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New 2006 Porsche Cayman S
makes
its North and South American debut
Expanding Porsche's sports car roster for 2006, a new Boxster -
based coupe landed in its element on North American shores, arriving with
gusto on the sweeping tarmac of Birmingham's Barber Motorsports Park.
The new coupe shares much with the acclaimed roadster, but its unique
characteristics and exceptional capabilities earn a new moniker certain to
resonate with enthusiasts - the Porsche Cayman S.
The Cayman S sports a larger, more powerful 3.4-liter, horizontally opposed
six-cylinder engine, enclosed in a lightweight but exceptionally rigid
chassis. Carried on a taut and nimble suspension, the 2006 Porsche Cayman S
sets the benchmark in the two-seat sports coupe category.
In testing around Germany's famed Nürburgring racing circuit, the Cayman S
generated lap times nearly rivaling the acclaimed Porsche 911 Carrera. Yet
because of careful engineering for weight optimization, and a design that
provides outstanding aerodynamics, the Porsche Cayman S also set new
standards on the famed Northern Circuit for fastest lap while using the
least fuel.
Though it combines a potent drivetrain, exceptionally well-balanced handling
dynamics, and the quality of braking that characterizes all Porsche
vehicles, the Cayman S is more than a performance car. With a well-equipped
passenger compartment, it also was designed to be comfortable and well
appointed conveyance, whether on two-lane mountain roads, urban commutes, or
wide-open stretches of interstate.
Powerful but fuel-efficient 3.4-liter engine
Providing power for the 2006 Porsche Cayman S is a new 3.4-liter "boxer"
six-cylinder engine. While based on the 3.2-liter engine in the 2006 Porsche
Boxster S, this engine wears the cylinder heads and uses the same VarioCam®
Plus technology as the venerable Porsche 911. VarioCam Plus carefully
controls intake camshaft timing and valve lift, making constant adjustments
to optimize power output. The 2006 Porsche Cayman S is the first car other
than the 911 to benefit from this unique Porsche technology.
So managed, the 3.4-liter engine produces 295 horsepower and 251 foot-pounds
of torque, propelling the Cayman S from a standing start to 60 miles per
hour (96 km/h) in just 5.1 seconds. The car reaches 99 mph (160 km/h) in a
mere 11.7 seconds, 124 mph (200 km/h) in 18.6 seconds, and eclipses the
quarter-mile sprint in 13.6 seconds. The Cayman S achieves a top speed on
the test track of nearly 171 mph (275 km/h).
Even with such stout performance, the Cayman S is rated at 20-mpg city and
28 mpg on the highway (12 liters/100 km city; 8 liters/100 km highway). The
engine's efficiency also shows in its emissions, as it qualifies as an LEVII
(low-emission category two) vehicle in the United States.
In addition to its short stroke and VarioCam Plus technology, the new engine
benefits from a newly developed crankshaft, main bearings and pistons. The
crankshaft in the Cayman S shares dimensions with that in the 911 Carrera,
and the aluminum crankcase is virtually identical to that used in Porsche's
flagship.
Close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission
To deal with the increased output from the 3.4-liter engine, the six-speed
manual transmission used in the Boxster S was modified, with shorter ratios
for first and second gears. As in the 911 Carrera and Boxster S, the
synchromesh rings on first and second gears also have a wear-proof carbon
coating to insure maximum efficiency.
To assure short, crisp and precise shifts, the Cayman S gearbox has triple
synchromesh for first and second gears with double synchromesh for third,
fourth, fifth and sixth.
While the gearbox is easy to manipulate, the engine is strong enough to
provide power even in lazier driving. For example, while cruising in fifth
gear at 50 mph (80 km/h), a driver who wants to make a passing maneuver can
simply push down on the gas pedal and the Cayman S responds by sprinting to
75 mph (125 km/h) in just 6.6 seconds.
Tiptronic S also available
As an alternative to the standard six-speed manual, Porsche offers its
acclaimed Tiptronic S gearbox in the Cayman S as an option. This five-speed
automatic transmission allows drivers the option of shifting gears manually
by simply pushing fingertip controls located on the crossbar of the steering
wheel.
