2006 PORSCHE CAYMAN suspension

· 9 · · 8 ·
At Porsche, we have always
followed our instincts. To
make cars which follow yours.
Responding directly with
precision and immediacy to
every input you make.
Instinct is all about being in the moment.
For us, that’s something of a tradition.
The new Cayman and the Cayman S.
Achieving that level of vehicle
response requires careful
consideration. It takes many
years of continuous evolution to
arrive at each new revolutionary
development.The new Cayman and the Cayman S
are pure, direct and involving. They
also exude a familiar Porsche
character more than five decades
in the making.
The new Cayman and the Cayman S |The Cayman
The key to that character, as on
every Porsche, is the underlying
vehicle concept. This unique
combination of mid-mounted engine
and hard-roof body was originally
prototyped in 1953 on the
Porsche
550 coupé. A closed-top
version of the legendary 550
Spyder, it was specially developed
for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Now we’ve combined this race-
winning concept with more than
five decades of road and race
experience. The result: the new
Cayman and the Cayman S.
Each is powered by a free-revving,
high-torque, mid-mounted engine
with a low-lying centre of gravity.
The new Cayman has a 2.7-litre
flat-six unit developing 180 kW
(245 bhp) and 273 Nm of torque.
The Cayman S produces 217 kW
(295 bhp) and 340 Nm from a
displacement of 3.4 litres. Both
cars deliver maximum torque from
surprisingly low engine speeds.Powerful acceleration is instantly
available, in every situation.
The respective top speeds are
258 km / h (160 mph) on the
new Cayman and 275 km / h
(171 mph) on the Cayman S.
Each car has an elegant and
purposeful exterior design,
offering more than just visual
appeal. The coupé body is
aerodynamically refined, producing
a drag coefficient of just 0.29
(Cayman S with Tiptronic S: 0.30).
The monocoque shell has
additional benefits in terms of
torsional and flexural strength.
This in turn promotes greater
agility and positive driving
dynamics.
The precision handling is a
direct result of uncompromising
chassis engineering. The
standard suspension offers agile
performance as well as excellent
long-distance comfort. The front
and rear axles feature McPherson-
strut suspension, a wide track
and generous wheel dimensions.
Combining it all is the most
important factor: the overall
suspension setup. Stable and
responsive, it is, of course,
balanced with appropriate levels
of comfort.
Matching the suspension in
terms of agility and safety are
the standard Porsche Stability
Management (PSM – see page
64) and the variable-ratio steering
system. Together, they enhance
your involvement with the car,
offering almost surgical precision
on turn-in to a corner and
increased safety in critical
scenarios.
For even greater performance
and occupant comfort, there’s
the optional Porsche Active
Suspension Management (PASM –
see page 52). This 10-mm
lowered variable suspension
system provides active control
of the damping force on each
wheel based on changing road
conditions, individual driving style
and the selected setup mode
(‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’).
Cayman

· 25 ·
Designed entirely around the
driver, the new Cayman is a
contemporary interpretation of
a classic Porsche concept. The
six-cylinder boxer engine has a
2.7-litre displacement generating
180 kW (245 bhp) at 6,500 rpm.
Thanks to VarioCam Plus (see
page 39), the maximum torque
output of 273 Nm is available
between 4,600 and 6,000 rpm.
The mid-engined layout is a crucial
factor in the near perfect front/
rear weight distribution. It also
enhances the car’s rear-end
traction, enabling 0 to 100 km / h
(62 mph) in as little as 6.1 seconds.
Maximum speed in appropriate
track conditions is 258 km / h
(160 mph).
The second key factor when it
comes to performance is, of
course, aerodynamics. Honed in
the wind tunnel, the new Cayman
has a drag coefficient of just 0.29.
Power is transmitted with precision
to the road through a five-speed
manual gearbox. An optional Sport
package is also available,
The new Cayman and the Cayman S |Model range
combining a six-speed manual
gearbox with Porsche Active
Suspension Management
(PASM – see page 52). Five-speed
Tiptronic S, offering both manual
and automatic gearshifts, is
also available as an option.
The standard wheels have a 17-inch
diameter and attractive dual-spoke
design. Clearly visible behind
them are the four-piston fixed brake
calipers in monobloc aluminium
with black anodised finish. All four
discs are vented and cross-drilled,
enabling better performance in wet weather conditions and lower
unsprung weight.
Other distinctive features on the
new Cayman include black lip
spoilers at the front of the car and
a centrally mounted, single-tube
tailpipe. Accompanying it all is the
familiar sound of the Porsche flat-
six engine.
The interior of the car is an
elegant arrangement of smooth
and clearly defined surfaces.
These are augmented by highlights
in Volcano Grey on the dashboard
At Porsche, we have our own theory of evolution.
Only the best engineering survives.
The new Cayman.
· 24 ·
and gear console surround.
Genuine leather trim can be found
on the steering wheel, gear lever,
handbrake lever and door handle
facings. On entering the car, the
first thing to catch your eye is the
Cayman logo on the outer door-sill
guard. The second is the stylish
instrument cluster with classic
black instrument dials. The
instrument shroud unites all three
instruments into a single visual
unit.
The new Cayman. Sport and style
in every detail.

