2012 PORSCHE CAYMAN S ESP

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Six-speed manual gearbox.
The new Cayman models are equipped
as standard with the six-speed manual

gearbox. Gearshifts are smooth, precise
and optimally adapted to the respective
engine map. Shift throws are short and
the gear lever is easy to operate, provid -
ing a truly engaging driving experience.
The upshift indicator located in the central
circular instrument helps you to maximise
fuel efficiency.
The ascending centre console reinforces
the authentic sports car feel. It positions
the gear lever close to the steering wheel,
enabling you to change gear as fast and
as ergonomically as possible.
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK).
Of course, you could let us take care of
the gearshift strategy so that you can
devote all your at tention to your cornering
strategy.
Available as an option is the completely
retuned 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung
(PDK), featuring both manual and auto -
matic modes. The advantages are percep -
tible. Gear changes take place with no
interruption in the flow of power. Sharper
gearshift programs and significantly short -
er shift times produce faster acceleration
than with the manual gearbox. Fuel econ-
omy and comfort characteristics have also
been optimised. In response to a less
assertive driving st yle, shif t points are

recalculated to make use of the more
comfortable and more economical engine
speed ranges, and coasting mode is acti -
vated where possible (p. 44).
This is how PDK works: PDK is essentially
t wo gearboxes in one, thus requiring t wo
clutches. This double clutch arrangement
provides an alternating, non-positive con -
nection between the two half gearboxes
and the engine by means of t wo separate
input shafts. The flow of power from the
engine is transmit ted through one half
gearbox and one clutch at a time, while

the next gear is preselected in the second
half gearbox. During a gear change, there -
fore, one clutch simply opens and the
other closes at the same time, enabling
gear changes to take place within milli
-
seconds.
PDK has seven forward gears at its
disposal. Gears 1 to 6 have a sports
ratio and top speed is reached in sixth

gear. Seventh gear has a long ratio and
keeps
engine speed low to reduce fuel
con
sumption and improve comfort.
1 Gear lever for six-speed manual gearbox
2 Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gear selector
3 Gearshif t switch on spor ts steering wheel
in conjunction with PDK
y ou’ve developed your own strategies for advancement.
So have we.

Transmission.
For fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and efficiency class, please refer to page 131.

44
With the SPORT but ton selected, the full
advantages of the new version of PDK
are brought into play: a more immediate
response to throt tle inputs, relatively
short shift times and swift throt tle-blip
downshifts on overrun, such as during
braking into a corner, and always accom -
panied by an emotive engine sound.
With the optional Sport Chrono Package,
PDK is enhanced by ‘Launch Control’
and the ‘motorsport-derived gearshift
strategy’ for even faster and firmer gear
changes and best possible per formance,
thanks to a boost in torque during up -
shift phases. Overrun downshifts provide
extremely sport y braking and accelera -
tion for added excitement.
Coasting.
Efficiency is another area in which the
performance of the new Cayman models
has been further improved. The coasting
function available with Porsche Doppel-
kupplung (PDK) enables you to save even
more fuel where the situation allows.
The engine is decoupled from the trans -
mission to prevent deceleration caused
by engine braking. In this way, optimum
use is made of the vehicle’s momentum,
allowing it to coast for longer distances.
For example, you may want to slow down
from 100 to 80 km/ h (70 to 50 mph) in
anticipation
of the change of speed limit
ahead. As you ease off the accelerator
pedal, PDK deselects the current gear
automatically and you begin to coast in
neutral with minimal input required on
your part until
you have reached your desired speed.
As soon as you operate
the accelerator
or brake pedal, PDK
re-engages the appropriate gear within
fractions of a second. The process
is smooth and seamless, thanks to the
extremely fast
clutch.
Another way to reduce fuel consumption
is to utilise the coasting function on down -
hill gradients that are gentle enough for
you to maintain a constant speed. Efficient
on long journeys, such as on the motor -
way, PDK remains ready to respond as

swiftly and precisely as you would expect.
In short, driving in coasting mode makes
a real impact on fuel consumption without
the need to compromise on comfort or
sporty performance.
Drive |
Tra n s m i ssi o n
For fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and efficiency class, please refer to page 131.

