The Porsche Boxster and Cayman are both mid-engined two-seater sports cars built by Porsche. The Boxster, a 2-door, 2-seater roadster was released in 1996 and the Cayman went on sale in late 2005 as the 2-door, 2-seater fastback coupé version.
Video Porsche Boxster/Cayman
Overview
Boxster
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engined two-seater roadster built by Porsche. The Boxster is Porsche's first road vehicle to be originally designed as a roadster since the 550 Spyder.
The first-generation Boxster (the 986) was introduced in late 1996; it was powered by a 2.5-litre flat six-cylinder engine. The design was heavily influenced by the 1992 Boxster Concept. In 2000, the base model was upgraded to a 2.7-litre engine and the new Boxster S variant was introduced with a 3.2-litre engine. In 2003, styling and engine output was upgraded on both variants.
In 2005, Porsche unveiled the second generation of Boxster: the type 987. The 987 is more powerful than its predecessor and featured styling inspired by the Carrera GT. Engine output increased in 2007, when both Boxster models received the engines from their corresponding Porsche Cayman variants. In 2009, the Boxster models received several new cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, further increasing engine output and performance. The third generation Boxster (type 981) was launched at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Production of the 986 began at the former Porsche 928 facility in Stuttgart, Germany in 1996. Valmet Automotive also manufactured Boxsters under contract to Porsche at a facility in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The Boxster was Porsche's biggest volume seller from its introduction in 1996 until the company introduced the Cayenne sport utility vehicle in 2003. As of September 2012, additional production of the 981 started at the former Karmann-factory in Osnabrück.
Name
The Boxster's name is derived from the word "boxer", referring to the vehicle's flat or "boxer" engine, and the word "roadster", referring to the vehicle's two-seater capacity and convertible top.
Cayman
The Porsche Cayman is a rear mid-engined, rear wheel drive 2-seat sports car produced by Porsche AG of Germany. First launched in the 2006 model year, the Cayman is a coupé derived from Porsche's second and third generation Boxster roadster. The designer of the first generation of Porsche Cayman was Pinky Lai. Like the Boxster, most Caymans were assembled in Finland for Porsche by Valmet Automotive (the rest were assembled in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, Germany). Porsche's Deputy Chairman, Holger P. Haerter stated that the contract with Valmet Automotive will end in 2012, and the Cayman's production was to be outsourced to Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. However, as Volkswagen assumed control of Porsche AG, production of Caymans and Boxsters after 2012 began in the former Karmann plant in Osnabrück, Germany, which is now owned by Volkswagen and also used for production of the 2012 Golf (Mk6) convertible.
Name
Cayman is an alternative spelling of caiman, a reptile in the same family as the alligator. The car is not named after the Cayman Islands; rather the islands also derive their name from the caiman. When the first Caymans arrived at dealerships for sale, the automaker adopted four caimans at Stuttgart's Wilhelma Zoo.
Porsche brought an infringement lawsuit in 2009 against Crocs, the maker of the popular rubber shoes. At issue was the footwear company's clog name also called Cayman. An injunction was granted against Crocs Europe, a division of the Longmont, Colorado-based shoe company preventing their use in Germany of the Cayman name.
718
Introduced in 2016 for the 2017 model year, the Porsche Boxster and Cayman were renamed the Porsche 718 Boxster and Porsche 718 Cayman, reviving the historic 718 moniker while switching engines from naturally-aspirated flat sixes to small-displacement flat-four turbocharged units. The new 718 Cayman was also repositioned with an entry price lower than that of the 718 Boxster, in keeping with Porsche's higher pricing for roadster models.
Maps Porsche Boxster/Cayman
First generation: Boxster (986) (1996-2004)
Grant Larson's design, inspired by the 356 Cabriolet, Speedster, and 550 Spyder, stimulated a commercial turnaround for Porsche. Through consultation with Toyota, Porsche began widely sharing parts among models and slashed costs. Many believe the introduction of the Boxster helped save Porsche from acquisition.
By October 1991 following a visit to the Tokyo Motor Show, Porsche in dire straits, began to devise solutions to succeed the poor selling 928 and incoming 968 (a heavy update of 944). In February 1992, Porsche began development of a successor to the 928 (mildly updated for 1992) and recently released 968. By June 1992, out of 4 proposals based on dual collaboration between 986 and 996 (993 successor) design teams, a proposal by Grant Larson and Pinky Lai was chosen by Harm Lagaay. In August 1992, a decision was made to develop the concept into a show vehicle, in time for the 1993 North American International Auto Show. After garnering widespread acclaim from the press and public upon presentation of the Boxster Concept in January 1993, the final production 986 production exterior design by Larson was frozen in March 1993. However, by the second half of 1993, difficulties arose with fitment of some components, resulting in lengthening of the hood and requiring another design freeze by fourth quarter of that year. Prototypes in 968 bodies were built to test mid-engine power train of the 986 by the end of 1993, with proper prototypes surfacing in 1994. Pilot production began in the second half of 1995, ahead of series production in mid-1996.
