Porsche Cayman S. On the road to legend

What do Porsche Cayman and crocodiles have in common? South American crocodiles are called caimans, although who exactly decided to take Cayman as the name for Porsche is still not known.

But this person would like to erect a monument, because the machine really turned out to be excellent. She has a powerful motor, sharp teeth and a very dynamic character. For the first time, the Porsche Cayman appeared on the market in mid-2006, but came to Russia a little later. The entire range of Porsche.

Story

A considerable number of people could hear about the beautiful and fast car Porsche Cayman, which is produced by the German company Porsche. Only a few managed to admire him, contemplating his movement on high-quality asphalt in expensive areas.

The Predator debuted at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. The model turned out to be surprising in many moments. Created on the platform of the Boxster roadster, the closed car turned out to be not even a sports coupe, but almost a 3-door hatchback.

However, it is quite difficult to recognize it from the exterior. The German vehicle has a double interior, mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive. On the onset of 2009, experts decided to upgrade the car.

If we talk about changes in the external plan, then they were only cosmetic in nature, but the technical component of the changes was much more affected. If earlier the car was equipped with weaker power units, now they installed a 265-horsepower engine with a volume of 2.9 liters, as well as an improved 3.4-liter engine that already produces 320 horsepower.

Instead of an automatic transmission, buyers received a 7-speed PDK robotic gearbox. Since 2010, the lineup has also received the “P” version, where there was a weight-losing body, lowered suspension and an engine boosted to 330 horses, the volume of which was 3.4 liters.

The second-generation two-seater mid-engined sports car has been produced since 2013 in Germany (Osnarbück). Cayman almost did not acquire any special improvements in appearance during his “life activity”, but this is not surprising, because there is no need for this. It is magnificent in its original form.

Exterior

The basis for the car was the model, the price of which is slightly higher (from 3,000,000 rubles). True, it differs from its younger brother in an open body. The Cayman has a closed body.

The appearance of the car says only one thing - in front of us is a car that literally radiates strength and athleticism. This is largely due to several transitions between the convex and concave shape and the new geometry of the air intakes.

It is no coincidence that the manufacturer increased the edge of the front spoiler - this significantly reduced the lifting force on the wheels in front. The Porsche Cayman comes standard with halogen headlights and foglights.

The latter are built directly into the air intakes. The sharp bends of the front and rear fenders only emphasize a certain “fitness” of the silhouette. The appearance of the German is chic, however, it seems to many that he lacks aggressiveness.

Some exterior features

You can see the corporate style of the manufacturer, which is clearly visible in the shape of the headlights, where there is a lint filling. The large bumper has a so-called lip, and the air intakes have niches for round fog lights. The large area of ​​the windshield, which contributes to excellent visibility, cannot but please.

If you pay attention to the side of the coupe, then here we will see slightly swollen wheel arches. But most of all, the large-scale aerodynamic stamping on the door that directs air to the air intake manages to stand out.

The latter delivers air to the power unit. In addition, the body has a smooth aerodynamic line, rear-view mirrors, which, as befits a sports coupe, stand on a leg. The roof line is sloping.

Massive oval recesses look very stylish, which are designed to distribute oncoming air flows. This testifies to the sporty character of the car. 17-inch wheels fit well into the overall look of the Porsche, which are just asking to be replaced with an even larger radius.

The aft part of the Cayman has a small LED optics, which is connected by a spoiler. The latter has a built-in LED brake light. The large bumper below is endowed with a small diffuser, in the middle of which are the exhaust pipes.

The rear of the supercar looks powerful and dynamic. Highlights include flattened taillights and a huge rear window. The neat rear wing looks very nice.

Interior

Let's start our consideration of the cabin with a detail that plays a very important role in the comfort of the cabin. These are the seats. Even in the minimum configuration, they are thoughtfully and ergonomically designed. The central insert is made of Alcantara, which ensures the highest ease of use.

Even if you make a turn at high speed, such seats do not restrict movement. They are mechanically adjustable in the longitudinal direction, guaranteeing comfort for both tall and short riders.

Everything else is standard: six airbags (most likely, the owner of the car will fly on it, and not drive), xenon, a solid air conditioner and a radio tape recorder. In principle, what else does a good sports car need.

Photo of the Porsche Cayman steering wheel

Unless the owner of such a car eventually wants to replace his 17-inch wheels with something more suitable. As befits a sports car, the control is carried out using a three-spoke steering wheel, the rim of which is trimmed with pleasant to the touch leather.

The interior decoration radiates sports excitement along with real male solidarity, which, in fact, will not embarrass the fair sex at all. It is clear that the level of quality of the interior, along with its functionality and visual attributes, is an absolute luxury, which is not available to every car.

If we talk about individual details, then according to the needs of the buyer, for a separate fee, you can replace, for example, the already high-quality and stylish design with artificial leather for a natural finish.

Literally every detail of the Cayman interior is saturated with ergonomics and excellent functionality. There are handles, keys, switches, skillfully made of expensive plastic and metal.

Dashboard

During landing in the car, the beautifully executed instrument panel catches the eye. Three dark wells, including a tachometer, a speedometer and a fuel gauge, were united by an elegant visor.

The instrument panel also houses a 4.5-inch color display of the onboard computer. All this is very pleasing to the eye and does not cause irritation. Speaking about the interior, it is worth saying that it is quite spacious. The driver does not feel the lack of space, feels comfortable and free.

Dashboard

The pedals were also designed and made in a sporty style. To summarize, the interior was made in the best German traditions. Here we see straight geometric lines, strict design and simplicity of elements.

The steering wheel also has elegant aluminum inserts, and for an additional fee you can make it multifunctional. The brand new console looks stylish and solid. She received a color display with a diagonal of 7 inches.

Already the basic version of the car has climate control and a Bose audio system. Pleasantly pleasing to the eye is a narrow tunnel, on which a gearshift lever was installed. It is surrounded by a considerable variety of keys and control buttons.

luggage compartment

The presence of two luggage compartments is also good news - 275 liters of usable space in the back, and 150 liters in front. In addition to the standard glove compartment, there are a couple of deep “hidden” niches behind the seatbacks along the side windows, and the doors have not very large, but convenient pockets with side-folding covers.

