The Big Car Database

Porsche Cayman 1996–present

The Porsche Boxster and Cayman are both mid-engined two-seater sport compact 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.

Porsche Boxster/Cayman

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Porsche Boxster (718)

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Porsche Cayman (981)
Overview
Manufacturer Porsche
Also called Porsche Boxster
Porsche Cayman
Porsche 718 Boxster
Porsche 718 Cayman
Production 1996–present
Model years 1997–present
Assembly
  • Stuttgart (Zuffenhausen), Germany (1996–present)
  • Uusikaupunki, Finland (Valmet, 1997–2011)
  • Osnabrück, Germany (2012–present)
Body and chassis
Class Sport compact (S)
Layout RMR layout
Related
  • Ruf RK Spyder
  • Ruf 3400S
  • Porsche 911
Chronology
Predecessor Porsche 968

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-fourturbocharged 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.

First generation: 986 (1996–2004)

First generation (986)
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Overview
Production 1996–2004
Designer Grant Larson; Harm Lagaay (1992: concept; production: 1993)
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door roadster
Powertrain
Engine 2.5 L flat-6 (1996–1999)
2.7 L flat-6 (1999–2004)
3.2 L flat-6 (1999–2004)
Transmission 5-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 1996–2002: 95.2 in (2,418 mm)
2002–04: 95.1 in (2,416 mm)
Length 1996–2002: 171.0 in (4,343 mm)
2002–04: 170.1 in (4,321 mm)
Width 70.1 in (1,781 mm)
Height 50.8 in (1,290 mm)

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 (or hood in American jargon), 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

Year Engine and Power Transmission 0–100 km/h
(0–60 mph)
Top speed
1996 2.5L, 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) Manual 6.9 seconds (6.7 sec) 240 km/h (149 mph)
Tiptronic 7.6 seconds (7.4 sec) 235 km/h (146 mph)
1999 2.7L, 162 kW (220 PS; 217 hp) Manual 6.6 seconds (6.5 sec) 250 km/h (155 mph)
Tiptronic 7.4 seconds (7.2 sec) 245 km/h (152 mph)
3.2L S, 185 kW (253 PS; 250 hp) Manual 5.9 seconds (5.6 sec) 260 km/h (162 mph)
Tiptronic 6.5 seconds (6.2 sec) 255 km/h (158 mph)
2003 2.7L, 168 kW (228 PS; 225 hp) Manual 6.4 seconds 253 km/h (157 mph)
Tiptronic S 7.3 seconds 248 km/h (154 mph)
3.2L S, 191 kW (260 PS; 258 hp) Manual 5.7 seconds 264 km/h (164 mph)
Tiptronic S 6.4 seconds 258 km/h (160 mph)

550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition

In 2004 the 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition was released with the most famous drag,making a statement in a 1/4 mile with a time of 2.7sec and it deferred from the scorpion edition as the ground clearance was a bit lower, with a production run of just 1953 cars. These were all painted GT Silver Metallic, the same color as the car-show version of the Carrera GT supercar, 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: 987 (2005–2012)

Second generation (987)
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Overview
Production 2004–2012
Designer Pinky Lai (Cayman; 2002)
Body and chassis
Body style
  • 2-door roadster
  • 2-door fastback coupé
Related
  • Ruf RK Coupe
  • Ruf 3400S
  • Porsche 911
Powertrain
Engine
  • 2.7 L flat-6 (2005–2008)
  • 2.9 L flat-6 (2009–2012)
  • 3.2 L flat-6 (2005–2006)
  • 3.4 L flat-6 (2007–2012)
Transmission
  • 5-speed automatic
  • 5-speed manual
  • 6-speed manual
  • 7-speed PDK
Dimensions
Wheelbase Boxster: 95.1 in (2,416 mm)
Cayman: 2,416 mm (95.1 in)
Length 2005–08: Boxster: 171.6 in (4,359 mm)
2009–12: 172.0 in (4,369 mm)
Cayman: 4,372 mm (172.1 in)
2009–2012: 4,376 mm (172 in)
Width Boxster: 2005–08: 70.9 in (1,801 mm)
2009–12: 71.5 in (1,816 mm)
Cayman: 1,801 mm (70.9 in)
Height Boxster: 51.0 in (1,295 mm)
Cayman: 1,305 mm (51.4 in)
2009–2012: 1,303 mm (51 in)
Curb weight Boxster: 1,295 kg (2,855 lb)
Cayman: 1,340 kg (2,954 lb)

