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The new Porsche Cayman is having its world premiere at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The third generation of the Cayman has been completely new developed. The car is now lower, longer, wider, lighter and faster! The new Cayman is up to 30 kg lighter, depending on the specific model and equipment, and it consumes up to 15% less fuel per 100 km than the previous model.

The new generation of the 2-seat mid-engine sports car is debuting in two variants: the Cayman and the Cayman S. The base model is powered by a 2.7-litre flat six-cylinder engine with 275 hp (202 kW). It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, depending on the equipment, and reaches a top speed of 266 km/h. Its NEDC fuel consumption lies between 7.7 l/100 km and 8.2 l/100 km, depending on the selected transmission.

The 3.4-litre engine of the Cayman S produces 325 hp (239 kW); the best possible acceleration from 0-100 km/h is 4.7 seconds with appropriate features. The Cayman S can reach a top speed of 283 km/h, and its NEDC fuel consumption value lies between 8.0 l/100 km and 8.8 l/100 km, depending on the selected transmission.

Both variants of the new Cayman are equipped with standard 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK).

Porsche is also upgrading the Cayman with new optional features. For example, the sport coupé is now available with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for the first time, which controls the distance to the car ahead in traffic and vehicle speed similar to the Volvo cars. More options like a specially developed Burmester sound system, keyless Entry & Drive system are also available.

The new Cayman is more distinctive than ever. Its proportions are new, and yet it is clearly a Porsche sport coupé; an extended wheelbase with shorter overhangs and 18- and 19-inch diameter wheels with larger rolling circumference are identifying visual characteristics of the car’s more enhanced driving performance. Its styling is marked by precise lines and razor-sharp sculpted edges. They emphasise the car’s low, extended silhouette with the windscreen shifted forward and the roof line that reaches far back. Especially expressive and characteristic are the dynamic recesses in the doors, which guide induction air into the distinctive air scoops on the rear side panels and then directly to the engine. This offers the most prominent visualisation of the concept of a mid-engine car.

From the front end, the new Cayman is marked by its dominant cooling air inlets, which increase in size towards the sides of the car. Just as unique to the new generation of the sport coupé are the large, low rear lid made of aluminium and the rear section with its wrap-around edges. Mounted directly to the rear lid is the thin blade of the rear spoiler, which – in contrast to that of the Boxster – is higher and deploys at a steeper angle. The overall appearance of the Cayman is more independent than before, and it is well-differentiated from the previous model.

Lastly, the new Cayman generation is scheduled to be available in Malaysia in Q2 2013.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Porsche Cayman

YouTube: The new Cayman. First exclusive look.

The new top-of-the-range model for Porsche mid-engine coupes – Porsche Cayman R was first debut during 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show and it is now officially launched in Malaysia by CEO of Porsche Malaysia, Mr. Arnt Bayer. Since after Sime Darby took over the importer-ship in March 2010, Porsche Malaysia has done many exciting things to drive the Porsche brand in Malaysia to even greater heights by introducing many great models in Malaysia.

The snappy flat-six (boxer engine) Cayman R now comes with +10bhp and 55kg lighter than the Cayman and Cayman S. The modifications that make up the Cayman R includes:-

- New exhaust system

- Improved engine sound

- New engine control

- More aggressive gas throttle/pedal mapping

- More radical gearshift strategy for Porsche double-clutch transmission (PDK)

After the upgrades, the Cayman R specification as below:-

- 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine with 330 hp (243 kW) @ 7,400rpm and 370 Nm of torque @ 4,750rpm

- Rear wheel drive; six-gear manual transmission, 7-speed Porsche double-clutch transmission (PDK)

- Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, 4.9 seconds with PDK

- Top speed 282 km/h, 280 km/h with PDK

- Fuel consumption (NEDC) 9.7 l/100 km, 9.3 l/100 km with PDK

The main aim during the design of the Cayman R was to improve the two-seater even further in its performance, driving dynamics and agility through consistent weight reduction. In Malaysia, the Porsche Cayman R comes standard with air-conditioning system, audio head-unit system, 19 RS Spyder Wheels, 20mm sports suspension, rear differential lock, 7-speed PDK transmission, Sport Chrono package, and Park Assist. The Cayman R is retailing in Malaysia and priced at RM630,000 (before optional upgrades); RM40,000 extra compared to the Cayman S.

Overall, the vehicle weight of the Cayman R was reduced by 55kg to a DIN empty weight of 1295kg compared with the Cayman S. After adding the air-conditioning system, audio head-unit system and park assist to the car for Malaysian market, the Cayman R weight slightly more now. Moreover, potential owners of Cayman R can also opt for optional lithium-ion lightweight construction battery (for further weight reduction) and optional ceramic discs upgrades (for better braking capabilities). The interior colours can be specifically make-to-order based on customer liking. Drivers that preferred to drive with manual transmission just like me, you can also order the Cayman R in 6-speed manual transmission too (if you want).

The Cayman R uses aluminium doors as used in the 911 Turbo and it saved a further 15kg. The front luggage compartment bonnet is also made from aluminium shell structure. CFRP light bucket seats with improve the driver’s side support in bends contribute to a further weight reduction of 12kg compared with the conventional seats used in the Cayman S. The reduced door trims without storage compartment and with door opening strap, dispensing with the instrument cluster cover and the cup-holder in addition to a wide range of minor measures round off the lightweight package. Cayman R provides the same passive safety system like all other Porsche cars; it comes standard with 6 airbags and POSIP, which is short for Porsche Side Impact Protection. Porsche Stability Management (PSM), also standard on Cayman R, it is specially calibrated to intervene later in the driver’s panic threshold, which makes the car wildly entertaining, yet still safe to drive.

The Cayman R’s purpose and perfectionist character can be seen at first glance. The extended outline of the bodywork, which has been lowered by 20mm compared to the Cayman S, combined with the unique fixed rear spoiler, the high-quality 19″ RS Spyder Wheels and numerous sporting emphases in both the interior and exterior ensures an distinctive appearance. Personally, the styling of Porsche stickers on the side outstand the entire Cayman R similar to the 911 GT3 RS with GT3 RS stickers on the side.

Comparing the tracking experience, this Porsche Cayman R is nowhere close to the 911 GT3 RS after a drive in Sepang International Circuit. However, this mid-engine Cayman R is absolutely fun after its entire upgrades. The engine is responsive with nice exhaust note, the handling is sharper than Cayman S, and the ride quality is reasonably comfortable for daily drive as a sports coupe.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Porsche Cayman R Malaysia

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