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The Porsche Cayman has always had a suspicious place in the Porsche lineup. The extra-potent "S" model comes very close to hitting performance figures of the base 911, at much reduced cost. But now that 2009 refreshening adds extra power to the Cayman, how will this stack up? The second generation of the Cayman is making its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show right along side its Boxster sibling. Just like the drop top, the 2009 Cayman is being offered in two versions: Cayman and Cayman S (the Cayman S Sport version goes away.) The Cayman is powered by a 2.9-liter flat-six boxer engine that delivers 265 hp (an increase of 20 hp); the Cayman S gets a 3.4-liter power unit that delivers 320 hp (25 hp more). The Cayman S with PDK dual-clutch automatic and Launch Control can do 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. That’s a 0.2 second improvement from the previous Cayman S and is within 0.2 seconds of the published figures for the base 911. As it turns out the increase in power will not mean worse fuel economy. The Cayman equipped with PDK averages 26.3 mpg, and 25.5 mpg for the Cayman S. That’s about a 4 mpg improvement from the Tiptronic automatic transmission cars. Design improvements take cues from the V10 Carrera GT. The 2009 Cayman gets new front and rear ends with new halogen headlights with integrated direction indicators, new LED rear lights, new air intakes and new rear panels with a wind deflector plate. Both the Cayman and the Cayman S will go on sale in February 2009 in Europe. It’s expected that the new Cayman will reach these shores soon afterward with only a marginal price increase. Full details in the press release after the jump. Press release Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting the second generation of the mid-engined Boxster and Cayman sports cars for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The highlight of the new generation is of course the new flat-six boxer engines developed with new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency than their predecessors. A further improvement of both fuel economy and performance is guaranteed by the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK for short, the new double-clutch gearbox. Newly developed Boxer engines with even more power on even less fuel Displacing 2.9 litres, the “basic“ engine develops 255 bhp (188 kW) in the Boxster and 265 bhp (195 kW) in the Cayman, an increase by 10 and, respectively, 20 horsepower over the preceding models. The 3.4-litre power unit in the S-versions, benefiting from Direct Fuel Injection, now delivers 310 bhp (228 kW) in the Boxster S and 320 bhp (235 kW) in the Cayman S, up by 15 and, respectively, 25 bhp. An outstanding power-to-weight ratio ranging from 4.2 kg (9.3 lb)/bhp on the Cayman S to 5.2 kg (11.5 lb)/bhp on the Boxster offers the driver maximum driving dynamics on minimum fuel. As a result, the Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control featured in the optional Sports Chrono Package accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, setting the benchmark in the range, while the Boxster with its six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard completes the same exercise in 5.9 seconds. Roadster and Coupé with even more signs of distinctionThe new two-seaters are clearly distinguishable from outside through their newly designed front and rear ends. The new halogen headlights with their integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT, the new LED rear lights tapering out to the outside and integrated elegantly in the modified rear end of the car. PDK: shifting gears even more quickly, reducing fuel consumption by up to 16 per cent Dynamic suspension and supreme brakesThe suspension with its new set-up gives the new models a combination of even greater driving dynamics and enhanced comfort all in one. Modification of the valve control map on the steering transmission serves furthermore to reduce steering forces, giving the Boxster and Cayman even more agile and spontaneous steering behaviour. New audio and communication systemsBoth the Boxster and the Cayman come as standard with the new CDR-30 CD radio boasting an easy-to-read five-inch monochromatic display and the ability to play MP3 CDs. New PCM Porsche Communication Management available as an option complete with hard disc navigation serves as the central control unit for all audio, communication and navigation features. PCM is now even more versatile, efficient and a lot easier to use than before, standing out in particular through its control monitor enabling the driver to select specific functions simply by tipping the appropriate key and increased in size from 5.8 to 6.5 inches. The new models are entering the market in February 2009. The base price of the Boxster in the Euro countries is Euro 38,600, the base price of the Cayman Euro 41,700. The corresponding prices of the Boxster S are Euro 46,700, of the Cayman S Euro 51,500. Including VAT and national specifications, the Boxster retails in Germany at Euro 46,142, the Cayman at Euro 49,831. The Boxster S, in turn, comes at a retail price of Euro 55,781, the Cayman S at Euro 61,493. ---- Design and AerodynamicsThe new models in the Cayman range stand out clearly at very first sight through their modified lights at the front and rear as well as their