Jalopnik: Porsche Cayman

Porsche Cayman Croctoberfest Mega Gallery

Wes Siler — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:40:00 EST

Named after a species of crocodile-like creatures, the Porsche Cayman is affectionately referred to amongst its fans as “Croc.” Croctoberfest 3, held during the first weekend of October at Porsche North America’s Atlanta headquarters and organized by the Cayman Club, was the world’s biggest gathering of Caymans to date. Check out the mega gallery of hot Croc-on-Croc action below.

[via Cayman Club]

2010 Porsche Cayman Sneaks Into LA Just In Time For Auto Show

Wes Siler — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Despite the ubiquity of semi-disguised Porsche Panameras making a ~~secret~~ publicity tour of the United States, we haven’t seen much of the 2010 Porsche Cayman since we exclusively unveiled it back in July. Now, an eagle-eyed Cayman Club forum member has spotted a trifecta of the updated sports cars winging their way into LAX. We’re sure it’s not a coincidence that they arrived just two weeks before the LA Auto Show.

Back in July we showed you an internal document that leaked renderings and details of not only the new Cayman, but the 2010 Porsche Boxster too. The biggest update is the addition of an optional limited-slip differential, which could just elevate the cars to 911 levels of performance. Check out the specs below and check back with us in two weeks for full coverage from the LA Auto Show.

• More power and torque in comparison to Cayman/S:
+20 HP / +25 HP and +27 Nm / +30 Nm (2010 Cayman: 265 HP, 221 lb-ft; Cayman S: 320 HP, 273 lb-ft)

• Performance differentiation in comparison to Boxster II/S II:
+10 HP/ +15 HP (2010 Boxster: 255 HP; Boxster S: 310 HP)

• Improved performance (driving dynamics, laptimes, fun to drive):
- increased power and torque: new DFI technology for S-model
- faster acceleration and take-off:

• PDK 7-speed with new steering wheel, shifts faster than manual gearbox

• Launch Control, with Sport Chrono package in conjunction with PDK
- improved driving dynamics/lap times: axle-differential-lock,

• PDK, PASM and 19" wheels

• Reduced fuel consumption:
-2% - 14% (with DFI Engine + PDK) vs. Cayman I

• Improved standard equipment:
6-speed MT, CDR 30, PSM+, drive-off assistant

• Light Innovation
- New double tube headlights
- LED front position lights,
- Bi-Xenon headlights incl. dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights (option)

• Interior Change
- New CDR 30 with 5 inch screen
- New PCM 3.0 touchscreen (option)
- Air ventilated seats (option)
- New PDK steering wheel

• Style Change
- Front and rear end
- Mirrors
- Exhaust pipes
- Wheels 17" / 18 "/ 19"

• Light Innovation II
- LED taillights
- LED brake lights
- LED rear fog light

• Chassis Innovation
- Revised chassis setup
- Rear axle-differential-lock (option)
- Brake assistant
- Larger brake disc/caliper front

• Improved dynamics

• Powertrain Innovation
- New DFI-engine generation for 3.4 l
- New VC+ 2.9 l engine
- New 7-speed PDK (option)

• Improved fuel efficiency

[via Cayman Club] Thanks for the tip, Ken!

2010 Porsche Boxster, Cayman Get Minor Facelift?

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Autoweek.nl has gotten their hot little Dutch mitts on images they claim are the freshened-up faces of the new Porsche Cayman and Porsche Boxster. If these shots are in fact the real thing, then changes seem to be limited on the exterior to the shape of the front bumpers below the headlights, the tail lamps getting a bit more curvy and the exhaust going twin exit rather than single. To be perfectly honest, if we woke up to a facelift like this, we'd probably smack the surgeon. Of course that may be because the curve on the bumper below the headlight seems wholly unnatural, but maybe that's just us. We'll be waiting to see if these are the real deal shots or just something Autoweek.nl created themselves.

[Autoweek.nl via Top Speed]

RUF Building All-Electric Porsche Cayman

Mark Arnold — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:20:00 EDT

According to ze Germans at Auto Motor und Sport, long-time Porsche tuner RUF is planning an all-electric version of the Cayman. Perhaps seeking to do battle with the Tesla Roadster, RUF's car will be allegedly have 204 HP and 480 lb-ft or torque on tap from its electric motor. The juice will be stored in lithium-ion battery packs that can be replenished at any home outlet, providing up to a 186-mile range. Expect the electric Cayman to look much like RUF's 3400K, but with "ELECTRIC" written all over it, so that people know you're saving the whales or whatever. Of course the burning question is, how fast will it be?