The Boxster was released ahead of its big brother, the 996. The 986 Boxster had the same bonnet, front wings, headlights, interior and engine architecture as the 996.
All 986 and 987 Boxsters use the M96, a water-cooled, horizontally opposed ("flat"), six-cylinder engine. It was Porsche's first water-cooled non-front engine. In the Boxster, it is placed mid-engine, while in the 911, rear-engine. The flat, mid-engine layout provides a low center of gravity, near-perfect weight distribution, and neutral handling. The engines had a number of failures, resulting in cracked or slipped cylinder liners, which were resolved by a minor redesign and better control of the casting process in late 1999. A failure for these early engines was a spate of porous engine blocks, as the manufacturer had difficulty in the casting process. In addition to causing problems with coolant and oil systems mingling fluids, it also resulted in Porsche's decision to repair faulty engines by boring out the cast sleeves on the cylinders where defects were noted in production and inserting new sleeves rather than scrapping the engine block. Normally, the cylinder walls are cast at the same time as the rest of the engine, this being the reason for adopting the casting technology.
The model received a minor facelift in 2002. The plastic rear window was replaced by a smaller glass window. The interior received a glove compartment, new electro-mechanical hood and trunk release mechanism (with an electronic emergency release in the fuse box panel) and an updated steering wheel. Porsche installed a reworked exhaust pipe and air intake. In addition, the front headlight's amber indicators were replaced with clear indicators. The rear light cluster was also changed with translucent grey turn signals replacing the amber ones. The side marker lights on the front wings were changed as well from amber to clear, except on American market cars where they remained amber. The bumpers were also changed slightly for a more defined, chiselled appearance, and new wheel designs were made available.
Boxster 986 model history
550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition
In 2004 the 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition was released with a production run of just 1953 cars. These were all painted GT Silver Metallic, the same colour as the Carrera GT concept presented in 2000, and had unique cocoa-brown full-leather interior as standard with grey natural leather as a no-cost option. Each car also had special interior paintwork, a high-end BOSE sound system, two-tone grey and silver 18" Carrera wheels (unpainted as another zero-cost option), 5 mm (0.2 in) wheel spacers, the Boxster S sport exhaust, the M030 option sports suspension, and a plate on the center console piece commonly known as the "batwing" showing the production number. Only on the American market cars were the rear turn signals red rather than clear.
Second generation: Boxster/Cayman (987) (2005-2012)
Boxster
The second generation of the Boxster (internally known as the 987) made its debut at the 2004 Paris Motor Show alongside the new 911 (997). The car became available in 2005.
In appearance the car remains very similar to the previous generation. The most obvious styling change is to the headlights, which now have a profile similar to those of the Carrera GT, Porsche's mid-engined supercar. The intake vents on the sides of the Boxster are now larger, with more pronounced horizontal slats and are coloured metallic silver, irrespective of the paint colour on the rest of the car. The wheel arches have been enlarged to allow wheels up to 19 inches in diameter, a first for the Boxster series. The most significant updates from the 986 series are in the interior, with a more prominent circular theme evident in the instrument cluster and cooling vents. Porsche claims that the 987 Boxster shares only 20% of its components with its predecessor. The base engine is a 2.7 L 176 kW (240 hp) flat-6, with the Boxster S getting a 3.2 L 206 kW (280 hp) engine. The Cayman 2-door fastback coupé is derived from the 987.
For 2007 the base Boxster received a revised engine featuring VarioCam Plus to provide a 5 hp (3.7 kW) boost (245 hp (183 kW) the same as the Cayman). The Boxster S engine was upgraded from 3.2L to 3.4L, resulting in the production of 15 hp (11 kW) more (295 hp (220 kW) the same as the Cayman S). These upgrades made the Boxster series and the Cayman series equivalent in terms of power.