Specifications

power unit

The manufacturer provided 4 different 6-cylinder V-engines. The base is considered to be a gasoline six-cylinder boxer engine with a volume of 2.7 liters.

As a result, we have a 275-horsepower power unit, which allows us to reach a speed limit of 100 km / h in 5.7 seconds. The speed limit is set at 266 kilometers per hour. In combined mode, the engine consumes about 8.4 liters of gasoline.

Next comes a similar engine, however, increased in volume to 3.4 liters. Therefore, its power is already about 325 horses. Based on this, it is logical to conclude that the dynamic characteristics of the Porsche Cayman have increased. Now, it takes only 5 seconds to reach the first hundred, and the top speed reaches 283 km / h.

It is followed by the next engine, similar, but with an increase in power by 20 horses. This did not give significant improvements in terms of dynamic performance - acceleration and maximum speed remained at the same level. The most powerful engine is a 3.8-liter 385-horsepower power unit.

Transmission

If the base has a 5-speed manual transmission, then more powerful variations include Tiptronic automatics. There is an option for a 6-speed manual gearbox, as well as a 7-speed PDK robot with a pair of clutch discs.

Transmission

In reality, the robotic gearbox with the name Porsche Doppelkuplung is nothing more than a modified DSG gearbox from Volkswagen. On the mechanics, the gears are so long that if you follow the rules of the road, you will not be able to turn on 3rd gear.

But already on the track, the Cayman will be able to demonstrate itself in all its beauty, while confidently keeping the trajectory on any high-speed section.

Suspension

It feels like the car is too pressed against the road, which is explained by the upgraded suspension and the longitudinal arrangement of the engine. Cayman's suspension has excellent technical data for sports driving, because it was developed taking into account the sports orientation of the car.

In other words, it meets racing standards, because the Cayman is not a city or family model, although it does have quite ample luggage compartments in front and behind. Thanks to the hinges of the independent front and rear suspension, perfectly matched to the nature of the car, it is possible to achieve a fairly rigid attachment of the running gear to the bodywork.

Suspension

But the adjustment system provides the ability to set the performance of a sports coupe with a difference of millimeters, which is very important for a real professional racer who directs an obedient and tuned only sports car to victory.

In general, in terms of technical equipment, the Cayman managed to significantly surpass its own progenitor Boxter. The body component of a sports vehicle has become more than 2 times tougher, but at the same time it has not gained weight, but vice versa.

The mass of the car is 1,340 kilograms. This was achieved due to the fact that the car was half made of steel, and half of aluminum and some elements of magnesium alloys. Suspension full independent type McPherson.

Despite its harsh adjustments, it is very comfortable. This was achieved in part due to the excellent energy efficiency of the suspension. The front suspension has suspension struts with a special placement of longitudinal and transverse levers.

Thanks to this idea, a very precise alignment of the wheels in synchronization with a high level of comfort is ensured. It also provides for the presence of an additional spring with a stop in the shock absorber strut, which begins to work during intense lateral acceleration, and minimizes the roll angle.

It turns out that the Cayman manages to maintain greater stability during cornering at high speeds. They decided to install the rear wheels on two wishbones, which are guided by trailing arms, transverse rods and suspension struts.

Steering

The steering was supplemented with a hydraulic booster, and the insurance electronics is represented by ABS and the PSM stabilization system. The mechanism itself has a little more than two and a half turns with a variable effort on the steering wheel.

It is worth recognizing that at low speed it will be necessary to make moderate efforts to work with the steering wheel. The new model has electric power steering.

Brake system

Rear and front, ventilated disc brakes are installed. The parking brake is electronic. Four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers are used.

As a separate option, yellow 6-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers can be ordered on the front axle.

Specifications

Model	Porsche Cayman	Porsche Cayman S
Body
Number of doors/seats	2/2	2/2
Length, mm	4347	4347
Width, mm	1801	1801
Height, mm	1304	1304
Wheel base, mm	2415	2415
Track front / rear, mm	1486/1528	1486/1528
Curb weight, kg	1330 (1360)*	1350 (1375)
Gross weight, kg	1635 (1670)	1645 (1675)
Trunk volume, l	150+260	150+260
Engine
Type	gasoline, with distributed injection	gasoline, direct injection
Location	at base, lengthwise	at base, lengthwise
Number and arrangement of cylinders	6, opposite	6, opposite
Number of valves	24	24
Working volume, cm 3	2893	3436
Max. power, hp/r/min	265/7200	320/7200
Max. torque, N m/r/min	300/4400–6000	370/4750
Transmission
Transmission		mechanical, six-speed
Drive unit	rear	rear
Chassis
Front suspension		independent, spring, McPherson
Rear suspension	independent, spring, McPherson	independent, spring, McPherson
Front brakes	disc, ventilated	disc, ventilated
Rear brakes	disc, ventilated	disc, ventilated
Ground clearance, mm	105	105
Performance characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h	265 (263)	277 (275)
Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, s	5,8 (5,7)	5,2 (5,1)
Fuel consumption, l/100 km
- urban cycle	13,8 (13,6)	14,4 (14,1)
- suburban cycle	6,9 (6,5)	7,2 (6,6)
- mixed cycle	9,4 (9,1)	9,8 (9,4)
Toxicity rate	Euro 4	Euro 4
Fuel tank capacity, l	64	64
Fuel	AI-98	AI-98

The Germans have always paid a lot of attention to security. Progressive AirBag technology with full-size airbags for the driver and front passenger is foreseen. They are able to determine the strength and type of collision and open up in two modes of effort.

In addition, all models are equipped with the Porsche Side Impact Protection System. It has side impact protection and a pair of airbags on each side. The sides of the seats have built-in pillows to protect the person's chest.

Airbags

The door panels received pillows designed to protect the head from damage. They open from bottom to top. As a separate option, you can install the Porsche Dynamic Light System, which has an intense 4-point daylight, headlight washers and dynamic corrector.

The adaptive cornering light service is able to adjust the direction of the light beam of the lamps in accordance with the steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This improves the illumination of the roadway.