The standard internal-combustion RUF 3400K with 400 HP and 325 lb-ft of torque sprints from 0-62 MPH in 4.4 seconds on the way to its 180 MPH top speed. The electric car is expected to reach 62 MPH a few tenths of a second quicker, but will top out at only 124 MPH or so. This, of course, begs the question, "which would you rather drive?" [via Auto Motor und Sport, MotorAuthority]

Porsche Cayman RS In The Works?

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT

Photos of a Porsche Cayman S with a few minor tweaks undergoing some extreme handling has the folks over at NextAutos speculating as to whether or not this could be an RS version of the mid-level Porsche. The pictures show that this model has what appears to be a new front spoiler and larger rear spoiler when compared to the stock S. An RS version of the Cayman could see power jump from 303 horsepower in S trip to nearly 340 horsepower.

On one hand, Porsche has no reservations about producing special editions. On the other hand, the Cayman S was already close enough to the 911 to create a risk of cannibalizing sales of its big brother, and an RS version could push it closer to that territory. [Next Autos]

Porsche Reveals 303 HP Special Limited Edition 2009 Boxster, Cayman

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Porsche's plans for two new special edition cars have leapt from internet leakage to reality as the duo, dubbed the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and the Porsche Cayman S Sport, are finally official and due in October. Should you be inclined to purchase one of the 50 US-bound Boxster S cars, or 200 Cayman S Sports, you'll get eight more ponies between your go-pedal and the road, for a total of 303 HP. Also, a set of 5 mm wheel spacers should provide the cars with slightly more neutral handling tendencies, possibly bordering on oversteer. You'll also find an array of cosmetic upgrades including stripes and badging, and in the case of the Boxster, a fancy new Porsche-designed wristwatch. No word on the wristwatches' effect on acceleration, handling or braking, but since it's included, we're assuming it's substantial.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Not content to leave mocking its own brand to cars like the Porsche Cayenne and the ever-pending Panamera, Porsche seems happy to offer marginal upgrades with forced exclusivity in exchange for large sums of money. And good on 'em: If you can make a buck, why not, right? Consider these cars a tribute to someone's ego and, while still great performers, not worth the extra dough. That is, unless you really want that new wristwatch.

MORE POWER AND UNIQUE DESIGN CUES MARK NEW PORSCHE BOXSTER S AND CAYMAN S LIMITED EDITIONS ATLANTA, AUGUST 4, 2008 - A comprehensive list of enhancements, led by more powerful engines and unique visual features, will distinguish the new, limited-edition Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and Porsche Cayman S Sport mid-engine sports cars when they are introduced in October by Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) and Porsche Cars Canada. Porsche will build 500 Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and 700 Cayman S Sport models, and less than 50 of the Boxster S and approximately 100 of the Cayman S limited-edition sports cars - each one with a glove box plaque bearing its number from the exclusive series - will reach U.S. shores. Both cars will be available through authorized U.S. Porsche dealers this October, and the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and Cayman S Sport U.S. MSRPs are $66,900 and $69,900, respectively.
A range of standard equipment, beyond the eight-horsepower bump to 303 from the 3.4-Liter engine, further sets these variants apart from the standard Porsche Cayman S and Boxster S. The Cayman S Sport's appearance emulates that of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, beginning with standard GT3 RS exterior colors of green or orange, which are enhanced by GT3 RS touches likeblack rims, exterior mirrors and air-intake grilles and a black interior design package. Like the GT3 RS, the sides of the new car feature its model designation, "Cayman S" in black letters. In addition to orange and green, the Cayman S Sport will be available in black, Guards Red, Speed Yellow, Carrara White or Arctic Silver.

Performance upgrades standard on the Cayman S Sport beyond the engine include Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with a 10mm-lowered suspension, as well as 5mm spacers on the 19-inch SportDesign wheels. Additional standard features include Bi-Xenon headlamps, the Sports Chrono Package, sports seats, alcantara finish for the gearshift lever, hand brake and the rim of the GT3 steering wheel, as well as a sports exhaust system featuring a twin-chamber tailpipe. Spotting the new Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 will be easy - look for the Carrara White mid- engine Porsche roadster with white finishes on the star-spoke, painted 19-inch SportDesign wheels, side air intakes, center console and instrument dials. Contrasting the white features are grey stripes lengthwise along the body, and black standard leather upholstery and convertible top in stone grey. Echoing the white tachometer and speedometer is the included Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 Chronograph, a men's wristwatch from the Porsche Design Dashboard Collection designed in conjunction with the car.