Boxster 987 model history
987 facelift
Porsche first revealed the facelifted 2008 Boxster and Boxster S models at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2008. Both models feature greater power due to an increase in engine displacement for the Boxster and the incorporation of Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) for the Boxster S. Both models are now available with Porsche's new 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual clutch gearbox but come standard with a new 6-speed manual gearbox. Displacement in the standard Boxster's flat-six engine increased from 2.7 to 2.9 liters, increasing power from 245 hp (183 kW) to 255 hp (190 kW). Use of DFI in the Boxster S raised the output of the 3.4-litre engine from 295 hp (220 kW) to 310 hp (230 kW). Cosmetic changes to the 2009 Boxster and Boxster S include new head and tail lights, larger front air intakes with incorporated day time running lights, and an altered lower rear end flanked by twin diffusers. The interior includes the redesigned Porsche Communication Management System as an option with a touchscreen interface to reduce button clutter.
Boxster 987 Gen II model history
Limited editions
RS60 Spyder
In November 2007, Porsche announced a commemorative RS60 Spyder edition of the Boxster to celebrate Porsche's 1960 win in the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida. Only 1960 units were produced worldwide, with approximately 800 slated for the U.S. with each model bearing a numbered production badge on the dash. The RS60 Spyder comes in only GT Silver Metallic while the standard interior is Carrera Red leather, with dark gray leather as an option. The RS60 comes standard with 19 inch SportDesign alloy wheels, Porsche's Active Suspension Management System, and a sports exhaust that boosts the engine output to 303 PS (223 kW; 299 hp). The base price for the RS60 Spyder was US$64,900.
Porsche Design Edition 2
The limited production Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 debuted in October 2008 as 2009 model. It featured a free-flowing exhaust system, which raised power from 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) at 6250 rpm to 303 PS (223 kW; 299 hp) at an identical 6250 rpm. It came in a unified Carrera White paint scheme with matching white 19-inch wheels, a black and grey interior with white gauges, red taillights and light grey stripes along the entire body. 500 were made for the worldwide market, 32 shipped into the U.S. and 18 into Canada. The base price for the PDE2 Boxster was US$66,900.
Limited Edition
Porsche unveiled its 2008 Limited Edition Boxster and Boxster S models at a private gathering at the occasion of the 2007 New York Auto Show. Largely inspired by the 2007 911 GT3 RS, just 250 examples of each model were produced in brilliant orange and priced at $49,900 (original MSRP $45,800) and $59,900 (original MSRP $55,700) respectively.
Clad in the striking RS-special orange paint of the 911 GT3-RS with glossy black painted mirrors, alloy wheels, front and side air inlets, and model designation. The SportDesign package adds visual appeal, and includes aggressive front splitters, a revised rear two-stage spoiler that extends automatically at speed, and an integrated rear diffuser that Porsche says reduces aerodynamic lift. A sports exhaust system with a dual chromed exhaust tip is included, and is claimed to add a few more horsepower. Inside, a numbered 'Limited Edition' plaque is found on the glove box door, while the seat inserts, 911 GT3-spec steering wheel, and handbrake lever all receive Alcantara trim, a suede-like material used on performance Porsches like the 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS. Orange roll-over hoops, door lever surrounds, shift knob, cup-holder cover trim and even the font on the gear shift pattern carrying bright orange that match the exterior colour and offset the otherwise black interior.
Boxster Spyder
On 5 November 2009, Porsche officially announced the creation of a new variant of the Boxster, which was officially unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Motor Show. Positioned above the Boxster S, the Boxster Spyder was the lightest Porsche on the market at the time, weighing 2,811 pounds (1,275 kg), a full 176 pounds (80 kg) lighter than a Boxster S. This was achieved through the elimination of the conventional soft top's operating mechanism, the radio/PCM unit, door handles, air conditioning, storage compartments, cupholders and large LED light modules on the front fascia. Although some of these could be re-added to the car in the form of options. Weight saving was also gained using aluminum doors, an aluminum rear deck and the lightest 19-inch wheels in the Porsche pallet. The vehicle rides on a firmer suspension than the other Boxster models, and is almost one inch lower in order to have improved handling. A manually operated canvas top, carbon fiber sports bucket seats and two signature humps running along the back of the vehicle provide characteristic design elements. It is powered by a six-cylinder boxer engine with 320 horsepower (239 kW; 324 PS) and 273 lb?ft (370 N?m) of torque, a 10 hp (7.5 kW) increase in power over the Boxster S and the related Cayman S. The Boxster Spyder came with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and had Porsche's 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox available as an option. The vehicle was released worldwide in February 2010 as a 2011 model with a base price of US$61,200.
Cayman
After two years of development, the first model of the fastback coupé to be released was the Cayman S (type 987120). Photographs and technical details were released in May 2005, but the public unveiling took place at the September Frankfurt Motor Show. The S suffix (for Sport or Special) indicated that this was a higher performance version of a then unreleased normal model. That model, the Cayman (987110), went on sale in July 2006. A motorsport-tuned model, the Cayman RS, was rumored to have been tested at the Nürburgring that same year.
