New more fuel-efficient Porsche Boxster and Cayman
Mid-Engined Sports Cars Feature More Powerful, More Efficient Engines
Porsche today presented the next generation of the mid-engined Boxster and Cayman sports cars at the L.A. Auto Show. Both cars provide not only more power, but significantly greater fuel efficiency than their predecessors. Further improving fuel economy and performance is the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe – or PDK for short – double-clutch gearbox.
Newly developed Boxer engines with even more power on even less fuel
A newly-enlarged 2.9-litre flat-six engine develops 255 bhp in the Boxster and 265 bhp in the Cayman, an increase of 10 and, respectively, 20 bhp over preceding models. The 3.4-litre power unit in the S versions, benefiting from Direct Fuel Injection, now delivers 310 bhp in the Boxster S and 320 bhp in the Cayman S, up by 15 and 25 bhp.
The new Boxster and Cayman are significantly more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. The new 2.9-litre Boxer engine sips 8.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (combined) – 11 per cent less than the former models with Tiptronic S. Reducing fuel consumption by 16 per cent to 9.2 litres/100 kilometres, the 3.4-litre versions with PDK offer an even greater saving.
The two-seaters are clearly distinguishable from outside through their new front and rear ends. Halogen headlights with integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT, while LED rear lights taper to the outside and integrate elegantly into the modified rear end.
From the front, the roadster and coupé differ through the distinctive design of their air intakes and, from the rear, through the new rear panels with diffuser inserts on the Boxster and a wind deflector plate on the Cayman. The rod-shaped LED positioning lights add a touch of class in terms of the cars’ looks. The standard foglamps are rectangular in shape on the Boxster, round on the Cayman.
For the first time, both models are available with a Lights Package featuring bi-xenon headlights, dynamic curve lights and LED daytime driving lights. Replacing the foglamps, these light units are made of four LEDs positioned next to one another on the Boxster, while on the Cayman four LEDs are arranged in round light units like the eyes of a dice.
PDK: shifting gears more quickly, reducing fuel consumption by up to 16 per cent
The Boxster and Cayman are available for the first time with the seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or PDK, which replaces the former Tiptronic S. Equipped with this double-clutch gearbox, the roadster and coupé accelerate to 100 km/h 0.1 seconds faster than with the six-speed manual fitted as standard on all models.
PDK cars’ acceleration is even more dynamic with one of the optional Sports Chrono Packages featuring Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standing start, while the Race Track Gearshift Strategy offers the fastest possible shifting on the track. With Launch Control, the respective models accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h another 0.2 seconds faster. (For instance, the Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the base Boxster with its new six-speed manual gearbox completes the same exercise in 5.9 seconds.)
The progress offered by PDK is even more impressive when it comes to fuel economy, which is reduced by up to 16 per cent from previous models.
New audio and communication systems
Both the Boxster and the Cayman come as standard with the new CDR-30 CD radio, with an easy-to-read five-inch display and the ability to play MP3 CDs. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 is available as an option, with hard disk--based navigation and an improved touch-screen interface. PCM is more versatile, efficient and far easier to use than before and the screen has increased in size from 5.8 to 6.5 inches. As an option, PCM is available with voice control and, in conjunction with the optional universal audio interface, can now control external audio sources such as an iPod® or USB stick.
Porsche’s new two-seaters are also available with seat ventilation, combined with seat heating, on both standard and comfort seats with full or partial leather.
Dynamic suspension and supreme brakes
A new suspension set-up gives the new models a combination of even greater driving dynamics and enhanced comfort. Steering forces have been further reduced, giving the Boxster and Cayman even more agile and spontaneous steering behaviour.
The wheels come in new designs and are half an inch wider on the Boxster and Cayman than in the past in order to accommodate the larger brake system from the S models on the front axle. All Boxster and Cayman models feature the latest generation of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), with two additional functions: Brake Pre-Loading and Brake Assistant.
Whenever the driver lets go of the gas pedal very quickly – which is typical of an upcoming emergency braking manoeuvre – the PSM control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure on the brakes before the driver even presses down the brake pedal, moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs, which significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly.
If the driver is braking in an emergency, the control unit actively delivers the brake pressure required for maximum stopping power.
The new Boxster and Cayman will enter the Canadian market in Spring 2009. The Boxster will be priced at $58,400 and the Boxster S at $70,600. The Cayman starts at $63,900 and the Cayman S is $75,800.