New 303 HP Porsche Cayman S Sport Leaks Onto Net

Andrew Stoy — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EDT

The first photo we've seen of the upcoming 2010 Porsche Cayman S Sport has already made its way to the web, we're assuming from the pages of some Euro buff book by way of a fan-forum and an enthusiast's scanner. Details are still sketchy, but word has it the uprated Cayman will have eight extra horsepower, raising the total to 303, and feature the Porsche Active Stability Management system along with a suspension that sits about four tenths of an inch lower. The orange-and-black paint scheme in the pictured car appears vaguely reminiscent of the 911 GT3 RS, but we'll have to wait and see if that's the sole color offered or whether Porsche gives us additional hues from which to choose. [CarScoop]

2010 Porsche Cayman S, Boxster S Revealed By Internal Renderings

Wes Siler — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EDT

We have it on good authority that these renderings accurately show the 2010 Porsche Cayman S and 2010 Porsche Boxster S. In addition to the face-lifted looks, powertrain changes should make both cars faster and more fun to drive, with the Cayman S being boosted to 320 HP and 273 lb-ft of torque while returning better fuel economy. Make the jump for more details and analysis. Update: It looks like LSD will be optional on both models, although it's still not clear if it'll be mechanical or torque biasing.

These renderings appeared on the Cayman Club message board, where details of their origin were not known. Internal sources have now revealed to us that these are authentic representations of both new models.

We hate to say it, but it looks like two of the best sports cars on sale are getting better. Direct injection and revised variable cam profiles combine to deliver both improved power and economy, while the standard spec receives a welcome boost. But — and this is a big 'but' — ~~there's still no limited-slip differential~~, which, in our opinion was the only thing holding the current model back. Regardless, the current Cayman and Boxster are not just our pick of the Porsche litter, but our favorite contemporary sports cars, delivering the right blend of performance, handling and involvement, making them capable of embarrassing cars that cost several times the Cayman S' $59,100 price tag. Oh yeah, and expect that to increase as well.

The revised 7-speed PDK manumatic will cease being the manual's poor relation for 2010, now offering faster shift times and 911-like launch control.

It looks like the 911 Turbo-esque LED driving lights are just an optional extra, rather than an indicator of a new turbocharged model, as previously rumored.

• More power and torque in comparison to Cayman/S:
+20 HP / +25 HP and +27 Nm / +30 Nm (2010 Cayman: 265 HP, 221 lb-ft; Cayman S: 320 HP, 273 lb-ft)
• Performance differentiation in comparison to Boxster II/S II:
+10 HP/ +15 HP (2010 Boxster: 255 HP; Boxster S: 310 HP)

• Improved performance (driving dynamics, laptimes, fun to drive):
- increased power and torque: new DFI technology for S-model
- faster acceleration and take-off:

• PDK 7-speed with new steering wheel, shifts faster than manual gearbox

• Launch Control, with Sport Chrono package in conjunction with PDK
- improved driving dynamics/lap times: axle-differential-lock,

• PDK, PASM and 19" wheels

• Reduced fuel consumption:
-2% - 14% (with DFI Engine + PDK) vs. Cayman I

• Improved standard equipment:
6-speed MT, CDR 30, PSM+, drive-off assistant

• Light Innovation
- New double tube headlights
- LED front position lights,
- Bi-Xenon headlights incl. dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights (option)

• Interior Change
- New CDR 30 with 5 inch screen
- New PCM 3.0 touchscreen (option)
- Air ventilated seats (option)
- New PDK steering wheel

• Style Change
- Front and rear end
- Mirrors
- Exhaust pipes
- Wheels 17" / 18 "/ 19"

• Light Innovation II
- LED taillights
- LED brake lights
- LED rear fog light

• Chassis Innovation
- Revised chassis setup
- Rear axle-differential-lock (option)
- Brake assistant
- Larger brake disc/caliper front

• Improved dynamics

• Powertrain Innovation
- New DFI-engine generation for 3.4 l
- New VC+ 2.9 l engine
- New 7-speed PDK (option)

• Improved fuel efficiency

[via The Cayman Club]

Porsche Cayman Turbo Spied On The Nürburgring?

Mark Arnold — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:20:00 EDT

It's no mystery that the Porsche Cayman is a great handling car. Many even suggest the Cayman is built on a more capable chassis than its big brother, the 911. The only problem is that Porsche won't give the Cayman more power than the 911. Or will they? We're told this Cayman caught testing on the Nürburgring could possibly be a Turbo version of the little mid-engined Porsche. Although with the biggest hint being...

...the array of LED running lights — a setup similar to those on the 911 Turbo — your guess is really as good as ours. However we will say our sources tell us the engine note on this Cayman's significantly more turbo-tinged than a normal Cayman. If this is a Turbo Porsche Cayman, we want to be the first to tell Porsche we'd be happy to hear it's happening and even happier to help them test it. [BridgeToGantry]