CAYMAN It's Official

Stuttgart. In the course of this year Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will be enlarging its range of sports cars through the introduction of another outstanding model. Based on the Boxster series, the new car, given its superior product qualities, will rank between the 911 Carrera and the Boxster S. This position of the new model is also borne out by its six-cylinder boxer engine transmitting maximum output of 295 bhp (217 kW) to the rear wheels. Like the power of the engine, the price of this new sports car will also come between that of the 911 Carrera and the Boxster S.

Cayman Porsche Porsche have it on their website as well.

This maybe a good car for me in 3 years time when the wife will tell me I can't justify a 911..... I loved the handling on my boxster and bearing in mind the new boxster 's' hold the record for the best slalom (road and track or car/driver) this should be absolutely amazing

This is weak! What a ridiculous name. And obvious marketing. If they market it as the Boxter Coupe' then they have to sell it for Boxster dollars--hence the gay name. So they give a Boxster a fixed roof, squeeze out 15 ponies and try to market it b/t the 986S and 911(997)? Nice try. So maybe in the low $60's ??? There is only $17K between the 986S and 997 as it is. At that point why wouldn't you get a base 997 for $69K and get 30 more horses and 911 styling??? That price difference is less than an X51 kit! I just am having a hard time understanding what they are trying to accomplish with this car?

how big is the motor?

3,4l, 295hp, 6 cylinder chris

interesting... so it probably outperforms the 3.4L carrera? how much does Cayman S weigh in at...

Agreed. Dumb name but it should sell well. By the way, isn't a coupe less expensive to build than a convertible? If that's the case, it should be priced below a Boxster S but I doubt that will happen thanks to a need for profitabilty. It will probably very nice to drive. Will any die-hard 911 drivers go to this for their next car? I don't think that I would.

The rear wing looks like a mini 996TT wing. The "ClubSport" version might be interesting, if it's brought to the US. I agree, bad name.

It should weigh less than a Boxster S. How much less is the question. I had heard that a CS version would become available as well with many parts removed for less overall weight. Of course, as usual, we'll be asked to pay more for less parts but we should be used to that by now...

Porsche is already squeezing every dollar out of the North American market. In Canada they sell for a 10 to 15 % premium over the US. Their margin rates are unbelievable. I have my doubts about the Cayman but I also had them about the Cayenne. Oh well. There is just no alternative I guess.

Tell me more about your '89 951 to be for sale soon. I have a friend who has had his heart set on a 968 but can't find any for a reasonable amount and I've been trying to go for a 951 instead. Feel free to email me offline at [email removed] or [email removed]

This makes no sense to me whatsoever. Talk about diluting your brand.

Porsche needs to rename their product line, let's see: Carrera Cayenne Cayman Boxster - Should be Coxster?

I'm definitely getting one in it's second or third year of manufacture (if the specs and my own test drive are what I think they'll be).

Second or third year of production? Come on, what has happened to all the early adopters? Someone has to guinea pig it for us...

Supercharged Cayman!!!! I bet you over 80% of people will mistake the Cayman for a 911. One will be driving down the down and someone will say...woah, nice 911.

You know that's going to happen without a doubt. Only the true Porscha' enthusiasts will know the difference. But you gotta admit this is a great day to be a potential buyer of Porsche. I doubt very much that I would ever switch from the 911 series. But as and introductory vehicle to the newbie, the selection has gotten better. Cheers and safe driving.

OK, I've decided that Cayman is a really dumb name. Why don't they just go back to numbers instead of names? This car is probably closest related to the 904 or 906 (flame suit on).

I'm still pushing to change the name of the Boxster to Coxster, just be consistant with the other C names.

Coxster won't work because it implies **** and everyone knows that Boxsters are for girls (Flame suit on). Maybe it should be called Beavster?

I'm sure the car will be fun to drive, why wouldn't it? Although no way will I dump my 911 for this thingy. What is of interest is how the new Porsches are being named. No longer do they evoque the race/competition lineage (Carrera, Targa, etc.). Just like PAG is no longer promoting racing. They now choose funky organic names "inspiring" the senses... albeit coming short for inspiring performance (if that is what they are trying to do). Wouldn't an "Habanero" chile trump a "Cayenne" chile, and wouldn't a freaking "Alligator" trump a" wimpy "Cayman"? Just a thought. Cheers.

OK, that was hilarious. You're right. What happened to the whole racing lineage nonsense that turned us on? By the way, I love that picture in your post.

When they do the watercraft they can call it the Cuyahoga

Let's help Porsche rename it. I vote for Kubelwagen or Flotzwagen.

