Barely two weeks after it presented the new Porsche Panamera Platinum Edition to the motoring press, Porsche Centre Lagos has again unveiled the modified version of Porsche Cayman, one of world’s most celebrated sports cars money can buy.
Completely redesigned with exceptional trappings, the newcomer, according to Porsche AG, is the third generation edition for the 2014 model year. A rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive and two-seater sports car, Porsche Cayman is an entirely elitist coupe derived from Porsche’s second and third generation Boxster roadster and the 911 Carrera.
The Cayman, has since its introduction to the model line-up seven years ago stood out as the most entertaining and engaging sports car ever and promises to set an even higher standard based on series of modifications the automaker has added to make the car more powerful, faster and more elegant than its predecessor.
Julian Hardy, deputy managing director, European Brand, Stallion Motors Limited, owners of Porsche franchise in Nigeria acknowledged these enhancements in his product analysis of the new Cayman. He said the styling of the new Cayman is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, remarking that the newcomer has been upgraded with new optional features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ADC) for the first time. ADC controls the distance to the car ahead in traffic and the vehicle speed.
Also adding that the new Cayman comes with optional entry and drive keyless system that can be factory installed, Wagner said: “though at a glance, the coupe looks remarkably similar to its sleek predecessor, a closer inspection reveals it is longer and wider than before, while the sharper edged design gives the Cayman a more aggressive stance.”
For instance, the newly designed tailpipes of the exhaust system visually terminates at a low central point allowing the Cayman to get an oval tailpipe and the Cayman ‘S’ has two-branch dual tailpipes.
Available in two versions of 2.7litre and 3.4litre, the base (standard) Cayman is equipped with 2.7litre flat six engine that is mounted on a six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed Porsche PDK, producing 275hp with 214 Ib-ft of toque which is 10 times more than its previous model.
The Porsche Cayman ‘S’ on the other hand is mated to an upscale 3.4litre flat six engine that produces 325hp and 273 Ib-ft with six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed Porsche PDK (automatic dual clutch).
Both engines are up to 15 percent more fuel efficient due to their petrol direct injection thermal management, electrical system recuperation and auto start/stop function. Hardy said Porsche engineers placed high priority on turning of the Cayman not just to improve the driving performance and agility of the car but to simultaneously enhance the comfort and everyday practicality.
Electromechanical power steering has also replaced the previous hydraulic system to allow drivers experience the agility even more intensively, the European brand director affirmed. These modifications are all intended to enhance the capacity, refinement and comfort of the Cayman thus making it more relaxing in long distance drive.
“With this beautifully balanced mid-engine handling coupled with a perfectly weighted steering and staggering grip, the new Cayman is a blast to drive especially down any twisting road. Buyers can also add the brilliant PASM adaptive dampers, which combine superb body control with a remarkably supple ride, Hardy said.
Also noticeable in the Cayman models are the 18-inch alloys on the base model and the eye-catching 19-inch rims fitted on the classy ‘S’ model to give the new Porsche Cayman an upscale attraction. What’s more, classy materials, first rate build quality and a flawless driving position places the two-seater Cayman well above rivals in its class.
Talking reliability, the European Brand helmsman said: “Porsche has long tradition of building beautifully engineered cars and the Cayman is no exception. The cabin is solidly screwed together while the tried and tested mechanicals are lifted straight from the Porsche Boxster and 911 Carrera.”
Porsche Cayman also comes with several other features such as a raft of safety kit as standard, including full complement of six airbags and electronic stability control, (ESC). Buyers with deep pockets can however add ceramic brakes, powerful bi-xenon headlamps and adaptive cruise control.
However, Isofix child seat fixings is standard and does not attract an expensive extra,” Hardy recounts. A surprisingly practical sports car, the Cayman assures the driver and passenger plenty of head and legroom as well as useful storage space.