newly designed front and rear body panels. Seen from the front, extra-large outside air intakes with separate surrounds accentuate the dynamic looks of the car, taking up the graphic lines of the luggage compartment lid and extending the lines into the centre air scoop further down. Above the air intakes at the side horizontal LED positioning lights on the right and left as well as round foglamps add a further distinctive touch. The direction indicators, in turn, are integrated in the new halogen headlights which, through their two-tube look, are reminiscent of the Carrera GT. The Cayman also offers a very dynamic look from the side further emphasised by the car’s dynamically flowing lines, a clear waistline, and the long wheelbase. And now this perspective is further upgraded by wheels in new styling, the “regular” Cayman coming on 17-inch Cayman II wheels in star-shaped five-spoke design. The S variant, in turn, features 18-inch Cayman S II wheels with turbine-like arrangement of the five spokes. Headlights in new LED technologyThe brand-new rear end on Porsche’s sports coupé houses newly designed rear lights with all red light sources in LED technology. Tapering out to a sharp angle at the front, the rear lights are elegantly integrated into the new rear end of the car, LED graphics ensuring dynamic light design both at day and during the night. Indeed, the night design of the rear lights follows the contours of the rear wings. Aerodynamics just as perfect as beforeAlthough the new engines and transmissions require even more efficient cooling under some circumstances, Porsche’s engineers have succeeded in keeping the cars’ aerodynamic standards (Cd coefficient) at the same high level as on the former model: Maintaining a Cd factor of 0.29, both the Cayman and Cayman S in regular trim continue to set the standard against the competition. Such outstanding aerodynamics contributes significantly to the cars’ safe driving behaviour also at very high speeds as well as their superior fuel economy. ---- Engine and TransmissionThe two new six-cylinder boxer engines now making their world debut in the Cayman and Cayman S set the benchmark in their class through their balance of superior performance and outstanding reliability, greater economy and decreasing emissions. In their basic design and configuration, both power units have the same identical features and characteristics as the new engine generation introduced only recently in the 911 model series. In the Cayman the 2.9-litre power unit replaces the former 2.7-litre, maximum output of 265 bhp (195 kW) exceeding that of the former six-cylinder by 20 bhp. Peak torque of 300 Nm or 221 lb-ft, in turn, represents an increase over the former model by 27 Newton-metres or 20 lb-ft. Together with these improvements, Porsche’s engineers have given the engine an even higher standard of thermal and mechanical robustness by changing the design of the crankcase from an open- to a closed-deck configuration. The cylinder liners previously forming a separate unit around the cylinder gasket are therefore now integrated in the casing by a cast cover plate comprising the water flow linings. Again, this serves in particular to give the cylinders greater stability in their shape and design. A further positive effect is the reduction of oil consumption and, due to lower friction, an improvement in fuel economy. New engine bearings with additional crosswise stops and new bearing specifications serve furthermore to provide extra comfort combined with enhanced driving dynamics, the entire engine forming a firmer and stronger structure and therefore reducing any relative movement versus the body of the car. Cayman S featuring Direct Fuel Injection for the first timeThe 3.4-litre power unit of the new Cayman S comes for the first time in this model series with Porsche’s Direct Fuel Injection or DFI for short, providing a homogeneous fuel/air mixture distributed consistently throughout the combustion chamber in the interest of optimum combustion. As a function of load and engine speed, fuel is injected at up to 120 bar directly into the combustion chamber. The most important advantage achieved in this way is that contrary to conventional manifold injection, the fuel/air mixture is now formed directly in the combustion chamber. While in the case of indirect injection the fuel is atomised in part upfront of the closed intake valve, fuel is now injected directly into the cylinder only after the valve has opened. A further advantage of this reduction in temperature is that the engine becomes less sensitive to knocking, allowing the engineers to increase the compression ratio to 12.5:1, that is to a higher level than on the former model. Exemplary emission managementBoth power units already fulfil the future EU5 and ULEV emission standards still to come into force in Europe and the USA. To ensure this efficient management, the 2.9-litre comes with a secondary air pump supporting the process when starting the engine cold of burning unburnt fuel in the exhaust emissions and thus increasing catalyst temperature more quickly to the required operating level. Fewer moving parts – new timing chain driveOn the new generation of engines the use of new, high-load timing chains allows Porsche’s engineers to drop the former interim shaft which used to drive the chains. Again, this reduces not only moving masses, but also the weight of the engine