BMW Z4 GT3 Race Car Roars Into Action for many, the Porsche Cayman Boxster with a roof just one, it looks very similar and very well priced close. In fact, the Boxster is actually cheaper to buy and the roof comes down to this summer drives.
Take a look at the Cayman and you see it is actually a pure driver's car. You might say "911 Boxster ownership for money" but that's only a matter of opinion.
The Cayman is completely different than the Boxster, it has a more focused driver set and a larger more powerful engine.
How the Cayman Started
Porsche decided they needed a car to slot in as a mid-range sports coupe. The engineers got to work on a new car, the Cayman it.
This car was developed in less than two years, which is quite fast, but as you can see, many parts of other vehicles. There is 40% of the Boxster and about 30% of the Carrera, even the engine is a hybrid created from two cars.
Porsche drivers want an affordable car for her fans to create this was because the 911 was bigger and more expensive to buy. What the company did not want the car was in direct competition, but they can have the Cayman a little too well.
The Cayman S was driven around the Nürburgring in 8:11 minutes, which is 7.0 seconds quicker than the Boxster S and 4.0 seconds faster than the 997 Carrera 3.6.
Launched in 2006, the Cayman S, and later in 2007, the base Cayman, both cars got good reviews and sold in large numbers around the world.
History of the Cayman
2006
When the Cayman S was launched was equipped with a 3.4 horsepower engine litre295. This engine was a combination of the 3.2 Boxster engine and the top of the Carrera 3.6. The car was equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management). This gave it an "aggressive" and more "the feeling" that Porsche purists wanted. Options include 19-inch wheels, an aero package, and the choice of a 6-speed manual or 5 speed Tiptronic gearbox.
2007
Porsche Cayman made the basic model, a 2.7 horsepower engine litre245 in him. This was offered in either a 5-speed gearbox or a 5 speed Tiptronic gearbox. This car was popular in the automatic transmission and was aimed at drivers who do not want to be as "hard to feel" to their cars.
2007
To celebrate Porsche Design Chronograph Timepiece is "Design Edition 1" was released (only 777 units). This car was based on the "S", although there was no power to raise the car luxury and sophistication added to the model range. With only dark materials and fine attention to detail of the Edition 1 feel very special.
2009
S Sport was established as a limited edition of 700 units, had a power increase of 303 hp. The car was available with a limited edition wheels and six non-metallic colors, including the GT3's green and orange. The power increase is thanks to a new exhaust system which has a slightly deeper sound.
2009-Present
The second generation model was released at the end of "09", this includes a face lift and up graded engines.
The first flow was increased on the "S" to 320 hp and 265 hp on the standard car. The engine of the basic model is made larger 2.7-2.9 litresgiving it more power to compete with its rivals.
Porsche's PDK seven-speed gearbox was made an option on two wheels instead of the 5 speed Tiptronic. 6 speed gearboxes are also available on the two cars.
On the outside LED lights are added to the day time lights on the front. The wheels were made wider to house larger brakes, and ceramic brakes are available as an option now. A tuned suspension and LSD are now part of the car making it even more hard-edged drive.
How about the competition
The Cayman two German competitors, the BMW Z4 and Audi TT are no match for the Porsche in terms of feel and driver involvement. The Cayman is the only non-turbocharged cars of the three, and yes it's slower on the 0-62 times, but the Porsche feels more connected to the road and verifiable. The new BMW Z4 35is is not as concentrated as the previous director and is considered more of a coach, the coupe version is not so good. The Audi TT RS is a very good car and on paper is faster and more powerful, but does not the balance of the Cayman and around the circuit of the "S" version is a lot more fun.
BMW Z4 35is Power 340 hp @ 5900 rpm Engine 3 liters 6 cylinder Top speed 155 (limited) 0-62 mph 4.8 sec (with DCT)
Audi TTRS Power 340 hp @ 6500 rpm Engine 2.5 litre5 cylinder Top Speed 174 mph 0-62 4.6 seconds (4.4 with S tronic)
Cayman S Power 320 hp @ 7200 rpm Engine 3.4 litre6 cylinder speed 171 mph 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds (5.1 with PDK and 4.9 with PDK Plus)
Final Thoughts
This car is an ideal track day car and any driver will enjoy round after round. Also a daily commuting to and from work. The beauty of this car is that it can be parked outside your house in the street and not attract unwanted attention.
For those without such a high performance car to the base model 2.9 is a gateway to Porsche ownership. It has a comfortable ride and enough performance not leave you wanting more.
Overall Cayman fits almost too well in the Porsche line-up, but it's such a good car and a real alternative to the Carrera 3.6. Learn how you yourself a Porsche for less here.