Strengths

Terrific performance; cutting-edge styling; lots of cargo space; available luxury features.

 

Changes

For 2009, the Porsche Cayman gets updated styling, including minor body changes as well as optional dynamic directional bi-xenon headlights and new taillights utilizing rows of small LED lamps. A new 2.9L 265-horsepower flat six replaces last year's 245-horsepower 2.7L unit, while the S returns with a its 3.4-liter six, now rated at 320 horsepower. A new 7-speed double-clutch automatic gearbox is available, known as the Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (or PDK), while a conventional 6-speed manual is standard. Bluetooth is now optional, as are steering wheel-mounted controls for the audio and hands-free system. A new navigation system is also available, along with a full-function iPod jack. The Sport Chrono Package returns this year, and when ordered on a PDK-equipped example, includes a new launch control system.

 

Value

The 2009 Porsche Cayman, which is closely related to the Boxster roadster, offers a sophisticated sports car experience for less money than Porsche's flagship 911. It is also more practical than most other comparable coupes, with respectable seating comfort and impressive cargo space.

 

Overview

Porsche's 2009 Cayman is powered by a 2.9L horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine making 265 horsepower, while the Cayman S gets a 3.4L flat-six making 320 horsepower. The standard and S models both come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, but a new 7-speed double-clutch equipped automatic, known as the Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (or PDK), is optional on both models.

The PDK transmission's dual clutches allow smooth operation through gear shifts, meaning no interruption in torque delivery. It can be set to either manual or automatic mode, and when in manual, can be shifted via buttons on either side of the steering wheel.

With the PDK transmission and Porsche's launch control system, included in the Sport Chrono Package, the Cayman S can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, 0.6 seconds faster than the base model, and reach 171 mph, which is 8 mph faster than the regular version. In addition to its stronger acceleration and higher engine power, the Cayman S comes with larger wheels, tires and brakes than the Cayman.

In both Cayman models, the engine is mounted mid-ship, just behind the seats, and power is delivered through the rear wheels. The Cayman has an exceptionally stiff body structure that is twice as flex-resistant than that of the Boxster roadster, which gives it especially crisp, precise handling, even on rough surfaces.

The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management system (PASM) comes with Normal and Sport settings, allowing the driver to fine-tune the suspension for comfort or high-performance driving. The Sport Chrono Package adds a more aggressive calibration for the engine throttle, stability system, PSM and, if so equipped, the automatic transmission.

Both Cayman models also have large 4-wheel vented disc brakes with anti-lock. Ceramic composite brakes are optional for even greater braking power.

Cargo space is a strength for the Cayman; the 2-seater has a front trunk with 5.3 cubic feet of space along with a rear trunk that has 9.2 cubic feet; together, the space rivals that of many sedans, according to Porsche.

Safety features on the Cayman include seat-mounted side air bags and head-protecting windowsill-mounted bags, plus the Porsche Stability Management system, which helps prevent a loss of stability.

Options include bi-xenon headlamps, a new DVD-based navigation system, XM and Bluetooth connectivity and an upgraded Bose sound system; the latter is standard on the Cayman S.