How about Volkswasser?

LOL.

All this naming nonsense aside, this is what it should look like:

If that's accurate, people won't care what its named...

I doubt that it will look that clean and that good. It will most likely look a lot closer to the spy shot at the beginning of this thread. You're right though, if it did look this good, they could call it anything they want and people would buy it.

Porsche LE (ladies edition) Comes in standard Mary Kay pink with optional frill interior. The standard DC outlet has been replaced with a curling iron adapter. The left or right directional is always on (dealer option) CD player includes the complete Lilith Fair CD. Automatic transmission only, not Tiptronic, no standard. Optional horn music plays the theme to 'The View'. Electronically limited to 60MPH.

Personally I think the car looks great, however I do have some reservations. First off, if it is based on a Boxster but does not have the extra engineering for the folding roof then how come this is going to cost more? Surely a few extra ponies isn�t going to cut it? The look of the car is clearly similar to a 911 � so I think they are aiming at a market that can�t afford the 911 but want that panache and they are hoping that the similarity will obtain sales. It probably will but, IMHO, at the expense of the 911 and the Boxster � I don�t think they will be bringing in new buyers that would not have gone for an existing Porsche. There is a chance that it will be lighter and stiffer than the Boxster and that will, in turn, make it desirable, particularly for those wanting to track their cars. For me though, I think that they will be diluting the 911 cache with this car. Barry

Priced below the 911, but above the Boxster S ???? There isnt that much difference. I can't imagine their plan was to fill a $15k gap in the model lineup. Anyone who wants a 911 can easily buy one that has been sitting on the lot or a slightly used one as a better deal for less than an optioned Cayman will be. So that thinking doesn't make sense either. Time will tell i guess!

Cayman is going to be fantastic. You'll see the M3 buyers migrating to Porsche dealerships.

It definitely looks nice, but I agree with the positioning comments, not sure this fills much of a gap? As to the M3 people migrating to this model -- I don't think they will if this isn't a 2+2, so stupid question, does it have a back seat?

The name aside. I think the concept is great. The mid engine layout with the structural rigidity of a coupe will make an awesome car. I am anxious to see the final product and the figures (such as weight) and performance numbers. My wish would be for dry sump lubrication but I know that is only a dream. I will reserve my final thoughts until the production car is released, but it certainly looks likes a great alternative to the increasingly expensive and heavy 911 and very possibly my next Porsche. It is difficult to judge the position of the model without seeing the performance of the car. Porsche is all about profit these days so I can�t see them doing something that would dilute the most profitable car company in the world I can see the positioning as an attempt to bring in more �new� car buyers that would otherwise be looking at 1-2 year old 911�s as the pricing would seem to directly compete with the used 911s. It may very well not effect the 911 sales because there are always going to be those buyers that have to have a new 911 because it is a 911 and will not consider another Porsche. However, I can�t help but think it would cannibalize base 911 sales if the performance figures are close (but then there could be a better profit margin in the Cayman S). Lastly, I wouldn�t put it past Porsche to make another attempt to phase out the 911 like it did with the 928 or at the very least phase out its dependency on the 911.

not a fan, I second the name change to 'coxster'. If they wanted to fill a gap in the lineup - why not something between the Carrera & Carrera GT? I think that there's a lot more room there & more sense/dollars to be made than with trying to shoehorn an additional model into that 15k price gap.

They've already accomplished the latter via the Boxster and Cayenne. As for phasing out the 911, I think you could see this Cayman actually free Porsche up to take the 911 to an even higher level. They've been selling $90k 911's for a while now, why keep around a base model that sells for $70k? At that point, they could stop worrying about competing against Corvettes so much and make the 911 exclusive again.

I think you're dead on. Adding the GS is what allowed Lexus to successfully move the LS series up to the $70 - $80K premium category, moving up with the LS buyers rising aspirations but still leaving a product for the original price point. Porsche has intro'ed the 997 "S" at the product lifecycle start, not as a midlife kicker. I think you'll see the "S" become the standard moniker, though at an ever higher price point. I see this as especially important given the current euro / $ exchange rates which will naturally force price increases anyway. All this product manuevering also allows the boxster to become the "value" porsche. They'll probably look to limit buyer specified options and really drive the cost down once the Cayman is established. Maybe even license the design concept to VW???

So will that increase the resale value of late model 911's?

Maybe i am a bit bias here, but I dont like the Idea of Porsche adding , yet another car. One of the reasons i love my car so much is that they are rare. Add one more model and the name is not as rare....Maybe its just me...