The Cayman fastback coupé (project 987c) and the second generation Boxster roadster (project 987) shared the same mid-engined platform and many components, including the front fenders and trunk lid, doors, headlights, taillights, and forward portion of the interior. The design of the Cayman's body incorporates styling cues from classic Porsches; 356/1, the 550 Coupé and the 904 Coupé. Unlike the Boxster, the Cayman has a hatchback for access to luggage areas on top of and in the back of the engine cover. The entire aft portion of the Cayman is made from stainless steel. The suspension design is fundamentally the same as that of the Boxster with revised settings due to the stiffer chassis with the car's fixed roof.
The 3.4-litre flat-6 boxer engine (M97.21) in the first generation Cayman S was derived from the 3.2-litre (M96.26) that was used in the Boxster S, with cylinder heads from the Porsche 997 S's 3.8-litre motor (M97.01), which have the VarioCam Plus inlet valve timing and lift system. A less powerful but more fuel efficient version, the 2.7-litre M97.20, powered the base model. The use of these engines exclusively in Caymans ended in MY 2007 when Porsche upgraded the Boxster (987310) and Boxster S (987320).
A 5-speed manual transaxle is standard on the Cayman (G87.01), while a 6-speed manual (Getrag 466) is the default for the S (G87.21) and an option on the base (A87.20). An electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transaxle (Tiptronic) was also available on the S (A87.21) and the non-S version (A87.02) (The 2009 models replaced this option with a seven-speed "PDK", Porsche's dual-clutch robotic manual transmission). Other options include active shock absorbers (ThyssenKrupp Bilstein GmbH's DampTronic, rebadged as PASM by Porsche), ceramic disc brakes (PCCB), xenon headlights (Hella's Bi-Xenon) and an electronically controlled sport mode (Sport Chrono Package).
The first generation Cayman ceased production in November 2011.
Performance
The performance of the Cayman S approaches that of Porsche's flagship sports car. Rally racing driver Walter Röhrl lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife track in a Cayman S equipped with optional 19" wheels, PCCB, and PASM in a time of 8 minutes, 11 seconds. The time for a standard Cayman S, as published by the manufacturer, was 8 minutes, 20 seconds. In contrast, Röhrl recorded 8 minutes, 15 seconds in a 911 Carrera.
A Cayman prepared and run by private team of Jürgen and Uwe Alzen finished fourth overall (of 220 entrants) in the 2007 Nürburgring 24 Hour race, ahead of two flagship Porsche 997 GT3 RSR's, a 997 GT3 Cup, and a 996 GT3 Cup. Another two privateer Caymans, entered by CSR and MSpeed, finished 22nd and 117th overall, respectively. Porsche disclaims support for the Cayman teams, while supporting some or all of the 997 teams.
Starting with the 2009 model, a limited slip differential was available as an option. The base Cayman has received an engine upgrade to 2.9 L (265 bhp (198 kW; 269 PS)), and the Cayman S a 3.4 L (320 bhp (239 kW; 324 PS)). The factory tuned 2008 Cayman S Sport with its special exhaust system produces 303 bhp (226 kW; 307 PS) from its 3.4 L engine.
Specifications
Facelift
A facelifted version of the Porsche Cayman was introduced on 21 February 2009. The standard Cayman engine's displacement was increased from 2.7 L to 2.9 L, giving a 20 hp (15 kW) increase to 265 hp (198 kW), while the Cayman S gained direct injection and a 25 hp (19 kW) increase to 320 hp (239 kW). The new engines no longer had the Intermediate Shaft, which proved to be a weak link in pre-2009 engines, the new engine nomenclature is 9A1. Both the Cayman and Cayman S maintained a 10 hp (7 kW) power advantage over their roadster sibling, the Boxster. Each has its own design for the front bumper. The front signal lamps are designed differently: while both use LED signal lamps, the Cayman's are arranged like the face of dice{} while the Boxster gets a horizontal row of 4 LEDs. The Porsche Tiptronic S automatic gearbox was replaced by the 7-speed PDK dual clutch transmission for the new model. The PDK outperforms the manual transmission with a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds versus 5.2 seconds for the manual. The PDK with the sport button option lowers the 0-60 mph time to 4.9 seconds. Also a limited slip differential is now a factory option.
