speed manual gearbox and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Although the box comes from the Boxster, it was adapted and recalibrated to the requirements of the Cayman. Also available (optionally) is the transmission with automatic gears Tiptronic S, but five gears. It shall be operated from the steering wheel and shall be sequential, electronically and hydraulically controlled.
Aluminum is the predominant material in the construction of the chassis. The maneuverability achieved is superior to that of the Boxster, due to the higher structural rigidity achieved in a coupe and active systems such as PSM and PASM. The first is the proprietary Porsche stability control system; and the second actively controls the suspensions to vary 10 mm from the ground and adapt the rigidity according to the characteristics of the terrain. In addition, the driver can decide to use the desired driving mode from a button on the instrument, for normal or sporty handling.
Aesthetically, the Cayman S achieves its own personality in details such as oval front lights, integrated fog lights in front air intakes, rear side window design, and the smoothness and continuity achieved in the back. The rear spoiler is very small and automatically activated. The profile appears more dynamism and size due to the important wheelbase.
A highlight is the excellent capacity of their trunks. The front has 150 litres of capacity and the rear adds 260, so between them they add 410 litres, very good for a two-seater designed for speed.
Porsche will offer the market an excellent performance sports car cheaper than the 911. The initial price is estimated at 60,000 euros, and they will try to reduce it in one or two years. The Cayman S will have a very similar equipment to the Boxster S, but there will also be special options that can raise its price to 90,000 euros. Some of those optional include ceramic PCCB brakes, electronic active gear control systems, and 19-inch wheels.
© Adrián Blanco 2005 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
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