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The First Porsche Cayman - The Story

Porsche had teased fans with the prospect of a coupe version of the Boxster roadster so it was no surprise when we first saw the Cayman S in 2005, created on the new 987 Boxster platform. With a new body shell that included a fixed hard top and that amazing Boxster chassis as a base, the Cayman was epic from day one.

Porsche Cayman 987 Model Timeline

Porsche 987 Cayman Model Guides (2006 - 2012)

The Cayman S was the first production Cayman model to be released to the public as a 2006 model year offering. It got a 3.4 liter flat six with the heads from the Carrera and the camshafts from the Carrera S. It was good for 295 horsepower and 251 ft-lb's. of torque. The Cayman S absolutely mesmerized automotive journalists and owners and a year later, Porsche gave us the base Cayman. The 2007 Cayman delivered most of the Cayman S experience at a substantially lower cost. The chassis and body are nearly identical, with the primary differences being in the power train, brakes, wheels and some minor cosmetic elements. The engine in the Cayman was the M97.20, essentially a mini version of the 3.4L M97.21 that's in the Cayman S. It had a 2.7 liter displacement and generated 245 horsepower and 201 ft-lbs. of torque. As expected, there were very few changes to the Cayman S in 2007 and 2008, with some mainly cosmetic changes and additional options. Although the Cayman S had only been in the market for three years, and the Cayman only two years, Porsche was delivering a facelift and introduced a number of new technologies. Cosmetically, the 2009 Cayman and Cayman S received some minor but noticeable changes. The body shell and shape remained the same, but the front and rear bumper covers were updated. The engines in the 2009 Caymans are all new, a move to the 9A1 which was more advanced. The Cayman engine gets a 200 cm³ boost in displacement bringing total displacement to 2.9 liters producing 265 bhp, a gain of 20 horsepower over the outgoing 2.7 liter. The new Cayman S engine doesn't gain any displacement, but thanks to the fewer moving parts and the introduction of Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), this engine produces a hefty 25 more horsepower than the M97.21.

After the initial announcement that Porsche was going to release a small mid-engine coupe, we were all excited. In 2005 we finally got the Cayman S. A fast, mid-engine coupe in the Porsche lineup, starting with the S version as a 2006 model year car (the base model came a year later). The 2006 Porsche Cayman S was based on the Boxster series, the two-seat coupe incorporated dramatic new styling, a powerful 295 hp (SAE) engine, and features and options made popular by Porsche's current range of sports cars.
A year after the Cayman S and the second generation of the Boxster were unveiled, Porsche released the non-S version of its mid-engine sport-coupe vehicle. The “regular” Cayman was still a sports car that could top a 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) in 6.1 seconds so it couldn't be called a “slow” car. It was slower than its brother S, but it was still a daily-driver sports-car. The Cayman was built to be not only a fast and nimble car but a practical vehicle as well.
Four years after the introduction of the Cayman S, the sportier version of the mid-engine sports coupe Porsche was refreshed. It was even faster and could carry more cornering speed. The facelifted version of the Cayman S offered a completely enhanced package. From the exterior to the interior, from the engine to the gearbox and suspension, it was reworked. The engine was kept at 3.4-liter displacement, but due to its new direct-fuel injection system, the power was increased by 25 hp over its non-facelifted version.
Four years after the introduction of the Cayman S, and three after the regular Cayman, the mid-engine sport-coupe from Porsche received an important update. The facelifted version of the Cayman offered a completely enhanced package. From the exterior to the interior, from the engine to the gearbox and suspension, it was reworked. It might be mistaken with a new model if the Porsche internal coding system wouldn't be the same as on the 2006 Cayman (987C). The engine displacement was increased from 2.7 to 2.9-liter and received direct fuel injection.

