Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Porsche
LA 2008: Porsche to debut freshened Boxster and Cayman with PDK
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Porsche Cayman
Porsche is going to unveil its newly freshened Boxster and Cayman models at the LA Auto Show today. As you can see in the galleries below, their noses and tails have been redone with a touch of Carrera GT, but each car now has a unique look. More importantly, the engines and transmissions have been updated as well, with the 2.9L and 3.4L powerplants getting Porsche's direct fuel injection for a 10-25 hp bump depending on the model. Along with the extra oomph, owners will get better mileage with fuel economy rising 11-16 percent. Part of that boosted mileage comes from the direct-injected engines, but the newly available Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or PDK, double-clutch gearbox also deserves praise.The base Boxster and Cayman will now have 255 hp and 265 hp respectively, and the S versions will be rated at 310 for the Boxster S and 320 for the Cayman S. A Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control will also get to to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. At the other end of the lineup, the Boxster with a six-speed manual will do it in 5.9 seconds. Gas mileage should run 25.5-26.4 mpg. The new models will hit the market in February 2009, with European prices ranging from Euro 38,600 for a base Boxster to 61,493 for a Cayman S. The full press release is after the jump, and we have official high-res images set up in the galleries below. Plus we'll have our own live, firsthand impressions in a few hours.
Gallery: 2010 Porsche Boxster
Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman
[Source: Porsche]
PRESS RELEASE:
Porsche's Mid-Engined Sports Cars with New, Even More Fuel-Efficient Engines
Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting the second generation of the mid-engined Boxster and Cayman sports cars for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The highlight of the new generation is of course the new flat-six boxer engines developed with new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency than their predecessors. A further improvement of both fuel economy and performance is guaranteed by the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK for short, the new double-clutch gearbox.
Newly developed Boxer engines with even more power on even less fuel
Displacing 2.9 litres, the "basic" engine develops 255 bhp (188 kW) in the Boxster and 265 bhp (195 kW) in the Cayman, an increase by 10 and, respectively, 20 horsepower over the preceding models. The 3.4-litre power unit in the S-versions, benefiting from Direct Fuel Injection, now delivers 310 bhp (228 kW) in the Boxster S and 320 bhp (235 kW) in the Cayman S, up by 15 and, respectively, 25 bhp. An outstanding power-to-weight ratio ranging from 4.2 kg (9.3 lb)/bhp on the Cayman S to 5.2 kg (11.5 lb)/bhp on the Boxster offers the driver maximum driving dynamics on minimum fuel. As a result, the Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control featured in the optional Sports Chrono Package accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, setting the benchmark in the range, while the Boxster with its six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard completes the same exercise in 5.9 seconds.
Featuring PDK, both the Boxster and the Cayman for the first time outperform the nine-litre consumption mark: Both models with the new 2.9-litre Boxer engine make do with 8.9 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 26.4 mpg US) according to the EU4 standard – 11 per cent less than the former models with Tiptronic S. Reducing fuel consumption by an even more significant 16 per cent to 9.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 25.5 mpg US), the 3.4-litre versions with PDK offer an even greater saving over their predecessors with Tiptronic S.
Roadster and Coupé with even more signs of distinction
The new two-seaters are clearly distinguishable from outside through their newly designed front and rear ends. The new halogen headlights with their integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT, the new LED rear lights tapering out to the outside and integrated elegantly in the modified rear end of the car.
From the front the Roadster and Coupé differ clearly from one another through the distinctive design of their air intakes, 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 positioning lights in LED light conductor technology add a particular touch of class in terms of the cars' looks, also through their horizontal arrangement in the outer air intakes. Yet a further highlight is provided by the foglamps featured as standard – 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 up on the Boxster of four LEDs positioned next to one another, while on the Cayman four LEDs are arranged in round light units like the eyes of a dice.
PDK: shifting gears even more quickly, reducing fuel consumption by up to 16 per cent
All four sports cars are available for the first time with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or PDK carried over directly from motorsport and replacing the former Tiptronic S. Equipped with the PDK double-clutch gearbox, the Roadster and Coupé accelerate to 100 km/h or 62 mph 0.1 seconds faster than with the manual six-speed gearbox now also featured on the "basic" models.