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Strong relationships need sincerity,
common goals and the abilit y to over-
come difficult situations in unison.
The chassis of the new Cayman models
develops a strong bond with the road. It
is specifically matched to the high power
output of the respective engine. A xle
components are made predominantly of

aluminium, which helps to keep the weight
of the vehicle and its unsprung masses
low. The results are impressive driving
dynamics with practically zero pitch and
roll, high levels of comfort and safet y and
lower fuel consumption. The track of the new Cayman models has
been widened and the wheelbase has

been extended by 60 mm compared with
that of the previous model. This improves
stabilit y. The new independent suspension
features light weight spring-strut axles
with longitudinal and transverse links. The
cross member at the front axle has been
refined for optimum stiffness and robust -
ness. How does this benefit you? Greater
directional stability, sharper steering preci -
sion and sportier handling.
Porsche active Suspension management
(PaSm ).
Optional PASM, the electronic damping
control system, actively and continuously
regulates the damping force for each
wheel according to the road conditions
and driving st yle. In addition, the suspen -
sion is 10 mm lower than that of the
st a n d a rd s e t u p .
The system is always active in the back-
ground, ready to assist you automatically
without you having to switch it on. Never -
theless, t wo modes are available at the
push of a but ton so that you can adapt
handling to suit your preferred driving
st yle: ‘Normal’ which is a blend of perfor-
mance and comfort, and ‘Sport ’ where
the setup is much firmer. Depending on
the mode selected, therefore, PASM can
be sportier and more comfortable than
the standard chassis. The PASM control
unit evaluates the driving conditions and modifies the damping force on each of
the wheels optimally in accordance with
the selected mode.
Sensors record all wheel and body move
-
ments. This enables intelligent adaptation
of damper stiffness for the selected
mode, optimising contact between each
individual t yre and the road for even less
roll and pitch.
h ow do we nurture our relationship with the driver?
By purposefully strengthening our bond with the road.

Chassis.
1 Front axle of the Cayman S
2 Rear axle of the Cayman S

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In ‘Sport ’ mode, for example, the suspen -
sion is set to a harder damper rating. On
uneven roads, PASM immediately switch -
es to a softer rating, thereby improving
contact bet ween the t yres and the road.
When the road surface improves, PASM
automatically reverts to the original,
harder rating. If ‘Normal’ mode is select -
ed and the driver’s st yle becomes more
assertive, PASM switches to a harder
rating to increase driving stabilit y and
road safety.
Steering.
Our interpretation of efficiency is a sys -
tem that works only when it is needed,
and then does so in a particularly effec -
tive way. Whereas a conventional hydrauli -
cally assisted steering system draws
engine power continuously, the electric
motor of the electromechanical system
in the new Cayman models uses energy
only when you actually steer. As a result,
fuel consumption is reduced and the
absence of hydraulic fluid eliminates the need for servicing the system. These
t wo advantages are also beneficial to
the environment.
A variable steering ratio preserves the
precise and direct steering response
associated with the t ypical Porsche steer-
ing feel. This intelligent system filters
out unwanted shocks from the road and
actively assists steering inputs under
braking on road surfaces with varying

grip.
Available as an option, speed-sensitive
Power steering Plus facilitates manoeu -
vring and parking for even greater driving
comfort.
Drive |
Chassis

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w heels.
Performance needs sustained stability.
Fit ted as standard on the new Cayman,
18-inch alloy wheels are responsible for
maintaining the strong connection be -
t ween the vehicle and the road. A mini -
malist dual -arm spoke design accentuates
their sport y character – and yours. Tyre
sizes are 235/45 ZR 18 at the front and
265/45 ZR 18 at the rear.
The Cayman S is equipped as standard
with 19-inch wheels with a classic five-
spoke design. The t yre size at the front is 235/40 ZR 19 and 265/40 ZR 19 at
the rear.
Wheels up to 20 inches are available
from our list of options. The large rolling circumference helps to
improve comfort. At the same time, the
rolling resistance of the new generation

of t yres has been reduced, which, in turn,
helps to reduce fuel consumption.
1 18-inch Cayman wheel
2 19 - inch Cayman S wheel
Drive |
Chassis
Tyre Pressure m onitoring (TPm).
Optional Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM)
sends warnings to the on-board comput -
er’s display screen in the event of low
t yre pressure. The TFT screen in the

instrument cluster enables the driver to
check the pressure in all four t yres. The system updates quickly and

accurately af ter an engine start, t yre
pressure correction or wheel change –
for increased comfort and your safet y.

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Brakes.
Outstanding acceleration figures are one
way to express performance. We focus not
only on the positive, but also the negative
values of acceleration. This is how Porsche
has traditionally succeeded in setting
standards for deceleration and stability.
The new Cayman models are equipped
with four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed
brake calipers. This design means that,
not only are the brakes extremely resistant
to deformation, they are light weight for
a particularly fast and sensitive braking
response.
A new generation of brake caliper at the
front axle, combined with enlarged brake
pads and the newly developed brake
booster, has managed to improve braking
and component stability even during con -
tinuous use. In addition, brake cooling is
optimised by the newly developed brake
ventilation system featuring a modified air
spoiler at the front and rear axles.
The enhanced dynamics of the Cayman
and Cayman S also demand appropriate
brake discs. All Cayman brake discs are
internally vented and cross-drilled for
improved braking in wet conditions. With
a diameter of 330 mm, the front brake
discs of the Cayman S are 15 mm larger
than those of the Cayman. The diameter
of the rear brake discs is 299 mm on
both models. The brake calipers on the
Cayman and Cayman S are finished in
black and red, respectively.
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake
(PCCB).
From the start, Porsche has been synony -
mous with motorsport. Ever since 1948,
when we found our identit y on the race -
track, we have taken the experience we
have gained and applied it to the road.
The optional Porsche Ceramic Composite
Brake (PCCB) is a fine example. This brake
system has already had to cope with the
harshest requirements of motor racing
and is fit ted in cars that compete in
demanding events such as the Porsche

