Porsche Cayman S

Like a Well-Tailored Suit, the Distinctive Porsche Cayman S Makes the Driver Look Good.

For the 2009 model, Porsche's mid-engine coupe gets a fine makeover that you really have to experience to understand what the fuss is all about. When you walk around the new car, no major changes are noticeable - new front and rear bumpers, the usual tweaks to enhance appearance and visibility with bi-xenon headlights and LED for daytime lights plus monotone (red) rear lamp clusters.

True excitement lurks inside.

Two brand-new flat-6 engines debut in the new car - 2.9-litre in the Cayman and a direct-injection 3.4 in the Cayman S, which I tested.

Both versions enjoy an increase in power and torque and, as you would expect, both consume less fuel than before.

Porsche's VarioCam Plus, which varies valve timing and lift, works its magic to help the "base" engine deliver 265bhp at 7200rpm and 300Nm between 4400 and 6000rpm.

Cayman S engines also develop maximum power at 7200rpm but with the added benefit of direct-injection power is an exciting 320bhp and torque is rated for 370Nm at 4750rpm.

Indeed, the Cayman S has always cried out for more power than the 295bhp it had to be content with till now.

The new Cayman S is a genuine driver's car. Equipped with the optional seven-speed (standard is a six-speed manual) Porsche double-clutch gearbox (PDK), which has a proper lever to switch gears, and the optimal limited slip differential, it is not just quick from point to point but also incredibly agile around hairpins and sweeping curves.

The LSD locks up just 22 per cent, enough to allow the rear a small dose of oversteer that only enhances the car's overall adjustability and agility.

Porsche Stability Management takes care of over-exuberance. It can be switched off but there is not much point in doing so.

As always, the Cayman's steering is among the best in the business. Like the suspension, it has been updated with only minor revisions.

Three years ago, when the Cayman was launched, it was a brilliant car. Now it is even better.

Porsche Cayman S Facts:

Engine: 3436cc 24-valve flat-6
Transmission: Seven-speed double-clutch gearbox
Power: 320bhp at 7200rpm
Torque: 370Nm at 4750rpm
0-100kmh: 5.1 seconds
Top Speed: 275kmh
Fuel Consumption: 9.1 litres/100 km (combined)

Photos of Porsche Cayman S