Porsche Cayman 987 Special Models

In the middle of 2008, Porsche introduced its first 987 Cayman limited edition car, the Design Edition 1. The Design Edition 1 was a Cayman S packaged with many exclusive cosmetic options intended to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Porsche Design. In late 2008, Porsche introduced the limited edition Cayman S Sport. The Sport was a Cayman S packaged with many sport options to create an edgy/sporty Cayman S. Beyond sport options, the Cayman S Sport received new DME software maps created to work with the Porsche Sport Exhaust and a unique Twin Chamber Dual Output Tailpipe that supply the Cayman S Sport with 303 horsepower at 6,250 RPM. The Cayman R was the highlight of the special edition 987 Cayman models. This model had been long awaited and highly anticipated. It is arguably one of the best driving Porsche cars ever made. It was all about reducing weight while adding performance where possible, In all, Porsche cut 121 lbs. (55 kg) in weight and was also given more performance by adding power, suspension tuning and other performance upgrades that do not require weight be added back to the vehicle. The Cayman R engine delivers 330 brake horsepower at 7,400 RPM, 10 horsepower more than the 2010 Cayman S. Add some tuned suspension and stiffer springs and dampers and the R was an absolute revelation to drive. With a base price of $66,300 it was also a relative bargain. The final special edition of the 987 Cayman era was the Limited Edition Cayman S Black which was combined many of the high performance benefits found only in the 2012 Cayman R with many other desirable options off the list. After the R hit the scene, many potential buyers complained of the inability to order one with many of the highly desirable street options, particularly PASM. Well the Cayman S Black Edition provided a canvas on which one can build a Cayman with the 330 BHP engine found in the R but without all of the other performance focus. Where the Cayman R is built to be the master of performance, the Cayman S Black is built to be the master of touring.

In the middle of 2008, Porsche introduced the limited edition Cayman Design Edition 1. The Design Edition 1, also know as the DE1, was a Cayman S packaged with many exclusive cosmetic options intended to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Porsche Design. This car was clearly designed for the Porsche enthusiasts who wanted to own a very special Cayman. Buyers of the DE1 received a special briefcase that contained some pretty cool Porsche Design merchandise, including a Design Edition Chronograph Wrist Watch, Sun Glasses, Ballpoint Pen, Pocket Knife, Key Chain and the key to the DE1.
In late 2008, Porsche introduced the limited edition Cayman S Sport. The Sport was a Cayman S packaged with many sport options to create an edgy/sporty Cayman S. Beyond sport options, the Cayman S Sport received new DME software maps created to work with the Porsche Sport Exhaust and a unique Twin Chamber Dual Output Tailpipe that supply the Cayman S Sport with 303 horsepower at 6,250 RPM, making it the first Cayman to break the 300 horsepower ceiling.
On November 17th - 2010, Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller unveiled the 2012 Cayman R to an excited audience at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Porsche pretty much threw the kitchen sink at this one, applying all they know and have available without actually redesigning the car. Every performance option on the list, and then some that weren't on the list have found their way into the Cayman R. A weight savings of 121 lbs. (55 kg) was achieved and it transformed the Cayman. We are going out on a limb here, but we think the Cayman R may be one of the best Porsche cars ever made.
The Limited Edition Cayman S Black combines many of the high performance benefits found only in the 2012 Cayman R with many other desirable options off the list, options that when combined create a distinct personality for this special car. After the R hit the scene, many potential buyers complained of the inability to order one with many of the highly desirable street options, particularly PASM. The Cayman S Black Edition gets the 330 BHP engine found in the R but without all of the other performance focus.

Porsche Cayman 987 Specs & Performance Summary

Not surprisingly, the 987 Cayman range had almost the same specifications and performance numbers as its sibling 987 Boxster. In many ways these numbers are deceiving, because for most people who drove both cars back to back, the Cayman was clearly the more impressive machine.

Porsche 987 Cayman Pictures, Galleries & Videos

The first Cayman was created on the 987 Boxster platform so expectations were high when people started to review the Cayman. They were not disappointed because the Cayman was amazing. It was faster, tighter and more versatile than the Boxtser, a true drivers car in every way. Watch our curated Cayman 987 videos and galleries. We have everything from the early reviews to in-depth comparisons and journalists spanking the Cayman R around a circuit. A great way to spend a few hours.

Porsche Cayman News & Updates

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