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

Year Engine and Power Transmission 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) Top speed
2005 2.7L, 176.5 kW (240 PS; 237 hp) Manual 6.2 seconds 256 km/h (159 mph)
Tiptronic S 7.1 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)
3.2L S, 206 kW (280 PS; 276 hp) Manual 5.5 seconds 268 km/h (167 mph)
Tiptronic S 6.3 seconds 260 km/h (162 mph)
2007 2.7L, 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) Manual 6.1 seconds 258 km/h (160 mph)
Tiptronic S 7.0 seconds 251 km/h (156 mph)
3.4L S, 217 kW (295 PS; 291 hp) Manual 5.4 seconds 272 km/h (169 mph)
Tiptronic S 6.1 seconds 264 km/h (164 mph)

987 facelift

Porsche Boxster S (Germany; facelift)

Porsche Boxster S (Germany; 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.

Year Engine and Power Transmission 0–100 km/h (0–60 mph) Top speed
2009 2.9L, 188 kW (255 PS) Manual 5.9 seconds 263 km/h (163 mph)
PDK (Sport Plus) 5.8 (5.6) seconds 261 km/h (162 mph)
3.4L S, 228 kW (310 PS) Manual 5.3 seconds 274 km/h (170 mph)
PDK (Sport Plus) 5.2 (5.0) seconds 272 km/h (169 mph)

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 in this series are to be 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 is US$64,900.

Porsche Design Edition 2

Porsche also produced a limited Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 that debuted in October 2008 as 2009 model. It featured freer-flowing exhaust, 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 down the street from the 2007 New York Auto Show. Largely inspired by the 2007 911 GT3 RS, just 250 examples of each model would be 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 color and offset the otherwise black interior. Only 250 each, Limited Edition Boxster and ‘S’ models hit showrooms on September 28, 2008. CNBC recently named the Limited Edition as one of its top 15 Most Desirable Porsches.

Boxster Spyder

On November 5, 2009, Porsche officially announced the creation of a new production 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 savings 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 firmer 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 over the engine in the Boxster S and the same engine used in the related Cayman S, with manual transmission as standard and Porsche's PDK dual-clutch gearbox as an option. The vehicle was released worldwide in February 2010 as a 2011 model with a base price of US$61,200.

Cayman

Porsche Cayman S coupe

Porsche Cayman S coupe

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, is 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, side 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

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
Year Engine Power Torque Transmission 0–100 km/h (60 mph) Top speed CO2
2005 3.4L (3386 cc) 217 kW (295 PS; 291 bhp) 340 N·m (251 lb·ft) Manual (6) 5.4 seconds (5.1) 275 km/h (171 mph) 254 g/km
2007 2.7L (2687 cc) 180 kW (245 PS; 241 bhp) 273 N·m (201 lb·ft) Manual (5) 6.1 seconds (5.8) 260 km/h (162 mph) 222 g/km
Performance data
Source 0-60 mph
(97 km/h)
0–100 km/h
(62 mph)
0–160 km/h
(100 mph)
0–200 km/h
(125 mph)
1/4 mile
(~400 m)
1 km Top speed
Cayman
Manufacturer 5.8 s 6.1 s 14.2 s - - - 260 km/h (160 mph)
Cayman S
Manufacturer 5.1 s 5.4 s 11.7 s 18.6 s - 24.3 s 280 km/h (170 mph)
Auto Motor Sport - 5.5 s 12 s 19.2 s - - -
Automobile 5.1 s - - - 13.7 @ 105 mph (169 km/h) - -
Car and Driver 4.8 s - 12.0 s - 13.3 @ 107 mph (172 km/h) - 166 mph (267 km/h)
Road & Track 4.8 s - - - 13.3 @ 106 mph (171 km/h) - -