as a whole. A further advantage is that this reduces the gap between the flywheel and the first crankshaft bearing, the smaller leverage provided in this way making the entire structure stiffer and allowing the engine to run even more smoothly and harmoniously. The gears on the two double roller chains driving the camshafts are now both fitted on the opposite end of the crankshaft facing the drive belt. The big advantage of VarioCam Plus is, first, optimum engine power and torque whenever required and, second, a further improvement of fuel economy, emission management and motoring refinement. Together with Porsche’s new Direct Fuel Injection, this provides an ideal symbiosis increasing engine output and torque while at the same time reducing fuel consumption. Even lighter valve drive and on-demand oil pumpTo further increase the spontaneity, economy and high-revving performance of the engine, the engineers in Weissach have also re-designed the entire valve drive system. Diameter of the switch tappets for the intake valves has been decreased from 33 to 31 millimetres (1.30 to 1.22”), while the tappets on the exhaust valves have been reduced in size from 33 to 28 millimetres (1.30 to 1.10”). Through the smaller dimensions and lower weight of the fast-moving tappets, mass inertia is reduced accordingly, allowing the engine to run at even higher speeds. Hence, maximum output now comes at 7200 rpm, with the engine revving up all the way to 7500 rpm. Oil circulation on the new engines follows the principle of integrated dry sump lubrication incorporating an oil pump with four scavenge pumps and, for the first time, a fully controlled pressure stage. Engine management adjusts the flow and delivery of oil at all times to current requirements by means of a gear shifted in axial direction by a hydraulic mechanism, thus varying the width of the gear in mesh and, accordingly, the geometric volume of the gearset in the pressure stage. The bottom line is that the oil pump now no longer consumes more energy than is absolutely required, at the same time ensuring appropriate lubrication at all times. Separate coolant pump with 20 per cent more outputTo ensure efficient heat dissipation from the cylinder head with its high temperatures, the cooling ducts within the cylinder head have been upgraded and the hottest point on the exhaust valve seat ring is cooled additionally. Further new features are the design and position of the coolant pump as a separate module outside of the crankcase itself. The advantage of this particular configuration is flexible adjustment of the coolant pump in its size as well as the reduction of repair costs. To adjust to the increase in engine power and ensure adequate cooling of the engine, the maximum volume flow provided by the new coolant pump is up by approximately 20 per cent. Even more elaborate intake system with switching flapsBoth power units also come with a new intake system made of a special synthetic material. This resonance intake system features a resonance and distributor pipe between the right- and left-hand intake distributors. The switchable resonance flap serves to adjust air vibration in the intake system to the speed of the engine, providing high torque at low engine speeds, an even smoother and more harmonious torque curve, and a high level of maximum power. The twin-chamber distributor pipe with its switching flap likewise improves engine torque at low speeds. The intake distributors on the two rows of cylinders come in different geometric design matching the respective characteristics of the two power units. The resonance chamber in the upper section of the intake distributor has also been re-designed, serving as a new function on the “basic” engine to dampen unwanted resonance noise at high engine speeds. Together with the newly developed exhaust system, Porsche’s sound engineers have therefore re-composed the engine’s sound pattern, creating an even higher standard of dynamic brilliance. Now also available in the Cayman: Porsche’s new PDK DoppelkupplungsgetriebeThe seven-gear PDK Doppelkupplungsgetriebe from Porsche replacing the former Tiptronic S is now available as an option on both of Porsche’s sports coupés. In its functional principle, PDK in both cases follows the same concept as the double-clutch gearbox in the Carrera model series. Reflecting the mid-engine configuration of the Cayman, however, the PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe differs significantly through its different position and direction of rotation as well as the gear increments adapted to the power units in the Cayman. In principle PDK is made up of a conventional manual gearbox subdivided into two separate transmission units and a hydraulic control unit. The “heart” of the transmission is formed by the two interacting multiple-plate clutches running in an oil bath on the same axle and operated hydraulically. One clutch is for the first transmission unit with the uneven gears and reverse gear, the other clutch is for the second transmission unit with the even gears. Porsche’s new double-clutch gearbox comes with seven forward gears and one reverse gear. Gears 1 – 6 feature an extra-sporting gear ratio with the car reaching top speed in sixth gear. Seventh gear with its long transmission ratio, in turn, serves as an economy or overdrive gear again helping to reduce fuel consumption. Shifting gears via the selector lever or