It's official: First real pics and details of the Porsche Cayman

New Coupe Features Dynamic Styling and Powerful Engine


Porsche today revealed the first official images of its anxiously awaited new sports car -- the 2006 Porsche Cayman S. Based on the Boxster® series, the two-seat coupe incorporates dramatic new styling, a powerful 295 hp (SAE) engine, and features and options made popular by Porsche's current range of sports cars. It is positioned and priced between the Porsche 911® Carrera® and Porsche Boxster S.

While easily recognizable as a member of the Porsche sports car family, the Cayman S has its own distinctive look. Among its unique styling features are its dynamic new coupe silhouette, aerodynamic upper windshield sill, curvaceous rear fenders, fog lamps integrated into the front air intakes, exclusively designed side air intakes, automatically extending rear spoiler, and newly styled dual sport tailpipes. Beneath the new model's distinguishing hatchback is a rear storage area twice the size (9.2 cu. ft.) of that found in the Boxster.

The Cayman S's muscular 3.4-liter, flat-six cylinder engine propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.1 seconds and to a top track speed of an impressive 171 mph. The engine is equipped with the same VarioCam® Plus variable valve timing system as found on the 2005 911 Carrera. It allows the engine to produce its maximum torque of 255 ft. lbs. between 4,200 and 6,000 rpm.

This engine power is transmitted through the Boxster S's standard six-speed manual transmission that has been enhanced for the Cayman S with shortened and more precise shift travel. Offered as an option, the five-speed Tiptronic® S automatic transmission system has been tuned specifically for the new model, incorporating unique electronic and hydraulic control maps.

Handling and safety are enhanced with the fitting of 18-inch wheels and tires and the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system as standard equipment. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, which allows the driver to select between the comfort of a grand touring car and the track-ready precision of a genuine high-performance sports car at the touch of a button, is available as an option.

The Cayman S will go on sale in the United States and Canada in mid January of 2006 at a price of $58,900 US.

bgagliano - 5/23/2005 11:33:47 PM

+1 Boost

Yep, it's Boxster coupe all right. I bet they sell many of these units.

993Turbo - 5/24/2005 9:59:05 AM

+1 Boost

This can is Porsche's future.

993Turbo - 5/24/2005 10:00:02 AM

+1 Boost

This car is Porsche's future

drakarula - 5/24/2005 2:44:07 PM

+1 Boost

What a surprise. It looks like a boxter coupe. They have tried so hard to hide this??? Boy what do they think we are. More money....More storage...More power.... looks like I will buy the Corvette after all. Anyone willing to put this kind of money down for this car is out of their mind. It is not a 997 no matter how you look at it and for th money it is still underpowered!! Hello C6!!!

drakarula - 5/25/2005 2:12:42 PM

+1 Boost

Dear Donzi and kokopelli,

For your info I don’t drink bud I much prefer a cold Corona and I don’t waste my time with the WWF I much prefer watching a good Yankee game thanks!! I happen to own a 1997 993 cabriolet and have had so many problems it is sickening. I have already had to have the engine seals re done plus other problems that had a repair bill over 10,000!!! This just should not be for a car with 45,000 miles!!!! Where is this great German engineering. As far as I am concerned I have been burnt badly. I love my 911 the way it looks the way it drives but it is more problems than it is worth. So before you hit me with your comments how many of you have a 911 in your garage? I do and it will soon be traded in for a new C6 convertible. It may not be as prestigious or handle quite as well but if I don’t drive it for a few months I wont have a puddle of oil under it. So go back to reading your GQ and shopping at banana republic as far as I am concerned I can drive a hot car for less money and no headaches!!! Wake up people!!! What is on paper does not always translate to real world!

Matthew1 - 5/26/2005 1:32:22 AM

+1 Boost

Obviously, those who are nit-picking at the design of this car shouldn't own a European car in the first place. I think Ian Cullum's DB7, Vanquish, XK8 coupe looks have almost reached a point where they can not be developed anymore. Look at all three cars side-on, and you can see basically the same sillouette, the cars distinguishing themselves only with panel details (lights, bumpers etc.) No doubt about it, Cullum is a very talented and respected designer, but would create the wrong look for Porsche.

If you look back at any classic Porsche, their designs have not conformed to any set rules, and often parts of them seem contrived, but it all helps to distinguish the Porsche character.

The Cayman continues this character, and that swoopy back aids the designers efforts in creating a car, that, while conventional by normal standards, manages to be different at the same time. Porsche stands for dynamic perfection, but all their cars designs shy away from perfection, because, honestly, perfection is boring. The Europeans can do near-perfection while retaining character and quirkiness. The Cayman continues this trend.

As for the wheels....they look good, sophisticated, a bit flashy, but it comes back to European design ethics. Should be a sensation to drive, no doubt.