Acceleration is particularly fast and dynamic with one of the optional Sports Chrono Packages featuring Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standing start and the Race Track Gearshift Strategy for the fastest conceivable gearshift as an exclusive highlight on the PDK models. Benefiting from Launch Control, the respective models accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h or 62 mph yet another 2/10ths of a second faster.
The progress offered by PDK is even more impressive when it comes to fuel economy reduced by up to 16 per cent from the former figure on the first generation: According to the EU4 consumption standard, the Boxster and Cayman equipped with PDK consume just 8.9 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 26.3 mpg US, with the S-models offering almost the same level of economy at just 9.2 litres or 25.5 mpg US.
Dynamic suspension and supreme brakes
The suspension with its new set-up gives the new models a combination of even greater driving dynamics and enhanced comfort all in one. Modification of the valve control map on the steering transmission serves furthermore to reduce steering forces, giving the Boxster and Cayman even more agile and spontaneous steering behaviour.
The wheels come in new design and are half an inch wider on the "basic" models than in the past in order to accommodate the larger brake system of the S-models on the front axle. Both the Boxster and Cayman feature the latest generation of PSM Porsche Stability Management now offering two new functions: Brake Pre-Loading and the Brake Assistant. Whenever the driver lets go of the gas pedal very quickly – which is typical of an upcoming emergency braking manoeuvre – the PSM hydraulic control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure on the wheel brakes before the driver even presses down the brake pedal, moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs for immediate action. This significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly. When recognising that the driver is braking in an emergency due to very fast operation of the brake pedal and a defined brake force, the PSM hydraulic control unit actively delivers the brake pressure required for maximum stopping power.
New audio and communication systems
Both the Boxster and the Cayman come as standard with the new CDR-30 CD radio boasting an easy-to-read five-inch monochromatic display and the ability to play MP3 CDs. New PCM Porsche Communication Management available as an option complete with hard disc navigation serves as the central control unit for all audio, communication and navigation features.
PCM is now even more versatile, efficient and a lot easier to use than before, standing out in particular through its control monitor enabling the driver to select specific functions simply by tipping the appropriate key and increased in size from 5.8 to 6.5 inches.
As an option PCM is available with highly convenient voice control and, in conjunction with the optional, universal audio interface, can now be used also to control external audio sources such as an iPod® or USB stick.
Last but not least, Porsche's new two-seaters are available as an option with seat ventilation combined with seat heating on both the standard seats and the comfort seats with full or partial leather.
The new models are entering the market in February 2009. The base price of the Boxster in the Euro countries is Euro 38,600, the base price of the Cayman Euro 41,700. The corresponding prices of the Boxster S are Euro 46,700, of the Cayman S Euro 51,500. Including VAT and national specifications, the Boxster retails in Germany at Euro 46,142, the Cayman at Euro 49,831. The Boxster S, in turn, comes at a retail price of Euro 55,781, the Cayman S at Euro 61,493.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
sqweak 12:40PM (11/19/2008)
DFI is only on the 3.4L S models, and for some reason the PR neglects to mention that LSD is an available option as well.
Nice evolutionary refresh, I'm excited to see how it drives next spring.
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Quattroporte 1:40PM (11/19/2008)
The Boxster will have an available LSD but not the Cayman. I'm surprised they kept the odd steering wheel integrated paddles. Quite a few have complained that the PDK steering wheel is ergonomically incorrect and too thick and dilutes steering feel. But, I guess as long as the new Boxster doesn't have engine failures from RMS and intermediate shaft issues all else should be good.
"The Boxster also gets a limited slip diff if you so choose, but the Cayman doesn't as that would put it too close to 911 performance for those in Stuttgart to be happy with (although rumour has it that it would even be quicker than the 911)."