directly on the steering wheelThe driver of a Cayman or Cayman S with PDK is able to shift gears on the Doppelkupplungsgetriebe in the same way as on the Tiptronic S automatic transmission in the past: Either by means of paddles on the newly designed PDK steering wheel or via the – likewise newly designed – selector lever in the centre console. The PDK gearshift display in the instrument cluster is based on the enhanced Tiptronic S concept supplemented by an easy-to-read number display showing the gear (1 – 7) currently in mesh. The drive program (P, R, N, D and M) currently in use, in turn, is shown by red LEDs next to the gearshift pattern. Sports Chrono Package Plus complete with Launch Control and racing gearshiftAs in the past, Porsche offers the new models in the Cayman range with both the Sports Chrono Package in conjunction the CDR-30 radio and the Sports Chrono Package Plus in conjunction with PCM Porsche Communication Management – in both cases as an option. A brand-new feature on both packages is the introduction of an additional Sport Plus function if the Cayman or Cayman S is equipped with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe. Pressing the additional Sport Plus button, the driver is able to choose an uncompromising, ultra-sporting shift program for optimum performance on the race track. At the same time this program offers Launch Control for optimum acceleration from a standstill: To accelerate in the same way as in racing, all the driver has to do is press down the brake pedal with his left foot and kick down the gas pedal completely with his right foot. This will immediately rev up the engine to 6500 rpm. Then, once the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal, the car will set off immediately with maximum acceleration, both models thus reaching 100 km/h two-tenths of a second faster than is otherwise the case, the Cayman S in 4.9, the Cayman in 5.5 seconds. Six-speed manual gearbox now featured as standard also on the “basic” modelBoth the new Cayman and the Cayman S come as standard with a manual six-speed gearbox. Based on the gearbox in the former model, this new transmission unit has been adjusted in its geometric configuration and qualities to the higher output of the new engines. The “regular” Cayman now therefore also comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox replacing the forming five-speed unit. In both cases – that is on both engine variants – the gearbox is combined with a self-adjusting so-called X-Tend clutch registering the gradual decrease in clutch pad thickness and, by turning an adjustment ring, setting off and compensating the gap caused by clutch pad wear. The big advantage of this system is that it reduces the increase in foot pressure required in the course of time until reaching the wear limit by approximately 50 per cent versus a conventional clutch. Mechanical differential as an optionBoth new models in the Cayman range are available in conjunction with their 18- and 19-inch wheels with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle providing 22 per cent locking action under power and 27 per cent in overrun. This significantly improves both drive traction and stability, allowing a substantially higher level of performance on winding roads and particularly on the race track. A further advantage is the more stable load change behaviour, and last but certainly not least the mechanical differential, through its particular characteristics, helps to smoothen electronic brake control (ABD) in the traction mode, with the tendency of a wheel to spin on one side of the car under slippery conditions being delayed by the locking action. Start-Off Assistant standard on all modelsBoth gearbox versions of the new Cayman and Cayman S come as standard with a Start-Off Assistant offering the driver even smoother driving conditions in everyday use and preventing the car from rolling forwards or backwards when setting off on a gradient by automatically holding and then slowly releasing the brakes after the driver lets go of the brake pedal. As a result, the Start-Off Assistant enables the driver to set off smoothly and comfortably on a gradient without having to use the handbrake. ---- Chassis and BrakesWhile the suspension of the new Cayman remains unchanged in its basic concept, the set-up has been modified for the higher power of the engines and optimised for extra comfort combined with superior sportiness. Indeed, this specific set-up in combination with the very stiff, flexurally and torsionally rigid body gives the Cayman its characteristic driving behaviour with superior safety reserves and enhanced driving comfort. By tradition, most chassis and suspension components on the new models in the Cayman range are made of aluminium. As with all of Porsche’s sports cars, this not only reduces the weight of the car to a minimum, but also ensures low unsprung masses for superior comfort and enhanced performance. And it almost goes without saying that the low weight of the car helps to save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions. Active PASM suspension as an optionAs an option both the Cayman and the Cayman S may be equipped with Porsche’s Active PASM suspension. This abbreviation stands for Porsche Active Suspension Management, an electronically controlled damper system. Particularly on longer routes, the occupants therefore enjoy a significant improvement