There's clearly a well-thumbed copy of Charles Darwin's
Origin of the Species at Porsche's Stuttgart HQ, as the German sports car firm likes an evolutionary approach to updating its models. The Boxster and Cayman ranges are the latest to undergo a series of revisions to make them more suited to their environment.
The 2.7-litre entry-level model's capacity swells to 2.9-litres, the increase bringing a 10bhp boost in power to the Boxster and 20bhp for the Cayman - to 255bhp and 265bhp respectively. The Boxster S and Cayman S's flat-six engine retains its 3.4-litre capacity, but the Boxster S and Cayman S now boast 310bhp and 320bhp respectively - that's 15bhp and 25bhp step ups for the roadster and coupé models.
Those increases in performance don't come with an environmental penalty, as the Boxster and Cayman both return 31.0mpg when fitted with Porsche's PDK transmission. The Boxster with the standard six-speed manual gearbox emits 221g/km of CO
2 or 214g/km when fitted with the PDK.
Both the Boxster S and Cayman S models deliver a combined economy figure of 30.1mpg when fitted with the PDK gearbox. The manual Boxster S emits 223g/km or 221g/km with PDK. The new twin-clutch system is the same as that fitted to the recently updated
Porsche 911. Another benefit of its installation is faster acceleration rates than the six-speed manual equipped models. A PDK-equipped Cayman S with the optional Sport Chrono pack and launch control reaches 62mph in a 911 Carrera matching 4.9 seconds.
Clever and fast as that PDK system is, if Porsche has fitted the Boxster and Cayman with the same awkward wheel-mounted switches found in the 911 then it'll definitely not be a case of natural - gear - selection. Evolutionary styling features on both models with the front and rear lights on each being revised with LED elements. Further technical revisions include an enhanced PSM (Porsche Stability Management) system with two new braking functions - Brake Pre-Loading and Brake Assistant.
Of all the changes to the cars, Porsche's decision to finally offer a limited-slip differential will be welcomed most by enthusiasts. An optional item, the limited-slip differential should transform the already brilliant Boxster and Cayman models into altogether more appealing and accomplished packages; driving god Walter Rohrl himself let slip back at the original
Cayman S launch that the car was significantly better when fitted with an LSD. Now customers will be able to find out for themselves - and worry 911 drivers at track days.
Inside, each model benefits from enhancements to the design and layout, while the optional PCM containing navigation and infotainment features a new and improved interface and the option of iPod and USB connection. On sale in February, the Cayman range starts at £36,870 for the standard car and rises to £45,050 for the Cayman S with the Boxster and Boxster S costing £34,420 and £41,250 respectively. Keep an eye on the
Porsche Road Tests page.
Kyle Fortune - 19 Nov 2008