The high level of safety is perfectly combined with the sporty qualities of the car. Optionally, you can also install LED headlights with PDLS Plus. This LED system is more efficient and has a long service life. Among the features of PDLS Plus is a dynamic high beam control system.

LED headlight

The camera is able to recognize the light of cars that are moving towards, or along the way. Based on this, the service constantly and smoothly changes the range of light. In other words, it will be much easier and faster for you to see the roadway, pedestrians, or various sources of danger. With all this, you will not create difficulties for other road users.

PSM

The Cayman already has an automatic stability control system in its basic equipment. Thanks to the sensors, it is always possible to analyze the direction of travel, speed, yaw and lateral accelerations.

In the event that there are deviations from the set course, the service will begin to apply the brake mechanisms of each individual (depending on what situation) wheel. The machine stabilizes at the optimum speed.

PSM service

Thanks to the ABS system, where there are optimized settings, an extremely short braking distance is ensured, which has a positive effect on possible safety. If you accelerate on the road, where there is a different surface, PSM is able to adjust the traction using the built-in ABD and ASR options.

The serial PSM has pronounced sports settings - the service will intervene in driving precisely and only as a last resort, only in order to help the driver in a critical situation.

Passive safety

The body structure of the Cayman provides a high degree of protection during collisions and has a very resistant interior. The front part of the body has longitudinal and transverse protection elements patented by the German company Porsche.

The bearing sheaf of structural elements contributes to the distribution of forces that appear during a collision in the direction of reducing internal deformation. The engineering team installed a rigid front transverse beam made of high strength steel.

She is able to additionally take on the force of deformation from the front longitudinal protection elements. Work was carried out to reduce the deformation for the space at the legs. As a result, it turned out to achieve a greater level of safety for the knees and feet of passengers.

Options and prices

Becoming 10 liters. With. More powerful and 30 kg lighter than its predecessor, the Porsche Cayman was able to complete the Nurburgring's Nordschleife in less than 8 minutes. Although the price of the novelty is appropriate - the mid-engined Porsche in the basic configuration can be bought at a price of 2,500,000 rubles.

And let the more powerful "eska" turn a little steeper, but it costs 3,129,000 rubles. However, for the base Porsche 911 they ask for 4 million rubles. After such figures, the price of a brand new Cayman no longer seems so terrible.

The basic equipment has ESP, leather interior, 6 airbags, hill start assistance, start / stop system, climate control, light sensor and a good audio system. The most expensive equipment with the most powerful engine will cost about 5,487,000 rubles.

The surprising thing is that, given the rather indiscreet price tag, the car will not have the maximum equipment in the cabin. In addition to the base mentioned above, you will add xenon optics and adaptive lighting.

All other options are paid. Among them are the presence of a multi-steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, a rain sensor, folding mirrors, a navigation system and improved music.

Advantages and disadvantages

Machine advantages

• Pleasant stylish appearance;
• Adaptive lighting system;
• High-quality and expensive interior;
• Color screen located on the center console;
• Convenient and comfortable seats with pronounced lateral support;
• Powerful power units;
• Good streamlining;
• Excellent dynamic characteristics;
• A large number of different security systems and driver assistance;
• Comfortable salon;
• German quality;
• Pair of luggage compartments;
• Simple and clear control;
• Many available options that can be installed by pre-paying for them;
• Pretty acceptable fuel consumption;
• Mid-engine arrangement of the power unit;
• Ability to shift gears in manual mode;
• Massive wheels and wheel arches;
• Small dimensions;
• Various glove compartments and places to store various small things.

Cons of the car

• High pricing policy of the company;
• Poor standard equipment;
• Expensive service;
• Mediocre sound insulation;
• Low ground clearance;
• Insufficient luggage space.

Summing up

So who is he, the new Cayman from Porsche? In principle, it can be an entrance ticket to the world of Porsche cars or a conscious purchase and the antipode of 911. There is an opinion that those who count money will buy the 245-horsepower Cayman, but real revelers and thrill-seekers will aim at the Escu.

The choice between Porsches is getting richer and, at the same time, more difficult. The Germans have always been famous for producing high-quality and practical vehicles, so the Cayman is no exception. The car has small overall characteristics, a powerful power unit, a beautiful and high-quality interior.

Any people can feel great inside themselves, since you can adjust everything personally for yourself. The company did not forget about ensuring the proper level of safety not only for the driver, but also for the driver and other road users. For example, there is an adaptive lighting system that can adapt to certain situations.

However, it seems a bit odd that the base tooling doesn't have many useful features. They can be, if you only buy them additionally - this is a little upsetting, based on the reviews of potential buyers.

Of course, it cannot be said that the standard interior looks poor, no, everything is on top there - equipment, seats, the quality of the materials used, all this eloquently testifies to the status of this German coupe. If you add more expensive maintenance here, then the car will cost a lot of money.

The nice thing is that the designers have provided a couple of small luggage compartments that can accommodate the necessary things. After all, do not forget that this model is still not intended for the transportation of goods.

It can be seen that Porsche does not stand still, but is constantly improving, upgrading its existing cars and producing new ones. Thanks to this, it is possible to successfully compete in the huge global automotive market.

porsche cayman photo

Video review

Compared to its predecessor, the new Cayman has lost weight and grown at the same time: the coupe has become 30 kg lighter, the wheelbase has grown by 60 mm, and the body itself is now 33 mm longer. The fact that the body is thoroughly “redrawn” is indicated by torsional rigidity indicators - almost 42,000 Nm / deg, which is 40% more than its predecessor. The similarity with the 911 is especially noticeable when viewed from the car in profile: this is facilitated by a windshield shifted 100 mm forward and straightened lines of the roof and tailgate. Due to the new design, the Cayman has matured noticeably, acquiring a more serious look: it no longer looks like a toy. Yes, and you can’t refuse him originality: it’s impossible to confuse with another model.

Porsche Cayman S. Photo: Porsche

In the parking lot of the Krasnodar airport near the column of new Cayman S, Porsche representatives meet journalists:

- Most importantly, do not exceed ... Do not greatly exceed the speed limit! There are too many cameras in the Krasnodar Territory - you are tormented to pay fines, - Boris Shulmeister, a famous Russian racer, Honored Master of Sports, warns us.