Even with the automatic gearbox, the 2006 Porsche Cayman S accelerates to 60
mph (96 km/h) in only 5.8 seconds.
To make sure engine and transmission are properly matched, the Tiptronic S
initiates rev-matching when downshifting. Further, the electronic controls
that manage the Tiptronic S automatically work with the standard Porsche
Stability Management system, responding to such things as hard braking or
strong lateral loading, to keep power output at its optimum levels for safe
control of the car.
Stiff chassis, fluid suspension enhance performance
While the Cayman S chassis and suspension are based on the Boxster's, the
coupe is slightly larger and gains rigidity from its fixed roof
architecture. This stiffer structure allows Porsche engineers to optimize
the coupe's suspension for exceptional dynamic capabilities.
Compared to Porsche's own outstanding roadster, the body of the Cayman S
offers 100 percent more resistance to flex and its torsional stiffness
nearly matches that of the heralded Porsche 911 Carrera.
With such a solid platform, Porsche engineers were able to tune the Cayman S
for an even more sporting and dynamic dimension, with high reserves for
safety. However, the strength of the Cayman S body also allowed them to
maximize the comfort of the driver and passenger.
Responsive, sure-footed suspension geometry
The entire chassis setup - with special springs, shocks and sway bars - has
been specifically developed for the Cayman S.
As on other Porsche sports cars, the front suspension of the Cayman S
features spring-strut axles with separately mounted longitudinal and track
control arms to assure precise wheel guidance while controlling body roll. A
new outbound/rebound stop spring within the damper strut further reduces
body roll angle, to make the Cayman S even more sure-footed under high
lateral acceleration forces.
The rear suspension also features spring-strut axles with longitudinal and
track control arms, but with firmer springs on the rear axle than the
Boxster S, and an even harder outbound setting for the rear dampers. But
while the rear springs are firmer, the rear anti-roll bar is slightly
"softer" to provide both control and comfort.
Variable-ratio steering
As on the Boxster and 911 Carrera, the Cayman S is equipped with
hydraulically boosted rack-and-pinion steering, with variable gear ratios to
better transmit the driver's inputs to the wheels.
When the steering wheel is within 15 degrees of either side of its on-center
position, the steering ratio is engineered for smooth and high-speed
stability, even on rough surfaces. However, when the steering wheel angle
exceeds 15 degrees from center, the ratio becomes more direct, reducing
lock-to-lock travel and giving the driver better control on tightly winding
roads, as well as in slow-speed maneuvers, such as when parallel parking.
Porsche Stability Management included
The 2006 Porsche Cayman S features the latest generation of Porsche
Stability Management (PSM). This unique vehicle control technology
encompasses anti-lock braking, anti-slip (traction) control, engine drag
control and automatic brake differential functions, to intervene when
necessary in driving situations that approach the limits of adhesion. In
such instances, PSM can apply the brakes to individual wheels to help
maintain the car's stability.
However, unlike intrusive vehicle control systems available from other
automakers, PSM is designed not to interfere with sporty performance but to
enhance the involvement for the enthusiast driver.
Porsche Active Suspension Management available
For drivers who want to explore extended vehicle dynamics, the 2006 Porsche
Cayman S can be equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).
PASM, in effect, provides two suspension setups in a single vehicle - one
for comfortable cruising and everyday driving, and the other for track-day
or autocross exercises.
If so equipped, PASM provides for a 10mm lower static ride height, and
offers two damper settings: "Normal" and "Sport".
Compared to the standard Cayman S suspension setup, PASM Normal offers a
more comfortable suspension that provides even smoother ride qualities,
especially over rough roads. However, the system automatically stiffens when
the driver makes more aggressive inputs.
PASM Sport activates a much firmer damper control map for agile and dynamic
handling, such as that sought in track situations.
PASM includes two accelerometers that determine vertical movement of the
body. Further, it monitors steering angle inputs, road speed, brake pressure
and engine torque to optimize damper control for each individual wheel.
