This enhanced Sport Chrono option is available in conjunction with the optional Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Offering all the same functions as the Sport Chrono Package, it provides a range of additional information and features.
Lap or journey times can be viewed, stored and analyzed using the performance display in PCM. The information available includes time elapsed and distance traveled on the current lap, as well as the number of laps completed and their respective times. You can also view the current fastest lap as well as the remaining range till empty. Driving times can be recorded for any stretch of road, and benchmark times can be defined. Other useful features include a personal memory function, which is also controlled through the PCM. This can be used to store personal preferences for a range of systems, including daytime running lights, ‘Welcome Home’ lighting, optional automatic air conditioning and door-lock functionality.
Performance is crucial in a genuine sportscar. But then so are all aspects of safety. At Porsche, we believe that nothing is more important than this balance of power and control. The stability of a car is inextricably linked with its engine and chassis performance. Neither can be considered in isolation. Neither is complete on its own. In the Cayman S, we’ve used a comprehensive range of safety features that are designed around the driver and passenger. Inherent within them are very high standards of active and passive safety. Only then do we arrive at a car that is, in all regards, instantly Porsche.
The Cayman S easily complies with all statutory requirements in respect to frontal, side, diagonal, rear impact and roll-over protection.
The body shell structure contains a highly resilient passenger compartment, offering exceptional crash protection. At the front of the car, the compartment is protected by a patented system of longitudinal and transverse members. In the event of an accident, energy is absorbed and distributed by the front-end structure, thereby minimizing compartment deformation. Additional features include a bulkhead cross-member made from super high-strength steel. This element is designed to absorb impact forces from the longitudinal members and thus protect both front footwells.
The upper section of each door features additional reinforcements, which enhance the rigidity of the car. This upper load path is used to channel energy into the side of the car and thus provide additional protection for the passenger compartment.
The Cayman S is also available with a carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic brake system: the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). The PCCB disc is made from a specially treated carbon-fiber compound that is silicated in a high-vacuum process at 3,092º F (1,700º C). The result is a molding that is not only much lighter than cast iron, but also harder and more resistant to high temperatures.
Each of the four discs has a sophisticated system of internal vents designed to maximize cooling under heavy brake usage. The number of cooling channels is considerably larger than that on a conventional disc. The vent geometry accelerates airflow, thus maximizing cooling efficiency. With more cooling channels, there are more internal walls, which create greater structural stability.
The discs are combined with a special brake-pad compound offering rapid deceleration and consistent friction properties. The pads are mounted in six-piston monobloc aluminum calipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear. The overall response is fast and precise, with only moderate pedal force required.
Even at high temperatures, the thermal resistance of the ceramic disc ensures excellent dimensional stability. The ceramic material is totally resistant to any form of corrosion and offers excellent acoustic damping properties.
The decisive advantage of PCCB is its total weight saving compared with equivalent metal discs of approximately 50%.
As well as enhancing performance and fuel economy, this represents an enormous reduction in both the unsprung and rotating masses. This, of course, produces major benefits in terms of performance, comfort, handling and agility. It also improves the car’s road-holding characteristics under cornering, accelerating and braking.
Both full-size airbags at the front of the car have a two-stage inflation capability, in which deployment is dependent on the nature and force of the accident. In a low-speed crash, the airbag is only partially inflated, thereby minimizing occupant discomfort.
The Cayman S is equipped with standard Porsche Side Impact Protection (POSIP). This comprehensive package provides effective protection for the head and upper body area. Each seat has two side airbags powered by a hybrid gas generant: a thorax airbag located in the side of the seat backrest, and a head airbag, which deploys upwards from the door. All four airbags have an individual volume of approximately 8 liters or 0.3 cubic feet, ensuring maximum protection over the entire seat adjustment range. Also included in the POSIP package are side-impact protection beams in each of the doors.
Other standard safety features include integral head restraints, energy-absorbing steering column, three-point seat belts with pre-tensionsers and force limiters, energy-absorbing structures in the dashboard area, and flame-retardant materials throughout the interior.
The passenger’s seat is specially designed to carry an ISOFIX-compatible child seat. The necessary preparation – including airbag deactivation – is available from Porsche Tequipment. Also included in the Tequipment program is a comprehensive range of child seats; please contact your Porsche dealer for more information on Tequipment products.
The Cayman S reaches 60 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds. Even more impressive is the remarkable capability of the standard braking system. Several times more powerful than the flat-six engine, it is crucial to the car’s overall performance.
All four brake calipers have a four-piston monobloc aluminum construction and eye-catching red paint finish. Key characteristics include excellent rigidity, compact dimensions and a very modest addition to unsprung weight. The pedal response is eagerly assisted by a powerful vacuum brake booster.
Cooling is performed by a special ventilation system which channels air from the intakes at the front to every part of each assembly. This arrangement ensures consistently high levels of performance and durability, particularly during heavy track use.
The internally vented and cross-drilled discs measure 12.5 inches (318 mm) in diameter at the front and 11.8 inches (299 mm) at the rear. The cross-drilled pattern improves response times on wet surfaces, while reducing unsprung weight.
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is standard equipment on the Cayman S. Throughout each journey, PSM uses a range of sensors to monitor the direction, speed, yaw velocity and lateral acceleration of the car. Using this information, it is possible to calculate the actual direction of travel at any given moment. If the car begins to oversteer or understeer, PSM applies selective braking on individual wheels to restore stability and optimum speed. Although it can never suspend the laws of physics, PSM does provide that extra margin of safety when you need it most. A key component in PSM is a specially optimized ABS offering safer deceleration and shorter braking distances. PSM is also invaluable when applying the throttle on low-grip surfaces. Here, it uses the ABD (automatic brake differential) and ASR (anti-slip regulation) functions to maintain traction and stability. In order to retain the car’s natural agility, PSM combines a high trigger threshold with precision input options.
The PSM threshold is raised higher still when ‘Sport’ mode is selected on the optional Sport Chrono Package/Sport Chrono Package Plus. The resulting drive is much more involving, particularly at speeds up to around 44 mph. If you’d rather enjoy the car unassisted, the system can be set to standby. When ‘Sport’ mode is selected, PSM will only intervene under heavy braking where both front wheels are in danger of locking. In ‘Normal’ mode, PSM becomes active when only one of the front wheels requires ABS assistance.