of motoring comfort, with PASM absorbing minor and medium bumps on the road better than the standard suspension. The Sport mode, in turn, activates firmer damper control maps for a very agile and sporting style of motoring. This set-up therefore offers all the benefits of a sports suspension with body movement reduced to a minimum in the interest of even faster lap times. Rack-and-pinion steering with variable transmissionAs in the past, hydraulically-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with a variable transmission ratio converts the driver’s steering commands into appropriate action on the wheels. This allows, first, superior agility on winding roads and, second, a very high standard of driving stability even at very high speeds. At the same time the transmission ratio is larger around the central position of the steering, that is where movements of the steering wheel are relatively small. The total range of the steering wheel from lock to lock is 2 1/2 revolutions.By changing the valve control map on the steering transmission Porsche’s engineers have reduced steering forces to give the Cayman an even more agile and spontaneous response and to make parking even easier and more convenient. Superior Porsche brakesIn their basic technical features, the brakes on the Cayman and Cayman S are the same as on the 911 Carrera and thus meet even the strictest demands under virtually all conditions. And following an old tradition at Porsche, the brake dimensions reflect the power of the engine: At the front brake energy is applied by four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed callipers on both models with inner-vented brake discs measuring 318 millimetres (12.52”) in diameter and 28 millimetres (1.10”) across. The brake servo is fed by a mechanical vacuum pump on the engine and is therefore able to reduce the force required on the brake pedal irrespective of engine load, improving brake response accordingly at all times. Connected to the oil scavenge pump, the vacuum pump forms a tandem unit driven by the exhaust camshaft on the right-hand row of cylinders. This serves to maintain a high and consistent vacuum supply with adequate brake power assistance even under unfavourable conditions such as low ambient air pressure at high altitudes or very dynamic driving conditions on the race track with the car running under full load most of the time. PCCB ceramic brakes for even greater performanceThe Cayman S is available as an option with PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes. Cross-drilled and inner-vented, these ceramic brake discs measuring 350 millimetres (13.78”) in diameter are approximately 50 per cent lighter than brake discs of the same size made of grey-cast iron, reducing unsprung masses and improving spring response accordingly. In conjunction with the again quite unique brake linings, the ceramic brake discs immediately build up a high and, in particular, consistent frictional coefficient when acting on the wheels. Brake abrasion is extremely low compared with conventional brake discs thanks to the extremely hard surface of the ceramic discs. This, obviously, guarantees a long service life also thanks to the rustproof qualities of the material used. Extra-dynamic PSM with enhanced brake functionsThe two new models in the Cayman range come as standard with the latest generation of PSM Porsche Stability Management. In its latest version, PSM comprises not only the ABS anti-lock brakes, ASR drive spin control, MSR engine drag force control and the ABD automatic brake differential, but also the new functions Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. Brake Pre-Loading now also featured in PSM Porsche Stability Management on the Cayman models serves to give the car even shorter stopping distances in an emergency: Whenever the driver lets go of the gas pedal very quickly – which is characteristic of an upcoming emergency braking manoeuvre – the PSM hydraulic unit builds up a certain level of pressure on the wheel brakes before the driver even starts to press down the brake pedal. This pushes the brake pads slightly towards the brake discs, preparing the brake system for the upcoming braking manoeuvre. The result is a signficant improvement of brake response and even shorter stopping distances.The Brake Assistant likewise serves to shorten the car’s stopping distance. In this case additional hydraulic brake power assistance is generated over and above the vacuum-controlled brake servo effect, thus providing even more brake power in an emergency. When determining an emergency braking manoeuvre – with the driver pressing down the brake pedal very fast beyond a certain limit and applying defined pedal force – the PSM hydraulic unit actively provides the brake pressure required for maximum stopping power. To give the car an even higher standard of driving dynamics the Brake Assistant and, accordingly, the additional brake servo effect, is deactivated whenever the driver switches off PSM (PSM Off) or pushes the sports button on the optionally available Sports Chrono Package. The driver is also able to switch off PSM completely, so that it is only activated again when he presses down the brake pedal. The system is however reactivated only when the driver presses down the brake pedal really hard, exceeding the ABS cut-in point at least on one front wheel. This intentionally gives the sports driver a