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/porsche-cayman-boxster-2008-11-19
sqweak 2:03PM (11/19/2008)
@Quattroporte
It pains me to say that Top Gear is wrong, but according to porsche.com they are. ;)
http://www.porsche.com/microsite/cayman/usa.aspx
launch the flash minisite, click on performance, more details, chassis:
"And if you demand even more performance from your Porsche, the optional mechanically locking rear differential delivers high traction and a sportier response"
Quattroporte 2:47PM (11/19/2008)
That's the second time TopGear.com has gotten their information wrong and made me look stupid on autoblog. That really is great that the Cayman will finally get an LSD, but hopefully some proper paddles and an ergonomic wheel full of feel will be available as well. Just no catastrophic engine failures, please.
xpolarx 12:42PM (11/19/2008)
I think the taillights are a big improvement...the headlights look more-or-less the same. But the driving lights look bad. They should have gone with something closer to what the 911 has.
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Eddie 12:47PM (11/19/2008)
I like the white Cayman S on Porsche's website with 19 inch wheels. They did a nice job on the facelift.
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BigMcLargeHuge 12:48PM (11/19/2008)
They needed this. The Boxter/Cayman have not been selling well in the US.
Hopefully it works, it sounds like a good set of upgrades.
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Torrent 12:50PM (11/19/2008)
looks exactly the same. But why do I want it even more?
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happy_penguin 1:47PM (11/19/2008)
Because it's 25% more sexeh!
StickShift 7:51PM (11/19/2008)
That's the beauty of a Porsche - they change ever so slightly every few years, improving a little at a time. The result? If you like one now, odds are you will STILL love one by the time you can afford it (which is going to be a LONG time for me)
JF 12:55PM (11/19/2008)
Is it bad that I want one of these more than a 911? With an actual shifter of course.
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Mobius_1 1:30PM (11/19/2008)
No, it's just rational and intelligent.
hoyaCS08 2:18PM (11/19/2008)
Opt for the limited slip diff, and the new Cayman S will beat a new Carrera (base, not the S) around most any track.
Jj 1:09PM (11/19/2008)
The options list on Porsche’s has always been unbelievable to me. It must be an absolute nightmare for the factory to keep strait what goes on what car.
Makes you wonder how much cheaper they could make the cars if they just simplified their manufacturing process.
Seriously, it’s an effin Porsche, just make the turn signal stalk boot leather on all of them.
A little off topic, I know.
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hoyaCS08 2:11PM (11/19/2008)
Have you seen the prices for the various options? Absolutely ridiculous. Very easy to take a $60K base price Cayman S up into $80K territory with only a few boxes checked. That more than compensates for any manufacturing inefficiencies, I imagine.
MikeW 1:20PM (11/19/2008)
Time for a drag race:
Mustang with 315hp & 3.73 axle ratio vs CaymanS PDK & 'lsd'
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HeyHuub 2:59PM (11/19/2008)
Seeing ít is allot lighter and more powerfull, the Cayman S wont have any trouble with a Mustang.
Ken Stamper 3:34PM (11/19/2008)
I think that is an irrelevant comparison. The Cayman is a sports car. The Mustang is an engine on the chassis of a horse trailer.
Aipex8 2:12PM (11/19/2008)
I've always loved the Cayman, the only thing I wasn't crazy about was the foglight on the strake. Looks like that's taken care of, plus lots of new LED lighting.
Does anyone know what is the second projector in the headlight housing for? The new 911 has the same thing. I thought it was for the dynamic cornering lights, but I saw a video of how those work and the main bi-xenon projector swivels in the corner. So if the low, high and cornering light is all taken care of with the upper projector, what's the lower one for? Any ideas?
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BoxerFanatic 2:31PM (11/19/2008)
They have gone to high beam projectors.
The new 997.2 has four projectors, as does now the 987.2.
The upper projectors are the low beams, with HID, and steering angle, and whatever else, the lower projectors in the headlights are quite likely Halogen or HIR (Halogen InfraRed reflexive) bulbs inside projectors of their own, maybe HID for the high beam, if it is "bi-xenon".
The fog lights and daytime running light LED arrays are lower in the bumper.
Personally, I like the four projector 986.2 oblong lights, but not the 4-projector ovals in the 997.2. The projector-over-reflector ovals on the pre-refresh 997s were more attractive in the oval shape.
If I am wrong on the actual details, someone more informed can help us correct it.