Porsche Cayman S : 2006

Porsche's new Cayman S is raising the stakes once again

The 3.4-liter 295-hp flat-six-powered coupe is scheduled to make its first public appearance at September's Frankfurt motor show before reaching North American showrooms early next year.

The two-seat Cayman S slots into the Porsche line slightly above the new 2005 Boxster. It's a strategy that has required Porsche to provide the Cayman S with greater firepower than the 3.2-liter 280-hp Boxster S simply to justify its positioning.

Porsche has been careful not to let its latest model - named after the caiman breed of crocodile found in Central and South America encroach on the territory ruled by the 3.6-liter 325-hp 911 Carrera.

In both power and straight-line performance, the Cayman S remains a respectable distance from its more expensive Carrera stablemate, although if word from the Stuttgart grapevine proves correct, Porsche is already considering a racing-focused stripped-down Clubsport version of the Cayman, possibly to receive the historical GTS designation. A less expensive base Cayman is also planned, running either the 3.2-liter from the Boxster S, or a 3.0-liter 260-hp flat six.

Specifications.
Engine :: 6 cylinder boxer, water-cooled
Displacement :: 3.4 liters
Horsepower :: 295 hp
at engine speed :: 6,250 rpm
Max. torque :: 250 lb.-ft.
at engine speed :: 4,400-6,000 rpm
0 - 60 mph :: 5.1 sec (Manual gearbox)
0 - 60 mph :: 5.8 sec (Tiptronic S)
Top Track speed :: 171 mph (Manual gearbox)
Top Track speed :: 166 mph (Tiptronic S)