greater margin for enjoying the thrill of dynamic motoring, since PSM does not cut in when applying the brakes slightly and the driver is able to take the car smoothly round a bend with only slight application of the brakes as necessary. ---- Wheels and TyresThe new Cayman comes as standard on 17-inch wheels featuring new design and wider rims. To be specific, rim size is up by half an inch in each case to 7J x 17 on the front axle and 8.5J x 17 at the rear. These wider rims serve to accommodate even larger brake discs on the front axle and to improve both traction and driving dynamics. The new Cayman S comes as standard on new 18-inch wheels again in new design but with the same dimensions as before: 8J x 18 up front on 235/40 ZR 18 tyres and 9J x 18 at the rear on 265/40 ZR 18 tyres. As an option Porsche offers four 19-inch wheels for the Cayman S, measuring 8 inches in width at the front and 9.5 inches in width at the rear:
Like the other models in Porsche’s portfolio, the Cayman and Cayman S have neither a spare wheel nor a car jack, but rather come with a tyre sealant and an electrical compressor. The tyre sealant serves to repair the tyre in a vast majority of cases, avoiding the need to change a damaged tyre on the spot in a rather laborious and time-consuming process. Minor punctures and holes such as a nail or a screw in the tyre may therefore be plugged by the tyre sealant, enabling the driver to continue at a speed of not more than 80 km/h or 50 mph to the nearest Porsche Center, without damaging the wheel involved, let alone the car itself. TPC Tyre Pressure Control now responding even fasterAs an option the new Cayman and Cayman S are available with Porsche’s new, even faster TPC Tyre Pressure Control. Apart from extra safety by warning the driver immediately of a loss of pressure in the event of a puncture, TPC in particular helps to avoid uneven tyre wear and excessive fuel consumption by efficiently controlling the correct air pressure. And since the system is initialised immediately the driver opens his door, it is able to start checking tyre pressure as soon as the driver switches on the ignition and therefore presents the pressure measured within a matter of seconds in the instrument cluster. ---- Body and EquipmentThe best suspension, the most powerful brakes and the most dynamic engine are only able to provide optimum performance if they share the right connection – the body of the car. And here the Cayman and Cayman S come with a big advantage right from the start: The structure of the car is based on the Boxster designed as an open sports car and therefore offering a high standard of stability from the very beginning even without a roof. Integration of the firm coupé roof therefore provides a very strong structure in terms of both flexural and torsional stiffness setting a new standard in the mid-engined sports coupé segment. This extremely high stiffness has a direct effect on the precision of the suspension, even strong forces not affecting the geometry of the car’s body, so that the geometry of the suspension also remains unchanged, the Cayman running quite literally on “rails”. Front lid made of aluminium, rear lid made of lightweight steelThe front luggage compartment lid on the Cayman and Cayman S is a shell structure made of aluminium, reducing weight versus a comparable component made of steel by no less than six kilos. The wide-opening rear lid with its extra-large, heated rear window in lightweight steel, in turn, blends smoothly and harmoniously with the flowing shape of the car. As an option, finally, the rear window is also available with a windscreen wiper. Six airbags featured as standardIt almost goes without saying that the Cayman offers the same passive safety systems as all other sports cars in the Porsche range: A window airbag on each side combined with a thorax side airbag again on the driver’s and passenger’s side offer very good protection in a side-on collision throughout the entire range of fore-and-aft adjustment. This all-round safety system offered by Porsche is referred to as the POSIP or Porsche Side Impact Protection System. Displacing 62 litres on the driver’s side and an even more impressive 122 litres for the passenger, the full-size frontal airbags offer equally high protection and safety in the event of a head-on collision. Another big advantage of the mid-mounted engine: two luggage compartmentsOver and above their superior sportiness, the Cayman and Cayman S also offer a very high standard of practical function: Two luggage compartments with a total loading capacity of up to 410 litres or 14.35 cubic feet, combined with useful and practical storage compartments, give the driver and passenger a wide range of options in storing their luggage and all kinds of odds and ends. Loading compartment on two levelsThe rear luggage compartment is split up into two levels visually separated from one another by a stainless-steel trim bar. The lower – deeper – level may be discreetly covered when the tailgate is closed by a screen cover featured as standard. Front luggage compartment with technical featuresThe front luggage compartment offers a capacity of approximately 150 litres or 5.25 cu ft and is fully lined inside by a special cover extending all round the luggage compartment and on to the lower frame on the windscreen. The tyre sealant together with the tyre compressor and the toolbag are housed