Cayman / Cayman S / Cayman R (Type 987C)

The long-awaited fastback coupe model

The existence of a Boxster Coupe had been rumored since the first 986 Boxster debuted, but it proved to be a bigger-than-expected hit, so production was overwhelmed and it never came to fruition. Then, one year after the 987 Boxster was released, at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, the long-awaited fastback coupe model, named Cayman, was introduced.

As you can see from the code number 987C, it is based on the 987 Boxster, and apart from the A-pillar and the front part and the doors (which are also shared with the 997), the design is exclusive to the Cayman. The floorpan is also basically the same as the Boxster, but thanks to the adoption of the coupe body, despite having a large tailgate at the rear, the torsional rigidity is 2.5 times that of the Boxster, at 31,500 Nm/deg (almost the same as the 997), and the bending rigidity is double that at 16,500 Nm/mm.

The aerodynamics were also thoroughly reviewed using a wind tunnel, and thanks to the adoption of a pop-up rear spoiler that activates at 120km/h, front and rear lift has been reduced by 50% compared to the Boxster. The Cd value has also been reduced to 0.29, the same as the Boxster S. The interior is also equipped with Alcantara roof lining and more elaborate sound insulation than the Boxster, but various weight-saving efforts have resulted in a vehicle weight that is 5kg lighter than the Boxster.

Minor change increases engine displacement

The engine is a water-cooled flat-six based on the one used in the Boxster, combining the cylinder head, crankcase, and VarioCam Plus from the 997. Positioned above the Boxster, it was released as the Cayman S, equipped with a 3.4-liter unit producing 295 PS. Later, in 2006, a standard version of the Cayman was added, producing a maximum output of 245 PS. Both gearboxes are available as a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Tiptronic (AT).

Then in 2008, the Cayman S Sport was released, limited to 700 units worldwide, equipped with a 3.4-liter unit tuned to 303 PS and PASM as standard.

The following 2009 model saw a minor change, just like the Boxster. Not only were the front and rear lights refined, but the Boxster S’s displacement was increased by 50cc to 3436cc and combined with a direct injection system, boosting power to 320PS. The standard Cayman’s displacement was also increased to 2.9 liters, and although it was not directly injected, it now produced 265PS. Other notable changes include the elimination of the troublesome intermediate shaft from both engines, and the introduction of a 7-speed PDK instead of a 5-speed Tiptronic for both grades.

A full-fledged sports car positioned between the 911 and Boxster

In 2010, the high-performance version, the Cayman R, was added to the lineup. It featured a 3.4-liter engine with increased power output of 330 PS, aluminum doors, CFRP seats, and a 50 kg weight reduction. Optional features such as air conditioning and audio contributed to a 15 kg weight reduction. It also featured a 20 mm lowered suspension, a special rear spoiler, and an LSD.

By the way, the Cayman R accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds, 4.9 seconds with the 7-speed PDK, and 4.7 seconds with the Sport Chrono. This performance far exceeds the 5.1 seconds of the Cayman S with PDK (5.2 seconds with the 6-speed MT), and has attracted a lot of attention.

In this way, the Cayman established itself as a full-fledged sports car positioned between the 911 and Boxster. At the same time, it became a benchmark for two-seater mid-engine sports cars, exerting a major influence on automakers around the world.

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