Limited editions
Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1
The Porsche Design Edition 1 is a Cayman S model designed by Porsche Design, commemorating the 35th anniversary of Porsche Design. The all black car has a black leather interior on the seats, dashboard, and door trim, as well as black Alcantara steering wheel, gear lever, handbrake grip, and headliner. The DE1 also is fitted standard with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), 19-inch 911 (997) Turbo wheels with 235/35 ZR 19 front and 265/35 ZR 19 rear tires, Porsche Design script on the instrument dials, stainless steel entry plate engraved with "Porsche Design Edition 1", all-red rear taillights, custom vinyl exterior black-on-black graphics, and a numbered plaque on the glovebox cover. As with all PASM-equipped cars, the body is lowered by 10 mm (0.4 in). Standard equipment includes a briefcase containing the Flat Six Chronograph, a pocket knife, a pair of sunglasses, a pen, and a key ring - all in black, even the knife blade.
A total of 777 vehicles were produced as 2008 models. It went on sale on November 2007 in Germany, followed by the U.S. in January 2008
Cayman S Sport
Porsche also announced the production of a limited edition Cayman S Sport, which was available in October 2008 as a 2009 model. This version of the Cayman S includes PSE (Porsche Sports Exhaust), PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), and Sport Chrono. The power is raised from 295 PS (217 kW) at 6250 rpm to 303 PS (223 kW) at 6250 rpm. The Cayman S Sport is the first Cayman to break 300 bhp from the factory.
The Cayman S Sport comes in Bright Orange and Signal Green (from the 911 GT3 RS), as well as Carrera White, Speed Yellow, Guards Red, Black, and Arctic Silver [special order at an extra cost]. The Cayman S Sport also features short shifter, sports seats, deviated color seatbelts, "Cayman S" striping on the door sides, black Porsche Design 19-inch wheels, various gloss black interior trims, gloss black side mirrors, stainless steel door sills with "Cayman S Sport" script, 5mm wheel spacers, and Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob from the 997 911 GT3 RS. The instrumentation does not include a hood. The body is lowered by 1 cm due to its PASM feature.
A total of 700 were made with only 100 coming to the US.
Cayman R
The Cayman R was introduced in 2011, and is based on a 2009 Cayman S. It features the Porsche OEM aerokit that was first introduced in 2007 as a factory option, 19 inch lightweight wheels inherited from the Boxster Spyder, lighter aluminium doors from 997 911 GT3, lighter fiberglass bucket seats with carbon fiber backing from the 997 911 GT2, and with the removal of the radio, storage compartments, air-conditioning, and door handles, the Cayman R weighs in at 54.8 kilograms (121 lb) less than a Cayman S. The Cayman R also received various cosmetic changes similar to ones seen on the earlier Cayman S Sport, such decals on the doors, instrument cover delete, gloss black painted mirrors, black model designation emblem on the trunk, as well as black painted wheels.
With the new passive sports suspensions, the Cayman R was 10 mm (0.4 in) lower than a Cayman S equipped with PASM, or 20 mm (0.8 in) lower than one equipped with standard passive suspension. The engine was a 3.4-litre flat six Direct Fuel Injection DFI boxer engine that produced 330 hp (246 kW). The standard Cayman R can achieve 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and with the optional 7-speed PDK dual clutch transmission and the Sport Chrono package, it can achieve 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The Cayman R with the manual transmission can reach the top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h), and 174 mph (280 km/h) with the PDK.
The Cayman R made its world debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show on 17 November 2010.
Specifications
Deliveries
- Uncertain due to typos in press release or change in style of reports used.
Source:
Third generation: Boxster/Cayman (981) (2012-2016)
Boxster
The third-generation Boxster was announced on 13 March 2012 at the Geneva Auto Show with sales starting early summer 2012. The new Boxster reflects the new design language from the 911 (991) and 918, and features new and revised engine and transmission specifications. Together with a new body, the type 981 Boxster features a new chassis; 40 per cent more torsionally rigid, the front track is 40mm wider, the rear 18mm wider and the wheelbase extended by 60mm, but with a small weight reduction of up to 35 kilograms (77 lb) compared to the previous type 987 Boxster.
The standard Boxster is fitted with a new 2.7-litre flat-6 engine, and the Boxster S is fitted with the existing 3.4-litre engine but with revised performance. Both engines are equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional 7-speed reworked PDK. Both manual and automatic models are available with several technical options including Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and a Sport Chrono Package that includes active transmission mounts, and makes the PDK-equipped model even faster. Porsche claims that the new generation Boxster provides fuel savings of 15% over the outgoing model.
The range was expanded in March 2014 with the addition of the GTS derivative, with slightly altered front and rear bumpers and an additional 15 bhp from the 3.4-litre engine.