· 45 · · 44 ·
Tiptronic S.
Both Cayman models are available
with five-speed Tiptronic S as
optional equipment. This versatile
system combines an automatic
transmission with the option of
manual gearshifts.
For manual control, simply slot
the gear selector into the manual
gate and use the gearshift controls
on the steering wheel. Press up
to change up, and down to change
down. Gearshifts are performed
in around 0.2 seconds with
virtually no interruption in drive.
The action is comparable with
that of a manual gearbox.
Switch to automatic, and you can
still change gear by hand using
the rocker controls on the steering
wheel. This race-derived function
is particularly useful during
overtaking manoeuvres. If there
is no manual input for a period
of eight seconds, the system will
revert to automatic mode. The
drive position and gear selection
are displayed at all times on a
dedicated cockpit display.
In automatic mode, Tiptronic S
can choose from a range of
gearshift points for each individual
gear. The standard gearshift
pattern, designed for maximum
fuel economy, can be steplessly
varied up to a dedicated ‘Sport’
configuration for optimum high-
performance driving. Each
gearshift point is automatically
selected based on current road
conditions and driving style. Within
a short space of time, you’ll
develop a feel for the system and
begin to influence gearshifts using
the throttle alone. The benefits
of Tiptronic S are particularly
apparent when exploring the car’s
performance. Even in automatic,
the rapid gearshift action
enhances the agility of the car.
The new Cayman and the Cayman S |Drive
Manual gearbox with
dual-mass flywheel.
Both the Cayman and Cayman S
are specifically designed for a more
immediate driving experience. A
crucial element within that concept
is the standard manual gearbox.
The new Cayman has a five-speed
unit as standard equipm
ent. The
optional Sport package combines a
How do we make the most of engine performance?
By knowing how to apply it.
Transmission.
mechanical noise and thus greater
focus on the natural sound of the
engine. The flywheel is mated to
a hydraulically operated clutch,
while the final drive ratio has been
carefully selected for optimum
sports performance. The gearshift
mechanism is cable operated
so as to insulate the lever against
vibration from the engine and
gearbox.
Other useful functions include a
warm-up programme, automatic
selection of the ‘Sport’ gearshift
pattern by means of rapid throttle
inputs, gearshift suppression
during cornering manoeuvres,
automatic downshifts under heavy
braking, an incline sensor
(improves uphill acceleration and
downhill engine braking), a nd
automatic upshifts when traction
is threatened under braking in
the wet.
If the optional Sport Chrono
Package is enabled, the gearshift
action is even more direct and
responsive. If you happen to be
driving in manual mode, automatic
upshifts are restricted.
six-speed manual gearbox with
Porsche Active Suspension
Management (PASM – see page
52). The Cayman S has a six-speed
unit as standard. Both gearbox
types have a short-throw action
and a balanced spread of ratios
which are specially adapted to
the individual character of each car.
A dual-mass flywheel ensures
smoother delivery with reduced
Tiptronic S gear selector Tiptronic S control on steering wheel
Cayman S