Plunging into the interior, I am once again convinced that the new Cayman has matured: the interior features have become more solid. And again, the architecture of the 911 is guessed: the same high-lying central tunnel, adjusted landing, ideally shaped steering wheel, excellent visibility ... But there are enough differences: the angular features of the interior are slightly rounded, the dials on the instrument panel have been reduced, the central air intakes have moved to another place. By request, the interior can be trimmed with leather of any shade, but the base plastic looks decent. The ergonomics of the driver's seat is almost perfect: it is almost impossible not to find a comfortable fit. You can only complain about the lack of space behind the seats, as in the 911: neither expand the backrest, nor throw things on the back sofa. But, perhaps, this is the only serious flaw that I found in the whole car. In any case, practical considerations when choosing a sports car are far from being guided in the first place. Moreover, there is enough space for things: the total volume of the front and rear trunks is 312 liters. By sports car standards, it’s very good, like a regular B-class hatchback.

Porsche Cayman S. Photo: Porsche

But it's time to leave. And "Cayman" conquers literally from the first meters of the way. Pedigree is the first thing that comes to mind. This car is unmistakably a real Porsche: solid, assembled and amazingly balanced. And how is the suspension set up? German engineers, it would seem, have done the impossible: a car, originally sharpened for sports tracks, is able to move absolutely normally on our roads. Of course, there is no need to wait for Mercedes comfort, but there is no furious shaking here either.

On our roads with 19-inch wheels, you need to be extremely careful. Photo: Porsche

Try to “not exceed” here ... But no one forbade fast acceleration, right? And acceleration is good here, especially if the Cayman S is equipped with the Sport Plus package and the PDK robot: the first hundred is reached in 4.7 seconds. And what is the accompaniment of the engine! One has only to "stomp" on the gas pedal, and at the same moment the interior is filled with a formidable roar of a 325-horsepower "opposite". Oh, these speed limits, now it would be on a racing track ... But nothing, mountain serpentines will begin soon, it will be possible to realize the capabilities of the chassis there. Fortunately, the holiday season has not yet arrived, so the winding path that I found near Gelendzhik turned out to be completely free. It's time to try the Sport Plus mode: the shock absorbers are “clamped”, and the PDK robot and engine settings go into combat mode. Well, can you go faster? "Rrravk!" I hear the answer behind me. And the car seemed to have been changed: the robot now allows you to “turn” the engine to the last, and the acceleration control has become even more transparent - with such instant and understandable switching, the “mechanics” have no advantages. The ultimate possibilities in sharp turns seem to be completely limitless: despite the ripples of the road surface, the Cayman continues to cling to every turn with enviable tenacity. Only a couple of times I slid all the wheels - there is still a limit, we must not forget about it.

The headlights of the Cayman traditionally differ from the 911 in other forms. Photo: Porsche

The body of the modern Porsche has a modular design. So, for example, in the rear-wheel drive Cayman and 911 Carrera, the floor and front modules are completely the same. But the rear modules are different, primarily due to differences in the layout of the power units. The Cayman, like the Boxster, has the engine mounted inside the wheelbase, with a lighter gearbox in the rear overhang. In the 911, the engine is turned in the opposite direction and protrudes beyond the rear axle, thereby loading the rear end more. Thus, the Cayman has an axle weight distribution of 46:54 in favor of the rear axle, while the balance of the 911 is more shifted back (38:62). And it is impossible to say unambiguously which scheme is better.

The enlarged rear wing extends automatically or manually. Photo: Porsche

- Whoever likes it, - Schulmeister comments. - Simply put, a car with a more loaded rear accelerates more efficiently, but it is more difficult to control in corners. With a nearly equal weight distribution and an inside-wheelbase center-of-mass engine, the Cayman is more stable in corners, but when accelerating, the rear end isn't as loaded as the 911's. On the track, you can achieve better performance from the latter, though not everyone will be able to.

The driver's workplace can rightfully be considered the benchmark for automotive ergonomics. Photo: Porsche

Against the background of this perfection of engineering thought, the use of modern electronic assistants seems not so necessary. Although not useless. For example, the Start Stop system, the coasting function and the energy recovery system have reduced fuel consumption by 15%. Most of the options are aimed at improving racing performance: PASM active suspension, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) active differential simulation ... There are even dynamic gearbox mounts that are included in the optional SportChrono package: by becoming stiffer in sport mode, the mounts reduce the effect of mass inertia engine with gearbox, thereby increasing the stability of the car. But to appreciate all these "gadgets" can only be on the race track.

Our verdict

Without a doubt, the Cayman is a true Porsche. The new model has become more like the legendary 911, while retaining its own face. Managing them is easier and more understandable. The price is quite adequate - the base Cayman is cheaper than the 911 Carrera by almost 2 million! A good offer, because there are practically no direct competitors in our market.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Refined handling, verified ergonomics, excellent engine.

Insufficient choice of sports tracks in Russia.

Driving

Cayman is one of the few who can give true driver's happiness.

Salon

If you do not approach from a practical point of view, then you will not find fault with the interior and the quality of the finish.

Comfort

Being a sports car, Porsche manages to maintain a decent level of comfort.

Safety

Adaptive cruise control and an anti-recoil system appeared in the equipment.

Price

Quite decent, given that there are practically no competitors in this segment.

SPECIFICATIONS

LOVE - NOT LOVE

Characteristically

The headlights of the Cayman traditionally differ from the 911 in other forms.

Effective

The enlarged rear wing extends automatically or manually.

