· 48 ·Rear axle with McPherson struts and lateral control arms (Cayman S) Front axle with McPherson struts and lateral control arms (Cayman S)The new Cayman and the Cayman S |
Chassis
Suspension.
A mid-engined layout with low
centre of gravity provides the
perfect foundation for agile,
dynamic performance. Combined
with a rigid bodyshell construction,
the potential benefits are multiplied.
All it takes to reap those benefits
and apply them to the road is a
suitable chassis concept.
On both Cayman models, that
chassis is based on McPherson-
strut suspension at front and
rear. Proven by Porsche on roadand track, this simple combination
of coil-over struts and lateral
control arms is key to the
character of the car. When
designing the suspension, the
absolute priority was to bring
maximum drive to the road. This
immediacy of response shouldalso be matched by the quality
of feedback and comfort.
To achieve those objectives,
we’ve used a generous ‘track’
or distance between the wheels
on each axle. Springs, shock
absorbers and anti-roll bars are
rated for high-speed cornering.
Lightweight materials, intelligently
applied, provide a further
reduction in sprung and unsprungmass. Virtually all moving parts
on the axle assemblies are made
from aluminium.
The resulting chassis is equally
accomplished during high-speed
manoeuvres and in tight, twisting
bends. There is no unwanted
movement within the suspension,
and virtually no susceptibility
to pitch and roll under cornering,
acceleration and braking.
Performance is matched by
exceptional active safety on every
type of road. The stability of the
car is extremely good, enabling a
sensitive response in every road
scenario. In simple terms, that
means greater reserves of safety,
regardless of load, as well
as natural resistance to lift-off
oversteer. Cornering stability
is second to none, even during
racetrack use.
The optimum connection
between driver and road.
Chassis systems on the new Cayman and the Cayman S.
· 49 ·
· 53 · · 52 ·The new Cayman and the Cayman S |
Chassis
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM).
PASM is an electronic damping
control system. Available on
both Cayman models, it offers
continuous adjustment of
individual damping forces based
on current road conditions and
driving style. Agility and driving
pleasure are significantly
enhanced while retaining the
car’s natural ride quality. Equipped
with PASM, the car rides 10 mm
lower than with the standard
steel-sprung suspension.
The driver can choose one of
two setup modes, ‘Normal’ or
‘Sport’. While the first is a blend
of performance and comfort, the
‘Sport’ setup ratings are generally
much firmer, enabling greater
agility on the racetrack. In either
mode, the system responds to
changing loads by automatically
applying the optimum damping
rate on each individual wheel.
The rates are selected from a
range of map options which are
specially adapted to the unique
dynamics of the Cayman and
Cayman S.
The movement of the body is
continuously monitored under
acceleration, braking and cornering
manoeuvres, as well as on poor
road surfaces. Other sensors
provide additional information on
lateral acceleration, steering
angle, brake pressure and engine
torque. A dedicated control unitprovides real-time analysis and
damper adjustment as defined
for the respective setup mode
(‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’). The result:
greater stability and more
consistent occupant comfort.
If, when ‘Sport’ mode is selected,
the quality of road surface drops
below a certain threshold, the
system immediately switches
to
a softer rating and restores
the car’s traction and grip.
When the road surface improves,
PASM returns to the original,
harder ratings. The system
remains active in ‘Normal’ mode,
too, automatically switching to a
harder setup if the car is driven
more assertively. As the dampers
become stiffer, the car becomes
more stable and driver control is
improved.
Rebound in ‘Normal’ mode –
damper piston with bypass
valve openRebound in ‘Sport’ mode –
damper piston with bypass
valve closed
Compression in ‘Sport’ mode –
damper piston with bypass
valve closed Compression in ‘Normal’ mode –
damper piston with bypass
valve open
· 54 ·The new Cayman and the Cayman S |
Chassis
a more natural and involving
response to lateral and longitudinal
forces. Cornering agility is
considerably enhanced, with
greater scope for oversteer on
turn-in and exit. This additional
manoeuvrability is particularly
apparent in lower-speed sequences
and bends.
For maximum dexterity, PSM can
be set to standby while the car is
still in ‘Sport’ mode. PSM simply
monitors the forces acting on the
car and will only intervene in the
most critical scenarios, e.g., when
ABS assistance is required on both
front brakes.
To help you quantify this increase
in performance, the Sport Chrono
Package includes a compact timer
with swivel display which is
centrally located on the dashboard.
Functions are accessed via the
control stalk for the on-board
computer. Analogue dials measure
hours, minutes and seconds, while
a separate digital field displays
whole seconds, tenths and one
hundredths of a second. The digital
field runs in parallel with a second
digital display which is conveniently
located in the instrument cluster.