I actually thought of that too. It would seem that the base 911 would really be under attack from a performance stand point if the Cayman S has 295 hp with a lower weight. The end result might be the "base" 911 would be what the 977S is and priced accordingly.....the end result more profit for Porsche. Not to mention they would attempt to regain the more exclusive nature of the 911 by pricing it much higher.

I agree...I think MB did the same thing with the C-Class. I like the car, but now everyone seem to have a C320 or something. MB's are almost as common as a Honda Accord now. what's so special about that?

If I order one I think I'll be checking the "Delete model designation" box on the order form!

Some good points but I think that more than a price increase is going to be needed. It seems that every month my Evo mags are full of high performance vehicles from wider ranges of vendors over a wide range of price points. Porsche has to do more than raise their price & add 'S' to their models, I think, to maintain their place as a purveyor of high performance vehicles worth the premium charged.

Here are some interesting photos I found on a Dutch website. If they are accurate, it does look strikingly similar to a 911... http://www.autowereld.com/nieuwsberi...=1746&pa=&fr=1

with the engine midships it will make a nice track car It looks good I must say

Am I the only one that thinks this looks a lot like the Nizzan Z350?

I hope not. The test mules have looked better than that! And if you notice in the silver face shot...there appears to be backseats. So unless this is a 2+2, those really look like 987/997 photoshops to me. And take note on the second picture. Ok, those rear-quarter windows?? Does the engine need to look outside? They seem way too big for a mid-engine. Or maybe the mechanics can just have a seat inside the car when they work on the engine..

290 hp., ~2800 lbs., mid-engine layout. How would the nurburgring laptime compare to a 911, now consider a club sport version... ideal track beast indeed.

Am I seeing things or does the badge read "Boxster S" ?

where does the ENGINE go? inside the passenger cabin ? anyway, i wnoder if they are going to release other cayman derivatives ( a turbo is too much to hopefor) but mabye abase version? it would be silly only have one variant of the cayman being the cayman S and no other references points

No, thats a photoshop. That couldn't possibly be real. Its what people THINK it may look like. Some of these pictures have been floating around the net for months.

Yes it is yet another Photoshop Hoax!!! Looking at a picture on the link provided by Longhorn911 (Picture A below), and an old official photo of the 987 launch vehicles (Picture B below), you can see how a Photoshop artist went to town, and created the Cayman picture (A) based on the new Boxster picture (B). The background is the same on both pics, the silver car is at the same angle, the reflections are the same, including the red car's reflection on the driver's side front bumper! That explains mim3's observation on the Boxter S badge. Bastards!

Like it or not I can't wait to see and drive one inperson.

I found these pics on "teh internet".

Now that version looks GOOD!!! C.

Those pics came out months ago. Personally i like those shots the best. Those are also photoshoped "artist renditions." I hope it looks similar, just slightly more aggressive. Only that third picture looks to be close though. I bet the car will be a hatchback. Ot at least similar to the way the new Targa rear works. It makes the most sense.

If there is room for tall doods in this car, and it looks something like the red concepts above...I'd be VERY interested. Chad

All these 'photos' only HINT at what the car looks like. Trust me, you'll love it.

Lord, the suspense is killing me. When will it be revealed!!!! I am photoshopped to death with renditions.

I agree it looks like a z350... Wow! the Cayman...what a macho ***** name that is...LOL LOL... Its a flipping boxster with a roof...that took a lot of thought!

I received a promo today that included this link.... http://www3.us.porsche.com/english/u...e6/default.htm

First of all, the website is so lame. Second, this is a two seater which can be a deal breaker for some (like myself) Finally, what a name. This will be a great track car though.

I am sure it will look great, and will be an interesting option for those of us with 3.4l 911's, if the price is right. The current 997 Carrera S will end up being the base 911 very soon.

HAHA....i trust Mr.Focus Group's opinion! Porsche isnt stupid. With a name like that, this car has to be beyond everything we imagine. Just like the Cayenne. They knew the flaming they would recieve releasing a big truck. So....who can argue with a Cayenne TT, especially modified???? It holds a FASTER TIME AT THE RING THAT MOST CARS!!!!! This car will be no different. (ive personally seen Cayenne's run slaloms...fast...its scary!)

The most telling statement to me is the "This is going to bring back the Passion..." one. I think this is going to be one seriously fast, purpose built, rocket. It will surpass the 911 in terms of sheer performance (numbers wise), at least until the 997 Turbo comes out. They may have struck out w/ the name, but I sincrely believe this car is going to be a home run in every other sense. In the end, I think you will see Porsche develop an approach similar to Ferrari. They have the small, mid-engine, "F1" car, and then they have the larger, more luxurious GT. I know the 911 is a sportscar first, but the market place is requiring Porsche to outfit it more like a GT. I think the introduction of this car gives an indication that Porsche is planning to take the 911 more in that direction and leave the Cayman for everyone that values pure performance over all else.