Sports Chrono Package provides the ultimate in dynamic agility
As a further option, Porsche offers its Sports Chrono Package that modifies
mapping for the powertrain and braking systems to provide the ultimate in
performance driving. With the optional Sports Chrono Package activated, the
2006 Porsche Cayman S responds even more directly to throttle inputs a nd
offers the driver even greater freedom when driving at the limit. So
equipped, it provides a more sporting set-up of engine management, more
aggressive shifting algorithms of the optional Tiptronic S transmission, as
well as expanded parameters of the PASM system.
The Sports Chrono Package includes a dash-mounted stopwatch gauge that
records lap times on track days or in autocross events. On cars equipped
with the optional Porsche Communications Management system, this data can be
displayed for review on the navigation monitor screen.
In Porsche's testing at the Nürburgring, a Cayman S equipped with the Sports
Chrono Package was some three seconds faster per lap around the test track
than cars without the package.
Large brakes for quick, safe stops
To deal with such dynamic forces, the Cayman S, like the Boxster S, uses the
same braking system components as the 911 Carrera.
Front brake discs are internally ventilated and measure 12.52 inches (318
mm) in diameter and 1.10 inches (28 mm) in thickness. Rear discs also are
internally-vented and measure 11.77 inches (299 mm) across and 0.94 inches
(24 mm) in thickness. To provide optimum deceleration, four-piston monobloc
calipers - painted red on the Cayman S - grab the discs under braking.
As with all Porsche vehicles, brakes are a critical component to safe
driving, so during vehicle development they are put through rigorous
testing. For example, before brakes are approved for production, they must
be able to go through 25 consecutive cycles involving full acceleration to
top speed, followed by deceleration to 62 mph (100 km/h) without fading.
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes available
For drivers who seek the cutting edge in braking technology, Porsche Ceramic
Composite Brakes (PCCB) are available on the 2006 Cayman S. PCCB uses
13.78-inch (350 mm) rotors made from a ceramic material that is resistant to
corrosion and provide a high-friction surface for optimum braking
characteristics even in extremely wet conditions. While larger, the ceramic
discs weigh only half as much as conventional metal brakes, thus reducing
normal static weight and enhancing vehicle dynamic capabilities.
Large wheels, Z-rated tires
Standard on the 2006 Porsche Cayman S are 18-inch wheels, eight inches wide
for the front wheels and nine inches wide for the rear. The wheels have a
unique design that draws on cues from the wheels on the famed Porsche
Carrera GT supercar.
Wheels wear 235/40-aspect tires in front and 265/40-aspect tires in the
rear. All tires have Z speed ratings.
Four 19-inch wheel designs are offered as optional equipment on the Cayman
S. The optional wheels are made from a special flow-forming technology that
reduces their weight by some 3 percent compared to wheels made from other
processes.
The optional wheels include the same wheels used on the 2006 Porsche 911
Carrera S, a SportDesign wheel with 15 spokes and filigree styling
reminiscent of wheels used in international motorsports, and the 911 Carrera
Classic wheels, with five slender spokes and a better view of the
cross-drilled brake discs and monobloc calipers.
The fourth optional wheel is a wider, 10-spoke monobloc wheel that runs 8.5
inches wide for the front wheels and 10 inches wide for the rear. As on the
SportDesign wheels, the spokes are in a star-shaped arrangement.
Each optional wheel comes with a specially selected tire. Eighteen-inch
winter wheel sets are also available through the Porsche Tequipment catalog.
No spare needed
Like other Porsche models, the Cayman S comes with a special sealant as well
as an electric compressor instead of a conventional (and heavy) spare tire
and jack. The Mobility Set is sufficient in most cases to avoid the need of
changing a damaged tire on the side of the road and allows the driver to
travel at up to 50 mph (80 km/h) to the nearest service center.
Optional tire pressure monitor
Another new safety feature is the optional tire-pressure monitoring system.
Wheel sensors constantly monitor the air pressure in each tire and alert the
driver with two warnings. A "gentle" warning in white text appears on the
digital display within the tachometer if air pressure drops by more than 2.9
psi but less than 5.8 psi. This warning appears for 10 seconds each time the
car is started. A "stern" warning is displayed in red text on the
tachometer's digital display if air pressure drops more than 5.8 psi or if
pressure is falling by more than 2.9 psi per minute. This warning appears as
soon as the respective values are exceeded, whether the vehicle is
stationary or moving.
