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]