This is exactly what I am thinking and/or really hoping for. The reality is the 911 is under attack from all different angles and it can�t be everything to everybody. The enthusiast wants a fast, light, agile rocket. There is another faction that wants power, comfort, handling, refinement and exclusiveness. It is becoming increasing difficult to satisfy both camps because of what other manufacturers are offering. There is a huge market for powerful �sports cars� that are more GT than sports, and this market has shown a willingness to pay for the such cars. Porsche is in the business of selling cars and has evolved the 911 to satisfy this market. Rennlist is a small % of Porsche owners, yet we all seem to (myself included) think everyone is considering putting coilovers, GT3 adjustable sways, louder exhaust on the cars looking for that last bit of performance. The reality is there is a much larger market that wants better cup holders, nicer interiors, a more quiet ride and supple ride, etc. but with the ability to �open it up� and feel the handling/drive that is associated with the name Porsche. The fact that Porsche may not be forgetting about the enthusiast is a good sign. It remains to be seen whether the Cayman (still a bad name) comes to fruition as what I hope it does, but I can hope.

Well, isnt the new 997 just seconds off of the GT3 around the ring???? Thats something to be said for Porsche improving their cars. If they can do that with the 997, then whatever they believe is gonna put "The passion" back in theirs is really gonna be special. Cause even the new cars move. They are still the best feeling cars on the road undeniably. So this new one has to be wild. And strangely...that name is growing on me fast. I can almost see myself saying, "hey whered i park my cayman..." I think i might still go for badge delete though if i ordered one.

I think this is going to be one seriously fast, purpose built, rocket. It will surpass the 911 in terms of sheer performance (numbers wise), at least until the 997 Turbo comes out. I hope you're correct, but the fact they're equipping the S with a 3.4L instead of a 3.6L leads me to believe they're still "protecting" the 911 by maintaining a performance differential. I agree with you that the Cayman has incredible potential to be THE enthusiast car in the Porsche lineup. It remains to be seen whether Porsche will exploit the mid-engined coupe platform to its full potential (lightweight GT & Club Sport variants, etc.). If they do, this is the most exciting thing that's happened at Porsche in a while IMHO.

if the cayman is within 20% of what the pre showing hype has indicated it will be, I'll almost certainly be jacking in my 996 in 2-3 years for it I LOVED my boxster, and the chuckability it had is just not in my 996 even with the 3.4 and 295 BHP it will have more straightline speed than my '99 996 the back seat is only used for the dog once a month anyway.... so I would gladly give it up If I want a GT then i would buy the new BMW M6 I'm personally more concerned about enjoyment than exclusivity - if the car is well built and reliable then I would put a deposit down romorrow (despite the gay sounding name)

Spoken like a true enthusiast. I second that thought.

I think that I'll wait until this new car's first 'revision' before I jump in. But it sure is beautiful!

Revision! Its not even out yet!!!!! What do you know!!!!!!!!!! How nerveracking! HAHAHA. Revision...as in "special model" or revision as in Porsche is planning an appearance overhaul already???

I think Paul means he doesn't want to be an early adopter.

well in reality, nissan was looking at the 911 when they designed the Z. Very similar lines....except the Z sports shorter overhangs

remember the original name for the Z was Fairlady. Yutaka Katayama risked his career by having 240Z nameplates made in the US and prying the factory name off at the dock in LA...

Well, I mean the car is great, but there were some things that we all thought could be improved upon. I can only guess that the purpose of this focus group was to garner reaction to the new car as well as get opinions on where it can be improved upon for its second generation - just like the 996 changed in 2002. The one thing I recall is that the fog lights on the Caymen didn't seem to suit it quite right. The front end is very similar to the Boxster, but the fog lights were these round things that just sort of seem out of place. Also, the front end shouldn't stick out as far as it does - I think it would look better if they shortened it a bit, but that would require NOT sharing components with the Boxster, which results in less profit. Other than that, I don't think I'd change anything. I really like the headlights (pretty much like the new Boxster if I remember correctly) and the rear end is f@#%in' fabulous. The other reason is that I'm not ready to give up my 996 just yet, and I can't afford to own two Porsches. Plus, they're bound to release a club sport version a few months later. But really, if money weren't an issue, I would put a deposit down right now.

Can't wait to see it!