behind a vertical lining extending across the entire width of the luggage compartment. ---- Interior: the classy ambience of a genuine sports carThe interior comes completely in high-quality materials with a very pleasant flair and surface touch. A Bluetooth® mobile phone preparation kit is available as an option, the CDR-30 audio system serving as the hands-free system for the mobile telephone. Porsche seats offering optimum feedbackObviously, the largest communication area connecting the driver and his car is formed by the seats. Accordingly, the seats in the Porsche Cayman and Cayman S give the driver optimum feedback on the car’s longitudinal and lateral acceleration as well as road conditions. For it is only in this way that a sports car really makes sense in accordance with Porsche’s philosophy. The seats on the Cayman and Cayman S adjust in no less than six directions. The seat backrest angle is set electrically, the fore-and-aft position as well as seat height are adjusted mechanically. Height adjustment comes in individual steps with the mechanical controls positioned between the seats and the side-sill and allowing both precise and convenient adjustment of seat height. For a pleasant climate at all times: vented seats now available as an optionIn conjunction with seat heating, the new models in the Cayman range are available as an option with seat ventilation on the standard and comfort seats. Particularly in the warm season such active seat ventilation maintains a comfortable and dry climate on the seat surface. The seat surface is ventilated specifically where the occupant is in direct contact with the seat, the ventilation points recognisable through the characteristic perforation of the seat cover. PCM with touchscreen and hard-disc navigationTo improve operating comfort and ergonomics to an even higher standard, Porsche’s engineers and designers have developed the new, optional PCM Communication Management. As the central control unit for all radio, communication and navigation functions, PCM is now even more efficient, more versatile and a lot easier to use. Outstanding sound and receptionThe PCM radio offers up to 48 pre-set station slots, an FM double tuner with RDS as well as the latest generation of diversity functions consistently searching for the best frequency on each station selected as well as one or several of the four FM radio aerials interacting with one another for optimum reception. The integrated player is able to play both CDs as well as audio and video DVDs – in combination with the optional BOSE® Surround Sound System also in 5.1 Discrete Surround format, otherwise in stereo. The formats supported in the process are MP3, AAC, WMA, Dolby Digital, MLP, and DTS. For faster calculation of routes: navigation module with hard disc operationThe PCM navigation module now comes with an integrated 40-GB hard disc containing all the navigation data. This allows much faster calculation of routes presenting three alternative proposals in each case. The touchscreen monitor also allows the driver to quickly enter his destination in a very convenient process, information on traffic congestion and special destinations being shown by simply touching the symbols on the map and retrieved directly with the help of the optional telephone module. Stopover points such as the nearest filling station may be integrated in the tracking process quickly and easily. Telephone module with Bluetooth® interfaceThe internal GSM telephone module available as an option offers superior ease of control combined with optimum voice quality. The system gives the user a choice of two operating modes: First, to make telephone calls with the SIM card in the system; second, to automatically connect a compatible SAP mobile phone (SIM access profile) and the telephone module via Bluetooth®. Catering for customers with a GSM-Bluetooth® mobile phone, the telephone module offers the best solution in technical terms, since connections are made directly through the network via the external aerial the car, and not via the mobile phone itself. The convenient alternative: voice entryThe latest generation of voice entry allowing the user to read out full words is now available for the first time in conjunction with the new PCM, ensuring even greater convenience and safety in use. Voice control is activated by pressing the button on the steering lever column for the on-board computer, enabling the user to choose virtually all PCM functions also through voice entry. Further upgrade options: electronic logbook, BOSE® Sound SystemThe electronic logbook is yet another PCM option offered by Porsche, automatically recording up to 1,500 trips in conjunction with the navigation system. The data recorded in this way may then be transferred via a Bluetooth® interface or the optional USB port on the PCM control unit to a computer and processed by means of the software supplied together with the logbook. Two further optional features are the Porsche Sound Package Plus complete with a radio, CD player and nine loudspeakers, as well as the BOSE® Surround Sound System with no less than ten loudspeakers and a seven-channel digital amplifier, all features naturally tailored specifically to the car. Nominal output of the new amplifier has been increased over the former models from 325 to 385 W. 1 comments: Porsche Cayman
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07.8.2009 @ 12:00