The Porsche Cayman (named after the caiman) is a mid-size 2-seat sports car to be launched for the 2006 model year. It is based on the compact Boxster but uses the flat-6 engine from the 911. The Cayman is intended to be a more pure sports car, with a stiffer suspension and higher performance then the Boxster or 911. Due to the better weight distribution of the mid-engine layout the Cayman may even achieve better performance then the many versions of the 911.

The Cayman will be produced alongside the Boxster by Valmet in Finland.

Development

The Cayman (project code C7) was developed for years, and will be in production before its public launch in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was spied numerous times, often referred to as a Boxster coupe. In one of these tests, rally legend, Walter Röhrl, reportedly lapped the Nürburgring faster than the 911's record time of 8 minutes, 15 seconds.

Specifications

The Cayman shares the mid-engined platform of the Boxster, along with its interior, front end, doors, and lights. It will have a glass hatchback for added practicality. MacPherson struts are used in front with Porsche Active Suspension Management all around. Six-speed manual and 5-speed Tiptronic transmissions will be used, with a dual-clutch unit used in the future.

The Cayman will be powered by three versions of Porsche's familiar flat-6 engine. There will eventually be four models:

• Base - 3.2 L
• Cayman - 3.4 L, 295 hp (220 kW)
• Cayman S - 3.6 L, 325 hp (242 kW)
• Cayman Club Sport - lightweight version of the Cayman S

References