Boxster Spyder
Porsche revealed the latest Boxster Spyder based on the 981 Boxster in April 2015 at the New York Auto Show. The styling of the car is similar to the previous generation Spyder, continuing the twin hump rear deck and manually operated canvas top. It also shares some styling with the Cayman GT4, using the same front and rear fascia. The engine is also shared with the Cayman GT4, a 3.8 litre flat-6, making this the largest and most powerful engine used in a Boxster with 287 kilowatts (385 bhp). It is also the lightest current Porsche, weighing 1,315 kilograms (2,899 lb). This was achieved through the use of aluminum doors and rear lid, the manually operated roof and unique light weight 20 inch wheels. The air conditioning and audio system were also removed, although they can be added as no cost options. Braking is via larger brakes than used on the Boxster S, being 340mm front and 330mm rear units taken from the 911 Carrera S. Also shared with the GT4 is a limited slip differential combined with Porsche Torque Vectoring and features a 30mm lower ride height. Additionally it also borrows the steering rack from the 911 Turbo S along with the same reduced diameter GT steering wheel as used in both the GT3 and GT4. The Boxster Spyder was only available with a 6 speed manual transmission. The Spyder had a base price of US$82,100 and was only available as a 2016 model with a total worldwide production of 2400 units, with 850 destined for the US.
The 2.7 has a drag coefficient of Cd=0.30, the S Cd=0.31, the GTS Cd=0.32 and the Spyder Cd=0.33
Cayman
The second generation Cayman was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The production 981 was released as a 2014 model in the spring of 2013. The new car was available in both the standard trim with a 2.7 L engine, and in the S trim with a 3.4 L engine. Both versions are available with either a 6-speed manual or a dual-clutch 7-speed PDK transmission.
The 981 features upgrades including a new body, a longer wheelbase, a wider front track, and a redesigned interior that matches the firm's contemporary 911 models.
The new model gained acclaim in the motoring press as one of the best handling sports cars at any price, due to its-mid engine layout and driving dynamics. The Cayman S benefits from the same engine and running gear as Porsche's latest 3.4 L version of the 911.
Cayman GTS
The Cayman GTS was introduced in 2014, and is based on the 981 platform. It features a marginally more powerful engine, a new body kit, new 20-inch Carrera S wheels, new Bi-Xenon headlights, and a new sports exhaust system. The Cayman GTS is longer than the Cayman and the Cayman S by 1.2 inches due to its bumpers. The new, optional passive sport suspension allows the Cayman GTS to have a 20mm lower ride height compared to a car equipped with standard passive suspension or 10mm lower compared to one with the standard-equipped PASM. The engine produces 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS), and can achieve a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 4.9 seconds with the manual transmission, 4.7 seconds with PDK and 4.5 seconds with PDK and Sport Plus mode, which is activated via the now standard Sports Chrono Package. The Cayman GTS weighs 1,385 kg (3,053 lb) with the manual transmission and can attain a top speed of 177 mph (285 km/h) while the Cayman GTS with PDK can reach 175 mph (282 km/h) and weighs 1,375 kg (3,031 lb). The configuration changes made over a standard Cayman S resemble closely what Porsche did to its predecessors through Cayman S Sport and Cayman R in the 987 generation models.
Cayman GT4
In 2015, the Cayman GT4 was introduced, based on the then current generation of the Cayman (981C), using a revised and a slightly de-tuned version of the 3.8-litre flat-6 engine from the 911 (991) Carrera S. The GT4 was available only with a 6 speed manual transmission and weighed 1,340 kg (2,954 lb). It has a vented front bumper to improve cooling for the additional radiator, with a lower lip as well as a fixed rear wing for providing downforce. Compared to the standard Cayman, it features a 30mm lower ride height, upgraded brakes from the 991 GT3, a limited slip differential combined with Porsche Torque Vectoring, and Porsche Active Suspension Management with dampers derived from the 991 GT3. A number of reinforcements were also made throughout the chassis to keep it stiff and well balanced. A Club Sport Package is also available, featuring a rear half rollcage, preparation for a battery cut off switch, a fire extinguisher and a six-point racing harness for the driver, compatible with a neck saving HANS device. Sport Chrono Package with unique Track Precision app is also available specifically for the GT4, adding an additional ECU to the car to deliver telemetry data to the driver's smartphone. In the United Kingdom, the GT4 could be ordered before its introduction at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March, and the first cars would arrive in dealerships in March. The Cayman GT4 has a projected Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7 minutes 40 seconds and has a top speed of 183 mph (295 km/h). The GT4 has gained rave reviews from magazines like Evo and the likes of Chris Harris. The GT4 also represents the last mid-engine track focused car with a naturally aspirated Flat-6 engine coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission, a combination that would disappear after the introduction of the turbocharged Flat-4 in the 718 Cayman.
