These cutaway drawings lift the lid on some of the technical attributes that underpin the new Porsche Cayman, which we've driven for the first time this week.
Sister car to the Porsche Boxster, the new Cayman receives slightly different proportions in a move that serves to stretch its silhouette and provide the basis for a larger cabin.
As part of Porsche’s focus on weight saving, the body of the Cayman is now predominantly aluminium, with the rest fashioned from a combination of magnesium and hot formed high-strength steel.
Porsche is claiming a 25kg saving in the body structure compared to the first-generation Cayman, although the added dimensions and a larger interior mean overall kerb weight has crept up marginally to 1350kg.
The initial range-topping S model that we sampled in our first drive of the new Porsche Cayman runs a revised version of the old model’s 3.4-litre flat six engine – as used in the latest 911 Carrera, albeit in a higher state of tune.
As with the Boxster, the base version of the new Cayman is offered with a new 2.7-litre flat-six. Buyers can also choose between two gearboxes: a standard six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch unit, which can idle the engine and disengage the clutch on a trailing throttle for to save fuel.
The short-stroke unit, endowed with constantly variable valve timing and valve lift and a second induction system to enable it to breathe both through both the air ducts incorporated into the bodywork behind the doors, kicks out an additional 5bhp, delivering 320bhp at 7400rpm. Torque is up by 5lb ft, swelling to 270lb ft at 5800rpm, or 1300rpm higher than before.
The performance figures have been intentionally suppressed so as not to allow the Cayman S to encroach too much upon the more profitable 911 Carrera. But thanks to Porsche’s efforts in suppressing weight to 1350kg, the new Cayman boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 237bhp per tonne.
The inherent design of the Cayman, with its engine mounted longitudinally low down ahead of the rear axle in a classic mid-engine layout, is conducive to traction. Even so, Porsche has worked hard to improve it further, providing features such as standard stability control and an optional torque vectoring function that incorporates a rear locking differential.
Also included a new optional active suspension management system with adaptive damping for faster and more intuitive changes in damping control.
The Cayman is on sale now with first deliveries due to start next month. The base car is priced from £39,694, with the Cayman S starting at £48,783.
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