Dimensions	4380x1801x1294mm
Base	2475 mm
Curb weight	1350 kg
Full mass	1695 kg
Clearance	n. d.
Trunk volume	150+162 l
Fuel tank volume	64 l
Engine	gasoline., boxer, 6-cyl., 3436cm3, 325/7400hp/min-1, 370/4500–5800 Nm/min-1
Transmission	robot. (PDK), 7-speed , rear drive
Dynamics	281km/h; 4.7sdo100km/h
Fuel consumption	11.2/6.2/8 l per 100 km
Competitors	Audi TT RS

Let's do it quickly - this is the motto most suitable for Porsche. My acquaintance with the new Cayman began on the plane on the way to the Swedish city of Malmö, when my colleagues and I were given iPads, each of which was loaded with a multimedia presentation - which, as it turned out later, was also a press conference. And no lengthy speeches for you with pretentious speeches of designers, marketers and similar talkers. No Q&A session? No problem! All the exciting details about the 718 Cayman could be clarified with the Porsche specialists who were waiting for us at the Sturup Raceway near Malmö Airport - the track visit was scheduled for the next morning.

One way or another, but even before the very moment I saw the new car, I clearly knew that it was faster. First of all, thanks to hitherto unknown four-cylinder turbo engines, which replaced the former atmospheric “sixes”. The power units have retained the boxer layout of the cylinders, but have seriously shrunk in the working volume: the base Cayman is equipped with a two-liter engine, and the more powerful Cayman S has half a liter more at its disposal.

But in terms of the main indicators, the turbo looks much more advantageous: in both cases, the power increased by 25 horsepower, and the increase in torque was up to 90 Nm, and the thrust peak was smeared with a thick layer over the range of 1,900–4,500 rpm. Acceleration is even quicker: The 718 Cayman with PDK and the Sport Crono package shoots from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than before. And the “eska” is even more ferocious: it passes “hundred” from a place in 4.2 seconds.

On paper, this progress looks convincing. And on the road? Even more beautiful! I was able to verify this as soon as I got off the plane.

Postcard from the past

By the way, why did the Boxster / Cayman family suddenly become 718? The Germans decided to stir up history, from which the lightest (570 kilo!) Porsche 718 racing spider, produced from 1957 to 1962, surfaced. This car was equipped with a 1.5-liter engine, installed just within the wheelbase. It is she who should be considered the ideological predecessor of the modern Boxster, who made his debut a little earlier.

Price Porsche 718 Cayman

from 3 620 000 rubles

However, it is not difficult to find the direct ancestor of the Cayman in the Porsche story, which the official chronology considers the 718 GTR Coupe of the 1962 model of the year. By the way, the history of the German brand is rich in another curious car that is quite worthy of taking a place in the pantheon of democratic sports cars from Stuttgart - we are talking about the 914 targa model, which was produced from 1969 to 1976. Is it necessary to say that this car also had an engine located in the middle?

The ancestor of the current family of mid-engined sports cars (factory index 986) was the Boxster roadster - this happened in 1996. The Cayman, on the other hand, appeared only nine years later, skipping ahead of the second-generation Boxster of the 987 series, which was announced a year earlier. Finally, four years ago, both cars gave way to completely new sports cars, which were assigned the index 981. Now, along with a modified body, edited interior and turbo engines created from scratch, both cars received a new designation - 982.

But the most important thing that happened to the little Porsches is the triumph of logic in the matter of pricing. After all, as it used to be - Boxster was always at the lowest level, opening the lineup; and the Cayman traditionally cost more. And it was a kind of pattern break: how is it that an open car costs less than a coupe? It is clear that in this case it would be more interesting to take a roadster: if you don’t get a car for every day, then let it be an open-top car - it’s also cheaper!

Now the situation has changed exactly the opposite: Cayman has become cheaper! Or is the Boxster more expensive? Not the point. The main thing is this: now the most affordable Porsche is a coupe, not a roadster. And although the difference in price is small - only 68 thousand rubles - the fact remains.

Well, so be it. Moreover, there is a reason for positive here: a closed body is much stiffer than an open one - more than twice. This means that it has a clear advantage in terms of handling, especially on the race track. Oh I have to try this!

Emotional outburst

If the car has an outstanding appearance, then no color will spoil it. So is the Cayman - he is handsome even when painted in a banal metallic silver. What can we say about the Miami Blue coupe - bright, bold, defiant? But there is also Lava Orange - heartfelt orange. Shine!

Porsche 718 Cayman

Brief specifications

Dimensions, mm (L / W / H): 4 379 / 1 801 / 1 295 Engine: 2 (2.5) l, 300 (350) l. With. Transmission: six-speed manual or seven-speed robotic Maximum speed, km / h: 275 (285) Acceleration to 100 km / h, s: 4.7 (4.2) Drive: rear

* in parentheses are the technical specifications of the Porsche 718 Cayman S PDK

However, if you break out of the spherical vacuum, it is easy to find that even after a noticeable update, the current Cayman pretty much looks like the previous ones, regardless of the generation. This is bad? Don't think. In Stuttgart, evolutionary practices are valued, when each subsequent model largely reproduces the previous car. However, there will always be some extremely noticeable touch by which you can identify a new thing. In the fresh Cayman, this is the rear optics with a bridge thrown over from the Porsche inscription. And yet - there is no need to talk about any new design. And there is no need - Porsche should be perceived as a Porsche. And if this is the case, then everything is correct.

But Cayman was created not only to admire it. All its beauty comes from within! This is a powerful source of emotional nutrition, from which you recharge by 80% in the very first minutes of the trip. You get the rest of the percentage already while driving, and on the track the charge level immediately goes off scale for 100%.

Follow the routine!

The interior is typically “piston-shaped”, and this pleases: for those who had the good fortune to drive German sports cars, everything is familiar here. The instrument panel is a parade of planets of three luminaries, where the tachometer is appointed as the main one. The speedometer located to the left of it, as I could see, is needed solely for the sake of formality: its digitization is so small that it is absolutely impossible to use it. However, the speed readings are duplicated by numbers at the bottom of the tachometer, which partly saves the situation. But the display inscribed in the right circle is replete with functions: anything can be displayed on it - from the readings of the on-board computer to the map of the area from the navigation system.

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You can scroll through the screen either with a steering column switch or a wheel on the steering wheel - it all depends on which set of options a particular instance has got. On machines in simpler configurations, there are no buttons on the steering wheel at all, and this is not very convenient. The steering wheel itself, by the way, is made in the image and likeness of it on a supercar - exactly the same “donuts” are used on the updated family of the legendary 911.

