Next-gen Porsche Cayman 29 | 11 | 2012
PORSCHE HAS UNVEILED its new, lighter, faster, edgier and more aggressive-looking second-generation Cayman in Los Angeles (watch our video of the all-new Porsche Cayman).
On-sale in Scottish dealerships from next Spring, the new mid-engined model carries a £487 premium on the outgoing Cayman with prices starting at £39,694.
Wider and lower the first generation, the new Cayman also has a 60mm longer wheelbase — making it longer than the 911 — and now has more interior space. It's also shed 20kg in weight.
The car's redesigned platform also delivers better weight-distribution, and continues to share much of its styling with the latest Boxster.
While the iconic rear of the car is now distinguished by a full-width spoiler skewering the rear lamps, the new Cayman is also 10mm lower than its predecessor, and 35mm longer.
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There's a more aggressive stance, by dint of its rear haunches being more pronounced. The larger wheelhouses now allow Porsche to fit the range-topping Cayman S with 19in alloys as standard: 20 inch rims are an option.
There's also a heavily angled liftback-style tailgate, while at the front there's daytime running lights and indicators housed within a round unit.
Porsche claims 150 litres of luggage space in the nose and a further 162 litres at the rear in the space above the engine.
The new Cayman comes with a choice of a 2.7-litre 271bhp or 3.4-litre 321bhp powerplant from launch. Both models are also available with the choice of PDK twin-clutch transmissions, or the standard six-speed manual.
The 2.7 reaches 62mph from standstill in 5.7sec and continues on to a maximum of 165mph: combined fuel consumption is 34.5mpg and CO2 emissions 192g/km, with the standard six-speed gearbox.
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The reworked 3.4 powerplant, which now delivers an extra 5bhp over its predecessor, 0-62mph time of 5.0sec in six-speed manual form and 4.7sec with the dual clutch gearbox, together with corresponding top speeds of 176mph and 175mph.
The two gearboxes deliver 32.1mpg and 35.3mpg respectively, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 206g/km and 188g/km.
In addition, a range of new technology — most carried over from the latest 991-spec 911 and including electro-mechanical power steering, active cruise control – is available. There's also a decouple-to-coast function, which is claimed to save a litre of fuel every 62 miles.
Roadtest: Porsche Cayman R
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Jim McGill