Lid lifted on fresh Cayman, Boxster

By Conor Mills

31st October 2008

It’s a Porsche double whammy! Thanks to images leaked on the Internet, after appearing on the German company’s own website, Auto Express can show you the facelifted versions of the Cayman and Boxster.

Set to go on sale next year, the new models benefit from subtle exterior tweaks, such as restyled headlamps, new air intakes and sleek LED tail-lights. Inside, there’s fresh trim, plus upgrades to the navigation and entertainment systems.

The biggest changes come under the skin, though. Out goes the old 2.7-litre flat-six-
cylinder engine, in favour of a new 2.9-litre with 265bhp and 300Nm of torque. That’s 20bhp and 27Nm more than before.

A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard on both cars, but as on the 911, Porsche’s PDK twin-clutch transmission will be optional. This provides a snappier shift action. Other extras on offer include a limited-slip differential – a first for the base variant.

The sportier S models will get a 320bhp direct-injection version of the new 2.9-litre engine. This means the Cayman flagship will cover 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds; the PDK has a time of five seconds exactly. The upgrades also cut fuel consumption and emissions.