As reported
last month, Porsche will debut its latest model at the
2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Boxster-based car will be called the Cayman S, the unique moniker signifying a car with a very different personality to the Boxster.
Under the distinctive coupe bodywork (with shades of the '50s Porsche Spyder at the rear) lies an overhauled set of mechanicals from the Boxster. The six-cylinder boxer engine now puts out 295bhp from its 3.4-litre capacity, along with 251lb.ft of torque available from 4400rpm to 6000rpm. Porsche claims that the engine in the Cayman S has been calibrated to excite at low to medium engine speeds, not needing to be thrashed. Porsche's VarioCam Plus variable valve timing system sees to that, the first time the technology has been used on anything but a 911.
Performance figures are suitably impressive, with the Cayman S hitting 62mph from rest in 5.4 seconds on its way to 171mph. So, what else do you get for your £43,930 when it goes on sale in the UK in November? Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is standard, along with 18-inch alloys and a leather interior. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) will be an option, allowing more tailoring of the car's damping to the road conditions, or indeed track, where we expect the Cayman S to excel.
Two transmissions will be available from launch: a six-speed manual and the five-speed Tiptronic S automatic. Don't for a moment think that the Cayman S is a stripped out trackday version of the Boxster. It is actually really practical thanks to a 260 litre rear luggage compartment and a further 150 litres available at the front. We look forward to seeing the distinctive coupe at the Frankfurt Show for ourselves in September.
Shane O' Donoghue - 25 May 2005