Now that the third-generation Porsche Boxster has been announced, predicting its closed-roof variation is almost a no-brainer. This, dear readers, is what we believe the new Cayman should look like. You will remember that this mid-engine coupe was introduced as a derivative of the second-gen Boxster—and that Porsche surprised the industry with the chutzpah to charge more for the coupe than for the convertible.
The justification for this is tricky, but we can safely assume that Porsche—as it did on the previous generation—will add a few horses to separate the Cayman from the Boxster. So, instead of the 265 hp for the Boxster and 315 hp for the Boxster S, figure on something between 5 and 15 hp on top of those numbers. Like its roadster counterpart, the Cayman will be equipped with a new 2.7-liter flat-six, while the Cayman S will continue to pack a 3.4-liter flat-six. Both engines come with the now-inevitable engine stop/start system that kills the sweet sound pretty much any time you come to a halt. (It can be disabled at the push of a button, however.) As with the Boxster, total efficiency gains should be about 15 percent.
A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, and the ZF-sourced seven-speed dual-clutch transmission called PDK (Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) will continue as an option. As usual, acceleration will be quicker with the PDK thanks to the seamless upshifts and launch control. We’ll continue to be happy with the manual, though.
 |
Visual differences between the current and the next Cayman are previewed by the Boxster—and there aren’t many. The basic, curvaceous styling language remains largely unaltered, but the new car has a longer wheelbase, a wider track, and bigger wheels. Look for LED daytime running lights, and new, horizontal taillights with LED technology. The interior is vastly improved with the same slight touch of Carrera GT–derived Panamera influence also baked into the latest 911.
Technical improvements include a torque-vectoring system and optional dynamic transmission mounts. The car also will be significantly lighter than the outgoing model, which already is one of the lightest sports cars around. Part of the weight savings comes from a switch to electromechanical steering, on which we’ll withhold judgment for now.
From what we know, the Cayman should continue to be one of the finest all-around sports cars. Just ask a Porsche executive: If the microphones are turned off, many will secretly admit that they prefer the Cayman to a 911.
The next Cayman will be unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show in November; expect it at dealers in early 2013 at prices starting at around $53,000 for the base Cayman and $64,000 for the S model. Faster derivatives will follow later. View Photo Gallery
No comments:
Post a Comment