Mobil 1 Supercup.
The cross-drilled PCCB ceramic brake
discs for the new Cayman models have

a diameter of 350 mm front and rear
for even more formidable braking perfor -
mance.
The use of six-piston aluminium monobloc
fixed brake calipers on the front axle and
four-piston units at the rear – all finished
in yellow – ensures extremely high brake
forces which, crucially, are exceptionally
consistent.
PCCB enables shorter braking distances
even in the toughest road and race condi -
tions. Excellent fade resistance ensures
greater balance when slowing from race -
track speeds.
1 Standard brake unit (Cayman)
2 Standard brake unit (Cayman S)
3 Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB)
Drive |
Chassis

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64 Drive |
Chassis
Dynamic gearbox mounts.
Dynamic gearbox mounts are a component
of the optionally available Sport Chrono
Package. This electronically controlled
system minimises the oscillations and

vibrations of the entire drivetrain, especial
-
ly the engine, and combines the benefits that otherwise distinguish hard and soft
gearbox mounting arrangements.
A hard gearbox mounting delivers optimum
dynamic performance because it offers a
high degree of handling precision. Soft
gearbox mounts, on the other hand, mini
-
mise oscillations and vibrations. While
comfort is improved on uneven road
surfaces, this comes at the expense of

dynamic performance.
Dynamic gearbox mounts adapt their
stif fness and damping characteristics to changes in driving st yle and road surface
conditions. This has been achieved by
use of a fluid with magnetic properties in
interaction with an electrically generated
field. For the driver, the results are tangi
-
ble. Handling is perceptibly more stable
under load change conditions and in fast corners. Whenever a less assertive

driving st yle is adopted, the dynamic
gearbox mounts automatically sof ten

to enhance comfort.
The result is uncompromisingly sporty
performance in corners – as well as a
high degree of comfort.
The SPORT or SPORT PLUS but ton
enables you to switch the dynamic gear -
box mounts from ‘Normal’ to ‘Sport ’ or
‘Performance’ mode. In conjunction with
optional PCM, the TFT screen in the right-
hand circular instrument enables you to
view the lateral and longitudinal forces
as they act on the vehicle.
1 Dynamic gearbox mounts

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It ’s always worth exploring your own
direction, even if you never know exactly
where this will lead. For this reason, it
pays to have an ingenious safet y concept
on board that employs components that
are just as performance-oriented as the
drivetrain.
In the case of the new Cayman models,
this concept involves an innovative body -
work construction, the stiffness of which
has been purposefully optimised despite
an achieved weight-saving of up to 30 kg
compared with the previous model – a
combination that delivers increased stabi -
lit y and agilit y. It includes an interior that
provides reliable protection in the event of
an accident. It uses a chassis and brakes
that have been specifically matched to
the power output that the new Cayman
models are able to develop. And it is
enhanced by intelligent control systems,
such as Porsche Stabilit y Management
(PSM), which intervene when you reach

the limits of sport y performance.
Some things are indispensable for a broad
view – including a clever lighting concept
with powerful headlights and, of course,
driver assistance systems designed to
give you the right information at the right
time so that you can devote all your at ten -
tion to the next corner.
engineered body design.
The bodyshell of the new Cayman models
is based on an intelligent light weight
principle involving the composite construc -
tion of aluminium and steel. The use of
dissimilar but precisely combined compo -
nents makes it possible to utilise specific
material properties exactly where they
are needed. Not only does this provide a
high degree of safet y for the driver, it
also offers a considerable weight saving
compared with the bodyshell of the prev -
i
ous model. This is why the doors, luggage
compartment lid and rear hatch are made

entirely of lightweight aluminium. Alumi -
nium accounts for around 44 % of the

entire bodyshell. The crumple zones in the front and rear
aprons feature integral light-alloy bumpers,
while impact absorbers offer additional
safet y. For the protection of occupants,
energy-absorbing padding is used selec
-
tively in important areas within the passen -
ger cell.
Safety and environment |
Safety
It takes courage to set out on your own path.
a nd you’ll need a broad view to reach your destination.

Safety.