Cayman GT4 Clubsport
On 6 October 2015, Porsche announced a Clubsport version of the Cayman GT4. Developed by Porsche Motorsport, the Cayman GT4 Clubsport made its debut at the 2015 LA Auto Show in November. It is powered by the same 385 hp 3.8-litre flat-six engine found on the production Cayman GT4.
As opposed to the road going Cayman GT4, the Clubsport version is fitted with Porsche's PDK double clutch transmission (albeit with 7th gear disabled) with shift paddles on the steering wheel, as well as mechanical rear-axle locking differential. The Cayman GT4 Clubsport weighs only 1,300 kg (2,866 lb) and shares the same Performance Friction brakes and lightweight suspension strut front axle found on the Porsche 991 GT3 Cup. Its ABS is adjustable in 12 steps. A 100-litre FIA-approved "bag" fuel tank is available as an option for endurance racing. In addition to its lightweight features, it is supplied fitted with an FIA welded-in roll-cage, six-point harness and racing bucket seats.
Sales of the new Cayman GT4 Clubsport commenced after its debut in November through Porsche Motorsport in Weissach or Porsche Motorsport North America.
Specifications
Fourth generation : 718 Boxster/Cayman (982) (2016-present)
With the new 982-generation, the marketing designation of the Boxster and Cayman was changed to Porsche 718, a nod to Porsche's racing heritage that won the Targa Florio race in 1959 and 1960. Because the 718 Cayman / Boxster has lost two cylinders, going from a naturally aspirated flat-6 engine to a turbocharged flat-4 engine, the name is meant to evoke a racing series that was won by a light car that outmaneuvered the cars with more powerful engines.
The exterior of the 718 Boxster and Cayman is very similar to the third generation, infact more of an evolution than a redesign. The most notable changes are to the rear of the car, which now has a long black-trim bar across the rear connecting the two taillights. The headlights and bumper are also heavily reworked. On the sides, the mirrors have been redesigned, taking hue from the SportDesign mirrors on the GT3.
The interior remains very similar to the 981 Cayman / Boxster and the 991.2 generation of the Porsche 911. The main change is the new PCM 4.0 infotainment system, which replaces the PCM 3.1. The steering wheel comes with a mode selector switch that includes a selection of Sports and Sports Plus driving modes, resulting in snappier throttle response at the cost of fuel efficiency. Overall, the most prominent design features of the 981 Cayman / Boxster remain, including large air induction ports on the side, and the prominent horizontal aluminum piece used for adding oil and coolant in the trunk.
Despite the loss of two cylinders, the 718 Cayman / Boxster are mechanically superior to the 981 model. Acceleration is faster, and steering is improved. The 718 Cayman was declared Motor Trend's 2nd best Drivers car in 2017, which praised the car's handling and throttle response. Giving the award, Miguel Cortina noted, "The suspension is just what you want to feel in a car like this--stiff, sporty, rigid. You get a very good sense of what is happening on the road."
By far, the most contentious reaction to the 718 Cayman was the sound of the engine - which received nearly universal criticism by the automotive press. Car and Driver called it a, "raspy, uncouth sound that strikes some drivers as unpleasant and grating." Top Gear noted that the sound, "fundamentally cheapen the Porsche experience," and make the car, "less upmarket, less cultured and sophisticated than it did before." However, Motor Trend's Ignition tested the 718 Cayman against the 981 Cayman GT4, and found that the performance gains were so strong the car had the capability to outmanoeuvre the GT4 at a much lower price. They concluded that the tradeoff was probably worth it.
The Porsche 718 was released in 2016, with first model availability scheduled for June 2016. The 718 features two new horizontally-opposed flat-4 turbocharged engines at 2.0L and 2.5L displacement with increased torque and horsepower with lower fuel consumption. The S model turbocharger utilizes Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) technology. In October 2017 the GTS models were announced with their 2.5l engines upgraded to produce 361 bhp. The Boxster could get to 60 in 4.1 seconds, and the Cayman in 3.9 seconds.
Specifications
Motorsport
Boxster
- The Boxster has taken part in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner class. A Boxster Spec racing series based on the early 1997-1999 2.5-liter models is organized by National Auto Sport Association (NASA). The Porsche Club of America also has a Spec Boxster class, and uses the same rules as NASA.
- In the UK, Boxsters take part in the BRSCC Porsche Championship, in Spec or Production specification and in the Porsche Club Championship.
Cayman
- Jack Baldwin of GTSport Racing campaigns a Porsche Cayman S in Pirelli World Challenge. GTSport Racing is the worlds most successful Cayman program as Baldwin has scored 8 wins and over a dozen podium finishes in his Porsche Cayman S campaign, including two second place Championship finishes (2013, 2014) and one third place Championship finish (2012).
