If you are a fan of the
Porsche Boxster, you may want to take a look at the 2006
Porsche Cayman S. The designers have added a hatchback and steel coupe roof to this model that is very similar to the Boxster. The new changes result in a much higher torsional rigidity according to the company.
Design
The design of the 2006
Porsche Cayman S bears close resemblance to that of the
Porsche Boxster. Many of the body panels of this two-seat coupe are exactly the same, but the round fog lamps are much more pronounced than that of the previous models. They form part of the front air intakes. Other differences include the uniquely designed side air intakes and the curved steel roof that resembles a dome. The Cayman S also features new dual sport tailpipes, curvy rear fenders and an upper windshield sill that is aerodynamic. Although the back quarter-windows retain the same shape as those of the
Porsche 911, they are turned on end. The hatch contains a very steep slope and a rear wing automatically rises as soon as the vehicle hits 75 mph. The storage area located at the rear of the hatchback is 9.2 cubic feet which is twice that of the one used in the Boxster.
Suspension
The strut-type suspension of the Cayman S sports contains firmer springs and dampers, and the vehicle is equipped with anti-roll bars that are thicker than in previous models. These changes and the stiffer body improve this vehicle’s road handling ability in every road condition. Although the
Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is a standard for the Cayman S, customers can choose to purchase the optional
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). The vehicle provides comfortable long-distance driving, but drivers can choose to activate the special option when they crave an adrenalin rush. Drivers only have to touch a button to activate the dynamic damper setting for true racing performance.
Engine
The flat-six 3.4-litre engine of the 2006
Porsche Cayman S has also received an upgrade. It has replaced the 280 hp with 295 hp and the 236 lb-ft of torque with 255 lb-ft. The cylinder heads are exactly the same as those in the 911 Carrera, and the VarioCam Plus valve lift adjustment and camshaft appears for the first time since the 911 models. What do all these statistics mean to you? Well, this sports car takes an impressive 5.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, and it can reach maximum speeds of 171 mph. The former World Rally champ, Walter Röhrl, can complete a lap in 8 minutes and 11 seconds on Germany’s famous Nürburgring’s Norschleife (North Loop) track.
Transmission
The six-speed manual transmission has also been enhanced for the Cayman S, resulting in a more precise and faster shift travel. If you have extra money to burn, why not opt for the five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission system. This beauty contains innovative new hydraulic and electronic control maps that were designed specifically for this model.
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April 1, 2008, 9:06 am