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From the same “nine hundred and eleventh” Cayman (following Boxster) also adopted a round switch fixed under the right spoke - with its help you can change driving modes that affect the settings of the power unit and chassis. There are four presets in total: normal, Sport, Sport + and individual - in the latter case, you can configure each component individually (for example, “sharpen” the engine and box, but not tighten the suspension).

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Trunk volume, l

150 (front) / 275 (rear)

By the way, even this mode selector differed from car to car. Caymans with PDK preselective robot, supplemented by the Sport Chrono package, have a button in the center of the switch that activates the Sport Response function: when pressed, the box drops one gear and switches to a special shifting algorithm, pushing the tachometer needle into the high-speed zone, and the reactions to the pedal gases are exacerbated to the limit. This "afterburner" is valid for 20 seconds, which is more than enough to make a swift overtaking. And if you manage to get ahead of the ride faster, you can “deforce” the car by pressing the same button.

Tricks on the track

On the race track, this thing is not particularly needed - here it is more important to keep the right trajectory and keep up with the instructor, who from the heart "knocks down" on the 911. Here Cayman feels at ease: you won’t scare him with a ring track. Rather, on the contrary - only provoke!

The Sturup Raceway coupe clings to the asphalt with wide 20-inch wheels so tightly that it seems as if the tires did not care about the laws of physics. Of course, if you go into a rage, then bringing the 718 to slips will not be difficult - especially in Sport + mode. However, things are unlikely to come to a loss of control over the situation: the PSM exchange rate stability system is sensitively vigilant, albeit in the background. So Cayman can easily indicate a skid, but completely surrender to him - no, no!

The difference between the 300-horsepower base coupe and the 350-horsepower Cayman S on public roads is not too noticeable - a slight advantage in traction has little effect on the emotional background. How so? Yes, that's it! In fact, even with a “small” engine, Porsche is tearing up and down: the acceleration dynamics are stunning. Yes, and the soundtrack is just what Dr. Ferdinand Porsche ordered: the turboopposite, excited by the start-stop button, grunts cheerfully, with intense acceleration at the moment of gear changes, snorts merrily and unrestrainedly shoots back through the mufflers when the gas is released. Great!

Porsche 718 Cayman (718 Cayman S) with PDK robot
Consumption per 100 km/h

But on the race track, the advantages of "eski" become obvious. More torque allows you to pick up speed more confidently out of corners - this is felt more than distinctly. And the brakes work more efficiently: in contrast to the basic version, the front axle of the Cayman S is equipped with four-piston calipers from 911 Carrera with thicker discs. However, it is worth passing a few fast laps along the track - and the brakes begin to get tired even on the “esque”: the pedal travel increases, and the pedal itself becomes less rigid. Whether it's the optional carbon-ceramic PCCB - this is nothing: the margin of efficiency of such brakes is several times higher than the standard ones. That's just the price ... Nearly half a million rubles - what is it?

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However, if you don’t have a special desire to walk the Cayman on the track, then you shouldn’t dream of composite ceramic brakes. Moreover, even the most democratic 718th is able to fill life with thrills to the brim. The main thing is not to spill them.

materiel

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At the heart of the new "718th", aka "982nd", is a modernized predecessor platform with the factory designation 981, which, in turn, "grew" from the 911 model. Both have McPherson front suspension, in fact, the same steering mechanism with electric power, the body floor and the power structure of the front, but the rear module of the Boxster and Cayman has its own, as well as the layout of the power unit - in the base, and not in the rear overhang, like the 911th. Instead of a noble multi-link, here is the same democratic McPherson, although ennobled during the modernization: the anti-roll bar has become 20 percent stiffer, and the aluminum subframe is reinforced with a cross member, which was previously installed only on a charged version of the GT4. The rigidity of the suspension springs and shock absorbers has also been increased, which, moreover, have become a little thicker, and the front ones now have special additional springs that prevent the “nose up” during active acceleration. This is if we are talking about the basic version, but in the version with the PASM active suspension, the electronics are responsible for this, and the ground clearance is reduced by 10 mm. There is also PASM Sport, but there the suspension is “squeezed” so much that it makes sense to buy such a car only for those who plan to spend at least a weekend on the race track. Returning to the body, we note: it has changed significantly in form, which was one of the reasons for assigning its own index (only the windshield, roof and trunk lid remained the same), but not in content. The entire power structure has been preserved intact, almost half consisting of aluminum, the rest is high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel, as well as magnesium alloy. Although there is still one innovation: if the former atmospheric “sixes” were mounted on three hydrosupports, then the new turbocharged “fours” already have four, despite the smaller displacement. However, this is quite logical given the increased impact and slightly worse balance of such engines, even if the boxer layout in this regard is preferable to the traditional in-line one. The engines of the new line belong to the same modular 9A2 family as the six-cylinder units of the current 911, moreover, in fact, they are the same, but with an "amputated" pair of cylinders. All motors - with the same timing chain drive, a pair of camshafts in each of the two heads, phase shifters and cylinders with iron plasma spraying on the walls, with direct injection and a central location of nozzles. All are high-speed and short-stroke, especially the 2.5-liter, which is a "bored" version of the two-liter, having exactly the same cylinders and pistons as the three-liter "six". But in details, of course, everything is not so simple: for example, the features of the operation of four cylinders required the use of a system for changing the stroke of not only intake, but also exhaust valves. For the same reason, instead of personal turbochargers for every three cylinders, like the "sixes", one common one is installed here, and on the 2.5-liter S version - with an increased diameter and variable geometry of the turbine. And in order to fit turbo engines where aspirated engines used to stand, the designers had to develop an original charge air cooling system with a compact intercooler and two radiators on the sides of the engine. As for the transmission, there is the least creativity here: the two-pedal version has the same preselective seven-speed “robot” PDK with two “wet” clutches supplied by ZF (7DT-45 according to its specification). Similar boxes (adjusted for a different layout of the power unit) are installed on the Porsche 911, but the original seven-speed “mechanics” created on the basis of the PDK, the “718th” did not receive, he is still content with the usual six-speed box.

You will like the Porsche 718 Cayman if:

• You are bored to live in this world;
• You distinguish "ride" from "ride";
• You have money for another car.