Sport Chrono Package Plus.
This enhanced Sport Chrono option
is available in conjunction with the
optional Porsche Communication
Management (PCM – see page 86).
It offers all the same functions as
the Sport Chrono Package as well
as some additional information
options and features.
‘Sport’ button on centre console
Lap or journey times can be
viewed, stored and analysed using
a special performance display in
PCM. The information available
includes time elapsed and
distance travelled on the current
lap, as well as the number of laps
completed and their respective
times. You can also view the
current fastest lap as well as the
remaining range till empty. Driving
times can be recorded for any
stretch of road, and benchmark
times defined. Other useful features
include a personal memory
function which is also controlled
via PCM. This can be used to store
personal preferences for a range
of systems, including daytime
running lights, ‘Welcome Home’
lighting, optional automatic air
conditioning and door-lock
settings.
· 55 ·
Sport Chrono Package.
Both Cayman models, like every
Porsche, have lots of performance
in reserve.
To help you explore even more
of that potential, there’s the
optional Sport Chrono Package.
This unique range of functions
provides simultaneous enhancement
of the engine and chassis for even
greater driving pleasure.
When you activate the package
using the ‘Sport’ button in the
Throttle response
in ‘Sport’ mode
Throttle
response in
‘Normal’ mode
Both sets of characteristics
are dependent on engine
speed.
Pedal travel (%)
(%) Torque
(as percentage of maximum)
Comparison of throttle maps in ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ mode
centre console, the throttle
becomes more responsive, the
rev limiter becomes harder, and
the engine dynamics become
more like those of a racing car.
While this is happening, the
optional sports exhaust system
(see page 41) and optional PASM
are also switching to ‘Sport’ mode.
The baseline damper rating is
now considerably firmer, enabling
faster turn-in as well as better
road-holding and traction.On vehicles equipped with
optional Tiptronic S, the automatic
gearshift is noticeably more
dynamic. Upshifts and downshifts
are performed at higher revs with
a faster gearshift action. When
you lift off the throttle to slow the
car, engine braking is applied
sooner. There are no unwanted
upshifts in manual mode when
approaching the engine speed limit.
To minimise assistance from
Porsche Stability Management
(PSM – see page 64), its trigger
threshold is raised. The result is
Sport Chrono timer
· 57 · · 56 ·
SafetyPerformance is crucial in a
genuine sportscar. But then so are
all aspects of safety. At Porsche,
we believe that nothing is more
important than this balance of
power and control. The stability
of a car is inextricably linked
with its engine and chassis
performance. Neither can be
considered in isolation. Neither
is complete on its own. In the
Cayman and Cayman S, we’ve
used a comprehensive range of
protective features that are
designed around the driver and
passenger. Inherent within themare the very highest standards of
active and passive safety. Only
then do we arrive at a car that is,
in all respects, instantly Porsche.
4-piston monobloc brake calipers
Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
2 full-size front airbags
Porsche Side Impact Protection
(POSIP)
Porsche Ceramic Composite
Brake (PCCB – optional)
Bi-Xenon headlights (optional)
· 61 · · 60 ·The new Cayman and the Cayman S |
Safety
The brakes are cooled using a
special ventilation system which
channels air from the front
of the car to every part of each
assembly. This arrangement
ensures consistently high levels
of performance and durability,
particularly during heavy use.
The internally vented discs on the
new Cayman measure 298 mm
in diameter at the front of the car
and 299 mm at the rear. On the
Cayman S, the front diameter
is 318 mm. On both models, the
discs are cross-drilled to improve
wet-weather response and
minimise unsprung weight. The
calipers on the new Cayman
have a black anodised finish, while
those on the Cayman S are
painted red.
Standard brake unit (Cayman S) Standard brake unit (Cayman)Cayman
Braking system.
Both the Cayman and Cayman S
are exceptionally quick under
acceleration. Even more impressive
is the speed of response from
the standard braking system.
Several times more powerful
than the flat-six engine, the
brakes are crucial to the overall
performance of each car.
All four brake calipers have a
four-piston monobloc aluminium
construction. Key characteristics
include excellent rigidity, compact
dimensions and a very modest
contribution to unsprung weight.
The fast and positive pedal
response is eagerly assisted by a
powerful vacuum brake booster.
The new Cayman and the Cayman S |Safety
Driver and passenger airbags.
Both full-size airbags at the
front of the car have a two-stage
inflation capability, in which
deployment is dependent on the
nature and force of the accident.
