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The 2013 model year saw the introduction of an all new platform, the new 981 Cayman. The differences between the 981 and 987 were significant, but not unexpected as many of the new technologies were already introduced in the new 991 and 981 Boxster. This is a big year with lots of changes in many areas. The base engine for the Cayman was a 2.7-liter flat-six unit that boosted out 236 hp and it was mated to a standard 5-speed gearbox. A 5-speed Tiptronic sequential gearbox was available as an option.
With the 982-generation Boxster/Cayman platform, Porsche went back in time to pull out the 718 name, a reminder that the sports car maker has been doing the small sports car thing for a long time. The 718 of course, is diminutive race car that won the Targa Florio race in 1959 and 1960. The marketing stunt was meant to evoke these past Porsche racing successes with light cars like the 718 that outmaneuvered competitors with larger and more powerful engines. The reason? Porsche got rid of the naturally aspirated flat-6 engines and instead would now have flat-4 turbocharged engines.
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, 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.