Facelift

A facelifted version of the Porsche Cayman was introduced on February 21, 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 Cayman S Sport in Speed Yellow with factory aerokit option

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. 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.

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

Year Engine Power Torque Transmission 0–100 km/h (60 mph) Top speed CO2
2009 2.9L (2893 cc) 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) 300 N·m (221 lb·ft) Manual (6) 5.8 seconds (5.6) 265 km/h (165 mph) 221 g/km
3.4L (3436 cc) 235 kW (320 PS; 315 bhp) 370 N·m (273 lb·ft) Manual (6) 5.2 seconds (5.0) 277 km/h (172 mph) 223 g/km
2012 2.7L (2706 cc) 202 kW (275 PS; 271 bhp) 290 N·m (214 lb·ft) Manual (6) 5.7 seconds (5.4) 266 km/h (165 mph) 192 g/km
3.4L (3436 cc) 239 kW (325 PS; 321 bhp) 370 N·m (273 lb·ft) Manual (6) 5.0 seconds (4.7) 290 km/h (180 mph) 206 g/km

Awards

  • Motor Authority - Best Car To Buy 2014
  • AutomobileAll-Star 2007, Best Sports Car 2006
  • Car and DriverOne of the 10 Best Cars 2007-2009
  • World Car of the Year (WCOTY)World Performance Car of the Year 2006
  • Top GearSports Car of the Year 2005
  • Auto Express - Greatest Drives & Best Sporting Car 2007 & 2006
  • Frankfurt Motor Show - Autoweek Editors' Best in Show 2005
  • Playboy Magazine - Car of the Year 2006
  • J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study, Best Compact Premium Sporty Cars 2006
  • J.D. Power's Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study, Best Compact Premium Sporty Cars 2007 & 2006
  • Wheels Automotive Design Awards, Best Exterior 2006
  • Car Plus Magazine Car of the Year Award, Best Sports Car 2006
  • Motor Trend, Best Driver's Car 2009
  • South African Car of the Year 2014

The Cayman and also the Boxster have been plagued by catastrophic engine failures. Porsche recently settled a class-action lawsuit regarding the failures.

Deliveries

Calendar Year U.S.A. (Normal/Special) North America Rest of World Total Notes
2006 1160 / 5865 7313 8984 16297 NA Source
2007 2650 / 3377 6249 8736 14985 NA Source
Total 3810 / 9242 13562 17720 31282
Calendar Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total
2006 1000* 566 647* 699 587 442 650 548 494 580 565 535 7313
2007 499 342 635 509 616 577 661 609 469 404 363 565 6249
2008 550 242 285 402* 480 451 567 130 78 78 76 328 3667
  • Uncertain due to typos in press release or change in style of reports used.

Source:

Third generation: 981 and 718 (2012–2016)