Purely Porsche, but also a unique design
Some may look at the 2006 Porsche Cayman and be reminded of the Porsche 550
Coupe or the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS Coupe, both legendary cars from
previous eras. Others will notice how Porsche designers incorporated
elements of both the Boxster roadsters and the 911 Carrera models into the
new two-seat, fixed-roof coupe. Still others will see the
Cayman for its
unique design, purely Porsche
but with distinct styling
 elements such as its
nose section, the way the rocker panels sweep up to the side-mounted air
vents like a hockey stick, and the graceful if complex curves as the long
sloping roofline narrows as it plunges between the voluptuous rear fenders.
To try to classify the Cayman S as merely the coupe version of the Boxster
does disservice to both vehicles, each of which is unique with its own
special characteristics.
The 2006 Cayman S presents a new face for Porsche with a more pronounced
lower lip and with fog lamps mounted on bars that extend across the air
intakes - with their unique vertical slats - on either side of that lip. The
hood sweeps up between the front fenders to a steeply raked windshield.
The exterior design not only underscores the fixed-roof coupe styling, but
also enhances aerodynamic control.
The exterior mirrors are similar to those used on the 200-mph Porsche
Carrera GT supercar and the new and split rear wing moves up some 3.15
inches (80 mm) as soon as the car exceeds 75 mph (120 km/h) to enhance
high-speed stability. Rather than a traditional spoiler, this wing keeps air
resistance to a minimum while generating powerful downforce.
Airflow beneath the car also is carefully controlled, both for cooling of
engine, transmission and brakes, and for helping to keep the Cayman S in
contact with the road surface. Further, ram air flaps are built in the
corners of the fan frames at the front of the car and reduce forces acting
on the front axle.
Headlamps use projector-beam technology (bi-xenon lamps are optional). Wide
tail lamps are cut into the rear quarter panels. Rear horizontal form bars
merge into the specially designed and centrally mounted dual tailpipes.
Overall, the 2006 Porsche Cayman S body is 172.1 inches (4371 mm) long,
which makes it not quite half an inch longer than the Boxster and 3.3 inches
(89 mm) shorter than the 911 Carrera. The Cayman S also is 0.2 inches taller
(at 51.4 inches or 1305 mm) than the Boxster, though the cars share their
width (70.9 inches or 1801 mm) and 95.1-inch (2415 mm) wheelbase dimensions.
The Cayman S has a coefficient of drag of 0.29 while the Boxster S has a
figure of 0.30. Even with its metal roof, the Cayman S weighs 11 pounds less
than the Boxster S.
Sophisticated interior with high-quality materials
The interior of the 2006 Porsche Cayman S combines luxury-class materials
with the controls and seat bolstering required by the enthusiast driver, and
thus provides a fitting environment whether traveling across the country or
around a racetrack.
While based on the interior of the Porsche Boxster, the Cayman S adds
several unique features, such as its long and wide rear package shelf,
covered storage bins behind each seat, and a revised binnacle above the
instrument cluster with a fine metal grid in the open spaces between the
circular instruments and the binnacle.
The gearshift lever, steering wheel rim, handbrake lever handle,
center-console storage compartment cover and door trim panels are all
finished in leather.
Aluminum-colored trim accents the interior, which features standard air
conditioning and a pollen filter.
Along with an oversized glove box, the Cayman S features an open storage bin
located at the lower front end of the center console, and a covered storage
box at the rear end of the console. Contained within this binnacle are both
a coin holder and a 12-volt power outlet. Covered storage areas are also
located in each door panel.
A pair of cup holders is cleverly concealed behind a trim strip above the
glove compartment. Each accommodates beverages nearly three inches in
diameter, and swivels out independently as needed.
Four seating choices
Seats can be adjusted in six directions, with electrical control of the
backrest angle while fore/aft and height adjustment is manual. Height
adjustment incorporates a special step-by-step leveling system between the
seat and doorsill for precise and convenient adjustment.