You won't like the Porsche 718 Cayman if:

• Are you sure that all options must be in the database;
• You think that four million for two liters is too much;
• You have no doubt that one big trunk is better than two small ones.

If he had received a more powerful engine, all his other relatives from the 911 family would have ceased to be sold - the expert and race car driver Boris Schulmeister highly appreciated the two-seater Porsche Cayman.

We were talking at the door of a Porsche dealership, where I was mistaken for a Cayenne customer. Undoubtedly, this glamorous and at the same time serious off-road vehicle, which pulled the company out of the vegetative life of the 90s, is a cool car. But I personally do not like him for spoiling the blood of Porsche, a brand that stands apart for me from the rest of the automotive world.

True "Porsche" with the spirit of originality - rear-wheel drive,! These three numbers are magical, like the number of the rescue service: an outlet for all those who are sick of racing.

Of course, the nameplate "911" on the stern costs a lot. And rightly at Porsche they reasoned - it is necessary to design a model more accessible. This is how the first generation Cayman appeared, which, however, proved throughout its entire assembly line life that it was worthy of its older brother.

Porsche Cayman (Porsche Cayman) - the second in a row of yellow color on the ring road in Myachkovo

And now the production of the second generation Porsche Cayman has begun, but it has not yet reached our dealer. I listened to the manager's story about some three "Caimans" with the letter S, which are already on their way to Russia, experienced the fear of not being included in the application for this year, since the quota for Russia is limited and, without spending a single ruble, left my favorite car dealership.

The Porsche Cayman is the third model after the 911 Carrera and the Boxster with an innovative lightweight body. Depending on the equipment, the new Porsche Cayman is up to 30 kg lighter than its predecessor and consumes 15% less fuel. The body has added 40% in rigidity, which means the car must be even sharper.

True, the base price for the new Porsche Cayman S remained on hand - 3,129,000 rubles. and a list of options that can raise the price list to 4,463,404 rubles. Rumors that the most affordable version of the new generation Porsche Cayman will be offered from 2,555,000 rubles. The seller did not deny, but did not confirm either. It seems that there are no quotas for them yet. If you add a million to this amount, you can buy the first generation Porsche Cayman S with all the options.

So far without license plates, but already on the track. With a teacher on curves Oleg Keselman, I and Porsche Cayman (Porsche Cayman) on the ring road in Myachkovo.

What has changed in the second generation Porsche Cayman? Practically... everything! Visually, it seems more massive, gives more power and space, it is even easier to ride on it, and now it has finally escaped from the shadow of "".

At first glance, you snatch out the chased doors that direct the flow to the air intakes; a short front overhang adorned with headlights with intricate LED rings; shifted forward cabin and pumped up back. Air intakes on the rear fenders point to the Porsche Cayman's mid-engined concept. In this case, the mass of the boxer motor is concentrated in the middle near the center of mass. And this ensures the minimum moment of inertia, the highest maneuverability and absolutely neutral steering.

The wheelbase was lengthened by 60 mm, the track became wider, the ground clearance was lowered by 10 mm (for the Cayman S by 11 mm). Coupe clung to the asphalt and looks older and more courageous. However, the length has grown by only 33 mm, so the Cayman is still compact and comfortable in the city.

Porsche Cayman: Responsive handling, deep driving position and body rigidity add up to great feedback.

A large wheelbase makes the Porsche Cayman related to Formula 1. Even with the stabilization system turned off, near the limit of the permissible, the Porsche Cayman will suddenly not spin sharply. The transition from grip mode to slip mode is smooth and controlled.

Which trunk to open? Both are possible! At the same time, let's evaluate how practical the Cayman is, if at all it can be said about a sports car. It turns out that it is quite possible: the front one, with a volume of 270 liters, accommodated a medium-sized suitcase, and the trunk with a camera lay in the rear, 130-liter one.

Porsche Cayman is a spacious two-seater with a good finish, two trunks, a practical rear shelf.

In general, Cayman does not dictate its own rules and does not require comfort to be sacrificed to sport. Seats? They are undeniably athletic. But these are not sports “ladles”, but quite civilian, moderately hard chairs. Even the optional Racing Plus seats with four-point harnesses don't compress uncompromisingly like a corset.

Porsche Cayman: 6-speed manual gearbox with dual-mass flywheel as standard. Comfortable seats, too small buttons on the center console, difficult to read speedometer scale

Multimedia is also no worse than in a premium sedan: the main central 7-inch touch screen is complemented by a 4.6-inch multifunctional VGA display in the right instrument well, which provides information from the on-board computer and duplicates the data of the navigator.

There is nothing to say about the finish: a style recognizable from the first seconds, impeccable ergonomic tailoring, elegant ties, pliable plastic, a verified effort on each button. And what do the colors of the interior sound like: Lime Gold, Pebble Grey, Amber Orange… delicious! Everything here is appetizing and real – the leather exuding a refined aroma, the aluminum hubs of the small steering wheel, door handles and the console frame cooling the palms – she teases with the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” keys. They just scream: “Have you forgotten why you are here?”

Porsche Cayman is still being produced with two boxer "sixes": a less powerful 2.7-liter, 275-horsepower added 10 hp. and 200 volume cubes. The second - 325-strong (+5 hp to its predecessor) is put on the Cayman-S version. The maximum power curves soared to even higher revs. The 3.4-liter boxer from the older brother of the Carrera lost 25 hp in the Porsche Cayman, so to speak, out of reverence for the elders. But the sound from the air-cooled era is even better here. This does not affect fuel consumption, on the contrary, thanks to automatic start-stop and a long seventh gear in the PDK box, the Porsche Cayman S saves up to a liter per hundred compared to its predecessor.

It is the Porsche Cayman-S that is coming to us now, we will test it with the Porsche Doppelkupplung preselective robot (plus 135,552 rubles to the basic configuration). This 7-speed gearbox is docked to the centrally located motor and hangs over the rear axle. She doesn't seem to have a switch time at all. It helps save fuel by disengaging the clutch as soon as you let off the gas. For a surcharge (in the SportChrono package - 97,027 rubles), dynamic supports are offered for it, which reduce the inertia of the unit in tight turns, and, as a result, stern withdrawal. And now add here the almost perfect weight distribution along the axes: 46:54! Promising?