Third generation (981)
2013 Porsche Boxster -- 2012 NYIAS.JPG
Overview
Production 2012–present
Designer Tony Hatter (981)
Body and chassis
Body style
  • 2-door roadster
  • 2-door fastback coupé
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L flat-4
2.5 L flat-4
2.7 L flat-6
3.4 L flat-6
3.8 L flat-6
Transmission 7-speed PDK
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase Boxster: 2,475 mm (97.4 in)
Cayman: 2,474 mm (97.4 in)
Length Boxster: 4,374 mm (172.2 in)
4,404 mm (173.4 in) (GTS)
Cayman: 4,374 mm (172 in)
Width Boxster: 1,801 mm (70.9 in)
Cayman: 1,801 mm (70.9 in)
Height Boxster: 1,282 mm (50.5 in)
1,273 mm (50.1 in) (GTS)
Cayman: 1,293 mm (51 in)
Curb weight Boxster: 3,035 lb (1,377 kg) (2.7 manual)
BoxsterS: 3,070 lb (1,390 kg) (manual)
BoxsterS: 3,139 lb (1,424 kg) (PDK)
BoxsterGTS: 3,163 lb (1,435 kg) (PDK)
Cayman: 3,083 lb (1,398 kg) (manual)
CaymanS: 3,131 lb (1,420 kg) (PDK)
CaymanGTS: 3,083 lb (1,398 kg) (manual)

CaymanGT4: 3,050 lb (1,380 kg)

Boxster

The third generation Boxster was introduced in 2012 under the 981 internal working code. In 2016, it received a facelift under the working code of 982 that saw some chassis modifications, cosmetic changes and a major shift in engines. The engine update consisted of the introduction of four-cylinder, single-turbo boxer engines instead of the six-cylinder naturally-aspirated engines used by the 981 Boxster family up to that point. As part of this strategy, Porsche reintroduced the 718 name in homage to the 4-cylinder Porsche 718 sports car from the 50s and 60s, with the Boxster becoming the 718 Boxster and forthcoming Cayman to become the 718 Cayman.

981 Boxster (2012-2016)

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 engines, 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.

Porsche revealed the latest Spyder model 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 3.8l flat-6, making this the largest capacity 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 are also removed, although 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. It also shares from the GT4 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 only gearbox available is a 6 speed manual. The Spyder has a base price of US$82,100.

Year Engine Power Torque Transmission (gears) 0–100 km/h (62 mph) Top speed CO2
2012 2.7L (2706 cc) 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) Manual (6) 5.8 seconds (5.5) 264 km/h (164 mph) 192g/km
PDK (7) 5.7 seconds (5.4) 262 km/h (163 mph) 180g/km
PDK Sport Chrono (7) 5.5 seconds (5.2) 262 km/h (163 mph) 180g/km
3.4L (3436 cc) 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp) 360 N·m (266 lb·ft) Manual (6) 5.1 seconds (4.8) 279 km/h (173 mph) 206g/km
PDK (7) 5.0 seconds (4.7) 277 km/h (172 mph) 188g/km
PDK Sport Chrono (7) 4.8 seconds (4.5) 277 km/h (172 mph) 188g/km
2014 3.4L (3436 cc) GTS 243 kW (330 PS; 326 bhp) 370 N·m (273 lb·ft) Manual (6) 5.0 seconds 281 km/h (175 mph) 211g/km
PDK (7) 4.7 seconds 279 km/h (173 mph) 190g/km
2015 3.8L (3800cc) Spyder 276 kW (375 PS; 370 bhp) 420 N·m (310 lb·ft) Manual (6) 4.5 seconds (4.3) 290 km/h (180 mph) 230g/km

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

718 Boxster (2016-)

Porsche 718 Boxster S

Porsche 718 Boxster S

The Porsche 718 Boxster/Boxster S 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, higher rpm limit, and lower fuel consumption. The S model turbocharger utilizes Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) technology.

The official performance figures for the 718 Boxster are:

Year Engine Power Torque Transmission (gears) 0–100 km/h (60 mph) Top speed CO2
2016 2L (1988 cc) 221 kW (300 PS; 296 bhp) 380 N·m (280 lb·ft) Manual (6) 5.1 seconds (4.9) 275 km/h (171 mph) 168 g/km
PDK (7) 4.9 seconds (4.7) 275 km/h (171 mph) 158 g/km
PDK Sport Chrono (7) 4.7 seconds (4.5) 275 km/h (171 mph) 158 g/km
2.5L (2497 cc) 257 kW (349 PS; 345 bhp) 420 N·m (310&nb