· 47 · · 46 ·
ChassisA car with the potential of the
Cayman or Cayman S requires a
carefully balanced chassis. On
the one hand, it must be direct
and responsive; on the other,
both comfortable and informative.
In every moment, there must be
a positive connection betweendriver, car and road. This is
achieved through a chassis
package that is both perfectly
matched to the rigidity of the
shell and crucial to the character
of the car. When you turn the
wheel, your input is conveyed with
ease, immediacy and precision.
The result is a drive that’s
inspirational and rewarding.
In short: instantly Porsche.
McPherson-strut suspension

Low unsprung mass

17/ 18-inch wheels

Variable steering ratio

Porsche Active Suspension
Management
(PASM – optional)

· 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 ·

· 51 · · 50 ·The new Cayman and the Cayman S |
Chassis
Steering.
What use is a perfect suspension
setup without equally effective
steering?
At Porsche, we design these two
key elements as one inseparable
whole. The steering system has
an immediacy and precision that
exactly complement thesuspension. Every steering input is
instantly converted into a positive
and accurate response. This is
achieved through a combination
of high-precision front axle
kinematics and power-assisted,
rack-and-pinion steering with
variable-ratio gearing. At the
straight-ahead position, the ratio
is less direct, enabling smoother
manoeuvres during motorway use.Turn the wheel harder, and the
ratio increases, allowing easier
cornering and parking.
This immediacy of response is
backed by excellent road contact
and a modest turning circle of just
11.1 metres. The result: even
greater comfort and active safety.The standard three-spoke steering
wheel offers generous height and
reach adjustment. The steering
wheel rim has a leather finish in
your chosen interior colour. Two
additional three-spoke wheels –
multifunction and sports – are
available as optional equipment
(see pages 107 and 109).
Wheels.
The new Cayman comes with
17-inch wheels as standard
featuring an attractive twin-spoke
design. The Cayman S runs on
18-inch wheels with five-spoke
styling derived from the Carrera
GT. Both standard wheels have a
lightweight construction and run
flush with the exterior of the car.
A range of 18 and 19-inch wheels
are also available as optional
equipment (see page 105). All
standard and optional wheels
come with anti-theft protection.
18-inch Cayman S wheel17-inch Cayman wheel
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
(TPM).
This optional system provides
early warning of any drop
in pressure via the on-board
computer display.
Cayman S

· 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

· 59 · · 58 ·The new Cayman and the Cayman S |
Safety
Power is only one aspect of performance.
It is nothing without control.
Safety in the Cayman and Cayman S.
Active safety.
Active safety is an integral part of
every new Porsche design. Each
new vehicle concept incorporates
systems and components which
are developed with one aim in
mind: total safety for you and your
passengers.The suspension and steering – the
basic platform of the car – have a decisive role to play. On the
Cayman and Cayman S, they offer
generous reserves of safety,
even at racetrack speeds. Equally
important are the reserves
of power, which enable rapid
overtaking manoeuvres. Bringing
Night-time driving is equally
assured thanks to a highly
effective front and rear lighting
concept. The low front foglights
offer excellent illumination,
precisely where you need it most.
A high-level third brake light is
neatly integrated at the base of
the large rear screen. In addition
to the obvious safety benefits,
the front and rear lighting on the
Cayman and Cayman S create
a unique ‘night design’.
Bi-Xenon lighting system with
headlight cleaning.
This optional headlight system
offers greater light output in
low-beam mode, improved
illumination up to the light/dark
border, better lateral visibility and
reduced driver fatigue thanks
to a higher colour temperature.
A dynamic headlight levelling
function raises and lowers the
angle of each light to compensate
for changes in the attitude of the
car under braking and acceleration.
Night design (rear)
Bi-Xenon headlight Night design (front)
Cayman S
it all swiftly and securely to a
halt is a powerful standard braking
system.
Downforce is provided by a bi-plane
rear spoiler and aerodynamic front
end. Another important standard
safety feature is Porsche Stability
Management (PSM – see page 64).