Our First Look at the Next Generation Porsche Cayman?
New product development appears to be in full swing these days at Porsche. In the last few days we’ve already seen glimpses of what appear to be RS spec models of the current Boxster and Cayman, and now comes evidence that the sports car builder is working on an entirely new generation for both models – possibly hitting the market as early as 2012.
The Cayman mule shown in our clandestine photographs reveals bolt-on wheel arches which are a good indicator that a wider track is in store for the new car. We can also expect that the next gen Cayman will get Porsches all-new PDK dual-clutch gearbox, as well as the next generation direct injection engine technology.
Our spy shooter has also gotten word that this generation Boxster and Cayman could get a platform mate in the Volkswagen line, though the VW would likely only get four-cylinder engine options.
Porsche has started development of the new platform for the next generation Cayman and Boxster as seen on these photos. This new generation will partly be build by Magna Steyr in Austria instead of Valmet in Finland.
The wider wheel arches give it away that the track might be slightly wider than the current model, but hopefully it want grow too much in length.
Some of the new features that will already come in the facelifted versions of the current model, due in spring 2009, will of course also be available in the new generation. Like the new PDK dual-clutch gearbox and the new engines with fuel direct injection. Rumors are also talking about a VW sports car based on the same platform, but probably just with four-cylinder engines. New Cayman and Boxster is due for 2012.
Comments
87ninefiveone
Wouldn't it make more sense to give Audi the Cayman/Boxster cousin rather than VW? I realize they already have the TT at a slightly lower price point, but Porsche is generally in the habbit of stealing VW chassis, not the other way around.
Michigan Volkswagen Enthusiast (www.michiganvw.org/forum)
Anonymous
Porsche better get loose with the Horsepower as they are being rapidly passed by the likes of Nissan GT-Rs and other competion. I test drove a Caymen S and was very underwhelmed by the way it drove. I could not even look at the engine?? What car buff would want a car with a hidden engine?
whinny noise and dull exhaust note. Even a lowly 350Z sounded better and ran as quick at 1/3 the price of the Caymen.
LloydChiro
"I test drove a Caymen S and was very underwhelmed by the way it drove."
Do you live in an area with flat, straight roads? I had the 1st generation Boxster, complete with the 200 hp engine, and while it was slow off the line, it was supernatural through the corners and in the hills.
AluminumOvercast
Yes, believe it. My "lowly" Z kicks Boxster butt regularly (the new 370Z will even more so)! The GT R will do the same to the 911, Weather Porsche or owners of their cars choose to acknowledge that or not.
Anonymous
I too was a tad disappointed after testing a Cayman S last summer. I've had an Audi TT 3.2 DSG (albeit with a few engine/exhaust/wheel & tire mods & now running about 315whp.) & the Cayman was a dog in engine, tranny & handling areas & as I remembered even my TT in stock configuration felt more solid & at about $20K less even more of a bargain. I thought Porsche was trying to make an entry-level sports coupe that would compete with the likes of the Z's, Z4's, TT's & others Now this next-genner is a great looker but at how much $$$??
Jim G / Woodland Hills, CA
I love the looks of the Caymen Coupe and the mid engine design with its better inherent handling. Whereas I dislike 911s for their awkard looks, poor handing and being so overpriced. I've wanted to get a Caymen S but they are so underpowered and don't have the cool GT3 style performance options compared to the pricer 911s.
So instead? I got a new Corvette C6 Z06, modified it for an extra $20,000 with cam, headers, Callaway coil-overs, wider wheels w/ f295 / r335 Mchelin Pilot Cup tires, and lighter brake rotors like the new ZR1 - the result is 640hp from a 3040lb car awesome! For $88,000 I've got a car that will blow any Porsche Turbo or GT2, Ferrari F430 and Lambo into the weeds on the track, runs 11 sec 1/4miles and 220mph and still gets 30mph on the highway at 80mph in 6th gear at 1800rpm.
Porsche needs to give us customers a decent handling and powerful car at a fair price. But as long as rich idiots still by price inflated 911s it probably never will happen.
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