- Ernie Jakubowski won race 10 of the 2010 SCCA World Challenge event at Virginia International Raceway in the GTS class.
- One-make Cayman Cup club racing championships are run in France and Italy.
- BGB Motorsports will be entering two Caymans in the 2010 Continental Challenge season.
- The 2013 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, GX class was won by the Cayman, where it placed 1, 2 and 3. It was the Cayman platform's first endurance race in the U.S., the race was won by car number 16 of Napleton Racing, driven by David Donohue, Shane Lewis, Jim Norman, and Nelson Canache. Bullet Racing finished second and third place went to BGB. It gave Porsche its 75th class victory and the title of the marque with the most wins in the series.
- The Cayman GT4 Clubsport is raced since 2016 in the GT4 European Series, British GT Championship GT4-class, the Italian GT Championship in the Cayman-class, the Cayman GT4 Trophy by Manthey-Racing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife as part of the VLN endurance championship, the 24 Hours Nürburgring, the Pirelli World Challenge GTS-class, the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge GS-class, the 24H Series, and since 2017 in the FFSA GT Championship, Blancpain GT Series Asia GT4-class and Bathurst 12 Hour.
Awards
The Boxster and Cayman received a number of international and regional awards:
- American Marketing Association: Best New Product of 1997
- Autocar: Best Roadster in the World, Five Star Car for the Boxster GT4 in 2016
- Auto Express: 2007 & 2006 Greatest Drives & Best Sporting Car, 2012 Roadster of the Year
- Automobile Journalists of Canada: 1997 Car of the Year and Best Design of 1997
- Automobile: Best Sports Car 2006, Automobile of the Year once and All Stars Award nine times including 2007, 2010 and 2012
- Autoweek: 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show Editors' Best in Show
- BusinessWeek: One of the Best New Products of 1997
- Car and Driver: On the 10Best list eleven times, from 1998 through 2003 and 2006 through 2010
- Car Plus Magazine Car of the Year Award: 2006 Best Sports Car
- evo: Magazine's recommended buy in the Sports Car category since the model's introduction. Included in the lists (without order) Best performance cars 2014, Best sportscars 2017. Winner evo Car of the Year 2015 (Cayman GT4).
- Excellence: Boxster S (986s) was rated one of the top ten Porsches of all time
- J.D. Power: Highest ranked in Compact Premium Sporty Car, Initial Quality Study 2006, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, and Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
- Motor Authority - Best Car To Buy 2014
- Motor: 1997 Performance Car of the Year
- Motor Trend: 2009 Best Driver's Car
- MotorWeek: 1997 Drivers Choice for Best Sports Car
- Newsweek: One of the Best New Products of 1997
- The Philadelphia Inquirer: Best Sports Car of the Decade
- Playboy Magazine: 2006 Car of the Year
- Scottish Car of the Year: 2012 Best Drop Top
- South African Car of the Year: 2013, 2014
- Top Gear - 2005 Sports Car of the Year, 2016 Sports Car of the Year.
- What Car?: 2015 Sports Car of the Year
- Wheels Automotive Design Awards: 2006 Best Exterior
- World Car of the Year: World Performance Car in 2006, 2013 and 2017.
Mechanical issues and lawsuit
The 986 Boxster as well as 987 Boxster and Cayman have been plagued by catastrophic engine failures. Porsche settled a class-action lawsuit regarding the failures in 2013.
Some Boxster models manufactured between 4 May 2001 and 21 February 2005 have suffered catastrophic engine failure due to a fault with the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing, which has resulted in a class action lawsuit against Porsche Cars North America (referred to as Eisen v. Porsche Cars North America). A settlement was agreed in March 2013, subject to court approval. Other types of engine failure experienced in the Boxster are not addressed by this suit. Additionally, the issues are not limited to the model years covered in the suit, or to the Boxster; the Cayman and 911 share the same type of engine and are also affected. In fact, all model years of Boxster, Cayman and 911 manufactured between 1997 and 2008 (with the exception of the 996 and 997 turbo models) are subject to the now-notorious IMS bearing failure.
References
- "Into the Sunshine: 2005 Porsche Boxster Revealed", an article in the "News" section on page four of the 10 May 2004 issue of AutoWeek
- "Cover featuring the 2010 Porsche Boxster. November 2007 issue of Road & Track
External links
- Official website
- Boxster models at official Porsche website (USA)
- original spec for every Boxster variant
- Porsche Boxster at Curlie (based on DMOZ)
- Cayman models at Porsche's website
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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