Seats with full electric control are optional and provide seat adjustment in
12 directions, including seat-bottom adjustment angle. The electric-control
seats also include four-way lumbar support.
Sport seats also are available with enhanced lateral support bolsters, both
in the seat and back cushions.
A further option is adaptive sports seats that combine larger bolsters with
12-way power controls. These seats can be adjusted for a wider or narrower
fit to better accommodate the driver and passenger.
Two compartments for luggage
The 2006 Porsche Cayman S features two separate luggage compartments, one
under the front hood and the other under the long sloping rear hatch.
Combined, they provide 14.5 cubic feet (410 liters) of capacity.
The rear luggage compartment is fully carpeted and offers storage areas on
either side of a stainless steel trim strip. The rear section - which is as
large as the rear luggage compartment in the Porsche Boxster - is covered by
a removable privacy panel when the tailgate is in its closed position.
The tailgate itself is 45.7 inches long (116 cm) and 35.4 inches wide (90
cm) and opens with the help of two-stage, gas-pressure springs. The back
edge of the hatch rises more than six feet into the air to provide access to
the rear cargo area, which features four tie-downs as well as a luggage net.
A luggage retention bar between the headrests keeps bags safely in position,
even when the driver has to brake for an all-out emergency.
Several choices in audio equipment
The Cayman S comes standard with a Porsche Sound Package including nine
speakers: one 2.5-inch (70-mm) mid-range speaker and two .75-inch (19-mm)
tweeters in the dash, two 4-inch (100-mm) mid-range speakers and two 8-inch
(200-mm) woofers in the doors, and two 4-inch (100-mm) mid-range speakers in
the rear compartment.
The optional Porsche Communication Management (PCM®) system includes
available DVD navigation and the ability to play MP3 files.
A BOSE Surround Sound System is available as an option. It has 10 speakers
and a seven - channel digital amplifier specifically designed for the Cayman
S.
Porsche Communications Management available
The optional PCM system offers a further enhancement in the form of an
electronic logbook that can record up to 1,500 trips taken in the 2006
Porsche Cayman S. It also records mileage, journey length, date and time, as
well as the starting point and destination address - valuable information
for leased vehicles come tax time. A programmable HomeLink system that can
open a garage door or turn on the lights in your home is standard.
Additional options are available
Also optional on the 2006 Porsche Cayman S are such features as a roof
transport system, rearview mirrors with an automatic auto-dimming function,
and a Park Assist system that measures the distance to obstacles.
Safe by design
The stiff body shell of the 2006 Porsche Cayman S provides for a high level
of passive safety.
Doors are designed and built to optimize safety with an extra steel profile
plate. Thus the doors actually stiffen the passenger cell in a head-on
collision and dissipate energy around the driver and passenger.
Each 2006 Porsche Cayman S provides a full complement of six airbags,
including two front and two seat-mounted side-impact airbags. In addition,
the Porsche Side Impact Protection (POSIP) system includes head airbags that
deploy upward from their housings in the door windowsills. These new airbags
provide a flat cushion that inflates to nearly 500 cubic inches (8 liters)
and are designed to help protect the heads of the driver and passenger from
broken glass and objects that might enter through the window in the event of
an accident.
The Cayman S comes equipped with full-size two-stage front airbags featuring
an organic-based propellant that not only makes them lighter and more
compact, but easier to recycle as well. The passenger seat also features
sensors that-depending on the weight acting on the seat-automatically switch
the passenger airbag on or off.
Both seats feature three-point inertia-reel seat belts, with belt-latch
tensioners and belt-force limiters.
Extensive warranty
Every 2006 Porsche vehicle sold in the United States or Canada is covered by
a four year/50,000-mile (80,000 kilometer), bumper-to-bumper limited
warranty, which includes Porsche's Roadside Assistance Program. The
galvanized body and 26-step paint and anti-corrosion process enable Porsche
to warrant each car against rust perforation for 10 years and unlimited
mileage.
In addition, Porsche guarantees the paint finish for three years - also
without a mileage limitation.
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