What's the news?

We expected it from the moment Porsche announced the arrival of a 'compact sports car', but now we can confirm the existence of the new Cayman. Porsche has literally just whipped the covers off the two-seat sports coupé but already we have the details.

Exterior

To differentiate the Cayman from the Boxster (on which it is based) Porsche has tweaked the styling to give the car its own identity. Large air intakes in the front bumper are populated by circular LED daytime running lights as opposed to the Boxster's strip lighting while the windscreen has been shifted forward and the roofline reaches even further back than before to give the Cayman not only an impressive silhouette but also to take advantage of the new longer wheelbase.

Overhangs are kept to a minimum and the arches filled with either 18- or 19-inch wheels depending on the model. Despite being larger than before the new Cayman is up to 30kg lighter than the car of old thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials and is consequently 15 per cent more fuel efficient.

Interior

Like the Boxster the Cayman will get a premium interior that draws inspiration from both the Panamera and newest 911 models. A higher centre console will ensure the shifter for the standard six-speed manual transmission (PDK will be offered as an option) will fall closely to hand while a display on the tachometer will remind you what gear you are in and suggest changes to improve efficiency while cruising.

At a cruise you will be able to enjoy the standard CDR audio system that includes a seven-inch touchscreen, though for the first time this can be upgraded to a new twelve-speaker system from Burmester.

The longer wheelbase does mean there is more space inside the cabin with 15 litres added to the luggage capacity (bringing it to 425 litres). The extra space has also allowed Porsche to offer a new range of ergonomic sports seats that range from the standard mechanically adjustable units up to adaptive items that offer greater lateral support.

Mechanicals

Porsche's standard Cayman is fitted with a 2.7-litre flat-six engine that outputs 275hp, enough to power the car from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. This can be shaved down to 5.6 seconds with the PDK transmission, or 5.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package that includes launch control and active engine mounts for 'more exuberant' driving.

The Cayman S is fitted with a 325hp 3.4-litre engine that is enough for the performance model to hit 62mph from standstill in 5.0 seconds (4.9 for PDK equipped cars or 4.7 with Sport Chrono). The S also has a higher top speed of 174mph compared to the 165mph of standard car.

Anything else?

The new Porsche Cayman is available to order now with prices starting from £39,694 (€68,460 in Ireland), and the Cayman S priced from £48,783 (€84,136 in Ireland) with deliveries due to begin in March.

Standard speciation includes air conditioning, CD audio with seven-inch touchscreen control interface, stop-start, 18-inch alloy wheels and a three-year/60,000-mile warranty. In addition to the more powerful, larger capacity engine, the Cayman S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior and Bi-Xenon headlights. PASM chassis control, PSV torque vectoring and PCCB ceramic brakes are available from the extensive options list.