Start! The Porsche Cayman S picks up speed with the greed of a hare hound: graceful and unrestrained. The Sport button changes the engine management program, and the Cayman, on acceleration, finishes off the tachometer needle to a maximum of 8000 rpm.

What is Sport Plus? Yeah, now the coupe also angrily growls with gas when switching down, keeping the tachometer needle in tune with high speeds.

Porsche Cayman: In the hunt for split seconds, it is not necessary to disable the ESP. In the "Sport plus" position, the settings allow some freedom and, if necessary, apply braking sharply, but briefly. There is no choking of the engine at the exit of the turn.

The first turn, and the coupe, without squeaking tires, passes the apex. The electromechanical power steering, which replaced hydraulics, allows you to calculate the trajectory with an accuracy of up to a centimeter. Suspensions have been improved: the front MacPherson is lighter and equipped with more compact shock absorbers on aluminum mounts, and the anti-roll bar is stiffer. At the back, there is also a MacPherson, but now completely aluminum, with the exception of the lower cross member - it is made of more rigid sheet steel.

Set up suspension? Perhaps: for this there is another magic button with an icon in the form of a shock absorber. The new generation of the optional PASM active suspension (plus RUB 68,489) received four additional vertical acceleration sensors on the front and rear wheels. Road grip is further enhanced when the sport mode is selected. The PASM suspension is complemented by Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which simulates an active differential: it links the rear differential lock with selective wheel braking with the support of Porsche Stability Management. Effect? Significant improvement in dynamics at the entrance to the turn and grip already at the exit.

Surprisingly, you do not feel the restraining effect of electronics at all. It is as if the car itself is screwed into the turn, guessing desires, and this process is often accompanied by slips and slippage.

Turn off the stabilization system? Why not! For a professional rider, the Cayman off the leash is a thrill. And for a beginner - flour! The excess power, combined with hellish tenacity, leads to sharp slips, missing the car a couple of trifles, and catching it is much more difficult. Conclusion: the average driver with electronics will go not only calmer, but also noticeably faster.

Having rolled out into the city, a curve hunter can turn off all "sports" and indulge in music. The sound quality is no worse than the thoroughbred roar of the “six” and the tuned release: for the first time on the “Cayman”, they put on order a Burmester audio system with twelve individually controlled speakers, including an active subwoofer integrated into the car frame. The total power of the system is 800 watts, and they accompany the car incomparably.

The little Porsche is the fastest concert hall on wheels in its class, and it's also friendly to congested city routes. But, at least once every two weeks, he, trained on famous tracks, still needs to be driven on curves.

Anyone who thinks that there are only two modes "Normal" and "Sport" is mistaken: the Porsche Cayman chooses the appropriate mode itself. On the one hand, the damping steps in Sport have become noticeably softer and therefore suitable not only for the race track, on the other hand, the car can increase stiffness if it detects an ambitious driver behind the wheel.

Specifications Porsche Cayman

Manufacturer data

Model	Porsche Cayman	Porsche Cayman S
COMMON DATA
Dimensions, mm: length / width / height / base	4380 / 1801 / 1294 / 2475	4380 / 1801 / 1295 / 2475
track front / rear	1526 /1536	1526 /1540
Trunk volume front / rear, l	270 / 130	270 / 130
Curb / gross weight, kg	1310 / 1655	1350 / 1696
Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, s	5,7	4,7
Maximum speed, km/h	266	281
Fuel / fuel reserve, l	A98/64	A98/64
Fuel consumption, urban / extra-urban / combined cycle, l / 100 km	11,4 / 6,3 / 8,2	11,2 / 6,2 / 8,0
ENGINE:
Location	In base	In base
Configuration / number of valves	Op6 /24	Op6 /24
Working volume, cu. cm	2706	3436
Power, kW / hp	202 / 275 at 7400 rpm.	239 / 325 at 7400 rpm.
Torque, Nm	290 at 4500 - 6500 rpm.	370 at 4500 - 5800 rpm.
TRANSMISSION
Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Transmission	M6	A7
CHASSIS
Suspension: front / rear		McPherson type / multi-link
Steering	Rack and pinion with electric booster	Rack and pinion with electric booster
Brakes: front / rear		ventilated disc / ventilated disc
Tire Size: Front / Rear	235/45 R18 / 265/45 R18	235/40ZR19 / 265/44ZR19

The price of a new car ranges from 3 to 4.3 million rubles. Porsche Cayman was first presented in 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The model was a hardtop version of the sporty Boxster. In the same 2005, a modification of the Porsche Cayman S with a 245-horsepower engine was released. In 2008, the Porsche Cayman was restyled, and in 2009 an updated S version was released with reduced weight and a 314-horsepower engine. You can buy a Porsche Cayman with a 2.7-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine with 245 hp. or a new 3.4-liter engine with 295 hp. The Porsche Cayman boasts a well-crafted interior. Comfortable Cayman anatomical seats provide excellent lateral support, a very low seating position and absolutely do not restrict movement. The seats are adjustable in height and in the longitudinal direction, there is also an electric backrest tilt. The interior of the racing Porsche Cayman also surprises with its practicality (by the standards of a sports car). The coupe has two trunks: in the front and rear of the car, with a total volume of 410 liters. For small things in the cabin there are various pockets, a glove box and a box armrest. The front suspension of the Porsche Cayman consists of suspension struts with a special arrangement of longitudinal and transverse levers. This concept ensures very precise wheel alignment combined with a high level of comfort. An additional spring with a stop in the suspension strut comes into action at high lateral acceleration and minimizes the roll angle. In this way, the Porsche Cayman maintains greater stability, even at very high cornering speeds. Porsche Cayman comes standard with PSM (Porsche Stability Management). It corrects the driver's mistakes by automatically removing the "gas" and slowing down the car. On request, the Porsche Cayman S can be equipped with the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system. This device adjusts the clearance and stiffness of the shock absorbers depending on the road conditions and the chassis setting mode selected by the driver - normal or sporty.