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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.

Featuring PDK, both the Boxster and the Cayman for the first time outperform the nine-litre consumption mark: Both models with the new 2.9-litre Boxer engine make do with 8.9 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.4 mpg US) according to the EU4 standard – 11 per cent less than the former models with Tiptronic S. Reducing fuel consumption by an even more significant 16 per cent to 9.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 25.5 mpg US), the 3.4-litre versions with PDK offer an even greater saving over their predecessors with Tiptronic S.

Roadster and Coupé with even more signs of distinction

The 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.

From the front the Roadster and Coupé differ clearly from one another through the distinctive design of their air intakes, from the rear through the new rear panels with diffuser inserts on the Boxster and a wind deflector plate on the Cayman.

The rod-shaped positioning lights in LED light conductor technology add a particular touch of class in terms of the cars’ looks, also through their horizontal arrangement in the outer air intakes. Yet a further highlight is provided by the foglamps featured as standard – rectangular in shape on the Boxster, round on the Cayman. For the first time both models are available with a Lights Package featuring bi-xenon headlights, dynamic curve lights and LED daytime driving lights. Replacing the foglamps, these light units are made up on the Boxster of four LEDs positioned next to one another, while on the Cayman four LEDs are arranged in round light units like the eyes of a dice.

PDK: shifting gears even more quickly, reducing fuel consumption by up to 16 per cent
All four sports cars are available for the first time with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK carried over directly from motorsport and replacing the former Tiptronic S. Equipped with the PDK double-clutch gearbox, the Roadster and Coupé accelerate to 100 km/h or 62 mph 0.1 seconds faster than with the manual six-speed gearbox now also featured on the “basic” models.
Acceleration is particularly fast and dynamic with one of the optional Sports Chrono Packages featuring Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standing start and the Race Track Gearshift Strategy for the fastest conceivable gearshift as an exclusive highlight on the PDK models. Benefiting from Launch Control, the respective models accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h or 62 mph yet another 2/10ths of a second faster.

The progress offered by PDK is even more impressive when it comes to fuel economy reduced by up to 16 per cent from the former figure on the first generation: According to the EU4 consumption standard, the Boxster and Cayman equipped with PDK consume just 8.9 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 26.3 mpg US, with the S-models offering almost the same level of economy at just 9.2 litres or 25.5 mpg US.

Dynamic suspension and supreme brakes

The 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.
The wheels come in new design and are half an inch wider on the “basic” models than in the past in order to accommodate the larger brake system of the S-models on the front axle. Both the Boxster and Cayman feature the latest generation of PSM Porsche Stability Management now offering two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. Whenever the driver lets go of the gas pedal very quickly – which is typical of an upcoming emergency braking manoeuvre – the PSM hydraulic control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure on the wheel brakes before the driver even presses down the brake pedal, moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs for immediate action. This significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly. When recognising that the driver is braking in an emergency due to very fast operation of the brake pedal and a defined brake force, the PSM hydraulic control unit actively delivers the brake pressure required for maximum stopping power.

New audio and communication systems

Both 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.

As an option PCM is available with highly convenient voice control and, in conjunction with the optional, universal audio interface, can now be used also to control external audio sources such as an iPod® or USB stick.
Last but not least, Porsche’s new two-seaters are available as an option with seat ventilation combined with seat heating on both the standard seats and the comfort seats with full or partial leather.

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.

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Design and Aerodynamics

The 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.

A special Lights Package made up of new bi-xenon headlights complete with a dynamic curve light function, separate LED daytime driving lights and a headlight cleaning system is available as an option. The white LEDs come in a very striking crosswise arrangement giving Porsche’s mid-engined sports coupé a truly unmistakable lights profile. The daytime driving lights are housed at the front instead of the conventional foglamps whose function is performed by the xenon headlights optimised in terms of their broad light range and illumination to the side.

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.

Through their special design, the wheels also offer a free view of the brakes on both Cayman models, helping to provide a better ventilation effect. And like all of Porsche’s sports cars in the new generation, the Cayman likewise comes with the newly designed double-arm exterior mirrors providing an even better and larger view to the rear and naturally fulfilling legal requirements and standards also in future.

Last but not least, optimised aerodynamics keep the build-up of dirt and water on the mirrors to a minimum even under adverse conditions.

Headlights in new LED technology

The 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.

Like the graphics at the front, the new air flow panel at the bottom of the rear section takes up the shape of the car’s numberplate and comprises the tailpipes in the middle also finished in new design. The result is a very athletic look also from behind, with the Cayman boasting one single rear pipe, the Cayman S a double exhaust pipe extending directly from the interim pipe on the exhaust system to give the car a particularly powerful and muscular look also from behind.

Aerodynamics just as perfect as before

Although 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.

A particular aerodynamic highlight is the split wing at the rear of the Cayman moving up some 80 millimetres or 3.15” at speeds above 120 km/h or 75 mph and then moving down again automatically as soon as road speed decreases to 80 km/h or 50 mph. Contrary to a conventional spoiler, a split wing avoids air resistance almost completely, but nevertheless generates appropriate downforce through its profile. The result is an increase in downforce on the rear axle at 270 km/h or 167 mph by 14 kilos, helping to reduce roll and dive forces and enhance driving stability accordingly.

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Engine and Transmission

The 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.

The power unit featured in the new Cayman S displaces 3.4 litres as before, but now, benefiting from Porsche’s new Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), develops maximum output of 320 bhp (235 kW), 25 bhp more than before. Maximum torque is likewise up by 30 Newton-metres (22 lb-ft), now reaching 370 Nm or 273 lb-ft.

The greater efficiency of the new engines results largely from the consistent enhancement of fundamental features in engine technology: Lower weight, lower inner friction and lower moving masses on both six-cylinders combine more power with enhanced fuel economy. Hence, the new engines weigh approximately six kilos less than the former power units, a two-piece crankcase with integrated crankcase bearings replacing the former four-piece block with its separate bearing case. The advantage, again, is lower weight and a smaller number of separate components.

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.