In a low-speed crash, the airbag
is only partially inflated, thereby
minimising occupant discomfort.
Anti-theft protection.
Both Cayman models have an
engine immobiliser with in-key
transponder. In addition, the
Cayman S has a comprehensive
alarm system with contact-
sensitive exterior protection.
The alarm is activated or
deactivated using the standard
key remote when locking or
unlocking the car. Radar-based
interior surveillance is also
available as an option. approximately 8 litres, ensuring
maximum protection over the
entire seat adjustment range.
The passenger cell is shielded
by side-impact protection beams
in each of the doors.
Other standard safety features
include integral head restraints,
an energy-absorbing steering
column, three-point seat belts
with pre-tensioners and force
limiters, energy-absorbing
structures in the dashboard area
and flame-retardant materials
throughout the interior.
· 66 ·Porsche Side Impact Protection (POSIP)
Vehicle tracking system.
An optional preparation is
available for both Cayman models
enabling future installation of a
vehicle tracking system obtainable
from Porsche Tequipment. The
system can be used to locate a
stolen vehicle across most of the
countries of Europe. Note:
package comprises special wiring
loom and higher capacity battery.
Child seats.
The passenger’s seat is also
designed to carry an ISOFIX-
compatible child seat. The
necessary preparation – including
airbag deactivation – is available
from Porsche Tequipment. You
will also find a comprehensive
range of Porsche child seats.
Porsche Side Impact Protection
(POSIP).
Both Cayman models are equipped
with Porsche Side Impact Protection
(POSIP) as standard. This
comprehensive package provides
effective protection for the head
and upper body area. Each seat
has two side airbags featuring
hybrid gas generant technology.
A thorax airbag is located in the
side of the seat backrest, while
a head airbag deploys upwards
from the door. All four airbags
have an individual volume ofCayman and Cayman S
· 67 ·
· 69 · · 68 ·
ComfortSome say comfort is unnecessary
in a sportscar. For us, it’s another
aspect of performance. When a
car is as capable as the Cayman
or Cayman S, why compromise on
your enjoyment? With this in mind, we’ve applied
Porsche engineering principles
to find the optimum blend of
interior materials and cockpit
ergonomics. We’ve also
incorporated all of those features
that make driving such apleasure. This unique combination
of comfort and functionality is
an integral part of the Cayman
driving experience. The result is
a car that defies categorisation.
Except, of course, that it’s a
Porsche.
410 litres of loadspace
Air conditioning
CDR-24 CD radio
Porsche Communication
Management (PCM – optional)
BOSE®Surround Sound System
(optional)
· 78 ·The new Cayman and the Cayman S |
Comfort
· 79 ·
Load-carrying capability.
The Cayman and Cayman S are
purposefully designed to make
every journey a pleasure. Not
only when enjoying each car for
its own sake, but whatever your
destination. Suddenly, even a trip
to the shops takes on a whole
new level of appeal. You’ll also
find yourself ideally prepared for
all kinds of leisure activity. From
diving in the ocean to trekking
in the hills, both Cayman models
have the carrying capacity for
everything you need.
The generous load concept
includes two luggage compart-
ments, a wide range of interior
storage, and an optional roof
transport system. As a result,
the Cayman and Cayman S are
both eminently practical and
consistently enjoyable, whatever
the reason for your journey.
Front luggage compartment.
The front luggage compartment is
carpet-lined and offers 150 litres
of loadspace. A covered nicheprovides a secure location for the
navigation DVD drive (included
with optional navigation system)
and the optional CD autochanger.
Rear luggage compartment.
The rear compartment beneath
the soft-lined hatch can also
be loaded from inside the car.
Fully carpeted, it comprises two
storage areas: a flat surface
on the engine cover and a main
luggage area to the rear. This
arrangement enables easy loading
of longer items of luggage.
The rear luggage area is both
generously proportioned –
totalling 260 litres – and elegantly
matched to the rest of the car.
As an optional enhancement, you
can apply your chosen exterior
colour to the panels surrounding
the engine cover and the integral
strut tower mouldings
(see InteriorDesign package).
A retaining rail at the front of the
engine cover helps to secure
any luggage under braking. This
can be augmented by an optional
full-size partition which installs
Front luggage compartmentLuggage partition
immediately behind the seats.
Smaller items can be secured
on top of the engine cover using
a luggage net with four lashing
eyelets. A stainless steel ‘bridge’
provides an elegant transition
to the lower rear luggage area.
This compartment is designed
for larger items of luggage and
also has four lashing eyelets.
Another useful feature in the rear
compartment is the covered
service opening with filler tubes
for coolant and oil.