Stuttgart - Porsche has officially given the green light to a new lightweight Cayman model variant due to debut for the 2012 model year. The Cayman CS or "Club Sport" will be shown at the Los Angeles auto show later this year and go on sale in 2011 as a 2012 model. The CS will receive some of the same treatment given to the recent Boxster Spyder such as lighter weight components, fabric door pulls, and a uniquely styled set of lightweight wheels modeled after those on the GT2 RS. Recent press reports indicated that this new variant was shown to Sales Managers in US and Europe at recent internal Porsche meetings and given the positive response from their dealership network Porsche has chosen to move forward with production.
A number of technical items have been circulated internally among the team responsible for this variant and include the following:
333hp 3.4L engine
Sport PASM suspension - 20mm lower than stock ride height
A/C, stereo are optional
162-184lbs lighter than stock Cayman S
Aluminum doors, fabric door pulls
Lightweight hatch, optional lexan window (europe only)
19" unique lightweight wheels
Sport bucket seats
Revalved steering assist
Locking rear differential standard
Uprated brakes (optional)
Restylized front fascia
Cayman Club Sport side graphics
Rear diffuser
Ducktail-style larger rear spoiler (fixed)
Club Sport Insignia badging in interior
Optional "Track Pack", includes partial roll cage, harness and fittings plus fire extinguisher (europe only)
Cited performance numbers - 0-62 in 4.6s
Base Price: $66,330
Well, it's certainly lower...and the rear spoiler is bigger than the one on the aerodynamic kit (or is it?). Ignoring Porsches styling history, one might call it a ducktail. But if they're calling the small front aero spoilers a "revised front fascia" it would be a disappointment.
I kinda of think this is the real thing...
Damn, I gotta figure out where my chains are...
I'm expecting no styling differences whatsoever, except maybe for a Porsche side decal like the Spyder's and some lightweight wheels. A 10 bhp bump and weight loss similar to the Spyder is all I would expect from a Cayman CS or R or whatever it's going to be.
Just put my order in for the first one that comes in. The salesperson had no idea whatsoever - hadn't heard of it.
I would hope for the following:
335 HP (note - I hope they're not getting this with a larger TB/Plenum. That's one of the best bang-for-the-buck HP increases you can get for this car.)
150-200 lbs weight loss
Stiffer and lower suspension
Roll bar 'option' (easy bolt-in of the euro-bar)
Fixed rear wing
Distinctive bodywork
Radio/AC delete.
Now, here's my 'wish list'
Upgraded brakes (NOT the PCCB versions)
Larger intakes/cooling for brakes
Upgraded PS cooling
Upgraded oiling system
That would about do it for me. I'll have to do all this stuff anyways, but if I can get it 'stock', $75-80K would be a deal.
Its got the Boxster Spyder intakes on the side.
Boxster Spyder style decal. Minor changes to the aerostyling, which is fine, as I think the Cayman is already perfect in the looks department.
Looks like a regular model with the aero kit and side grille completely removed.
The decal you can already order as an option.
But it is lowered so maybe it is a test car for the new lower PASM sport suspension.
But does it have wheel hop???? Thats my question?!
Well if this is the real thing then I am keeping the Spyder. Spyder is dramatic when you look at it from any angle, this just looks like any other cayman. I Guess it makes sense though if you think about it. This is Cayman CS after all, and the last non GT3 moddl CS (968 CS) look no different from it's lesser cousin. The ride height, different intake grilles and colour (never seen this colour before, must be a Cayman CS hero colour) makes me think we could have the real deal here.
I'm going to Stuttgart next month, I'll keep a keen eye out for test mules...I know BMW test most of their cars on the roads around Munich and several shots of the next Boxster/Cayman/911 are out in the wild too.
I planned to go to the Porsche museum on the Monday...guess which day they're closed?!
BTW what do you guys think of the potential of the Cayman CS/R vs. the 981 that's going to follow it? Thinking back to the 550 Spyder that was the halo 986 model, the 987 eclipsed it immediately. What do you think of the possibility that no matter how great the 987 CS/R is, the 981 Cayman S will be better? In which case, do we really want this car?
What do you think of the possibility that no matter how great the 987 CS/R is, the 981 Cayman S will be better? In which case, do we really want this car?
This is a great question, one that I am wrestling with now.
I've honestly waited 2 1/2 years for this car. Is the 981 going to be as beautiful? It will no doubt be "better". But I believe the mechanicals should be the same. The 987 facelift came with a new motor with 40% fewer parts. The 981 should have these same mechanicals...oh, what to do?
If the duck tail spoiler is like the 911 Sport Classic and includes a rear brake light, that will look pretty damn good and if it drives as good as the Boxter Spyder (which I dont doubt) its very possibly going to take my hard earned money away from me! :banana:
It'll be like the 430 scudaria and superleggera the best for a moment then eclipsed by the 458 and whatever the new lambo fandango is called LP560 or something
I wonder if we should change this from Green light to Yellow? I heard yesterday from an anonymous source that the Cayman CS project had been put on hold because of the demand for the 918 Spyder and that since Porsche had enough buyers for the 918 that resources were being devoted to turning that car into a production car and that those resources would come out of the sports car program and be pulled from other projects. Porsche views the Cayman CS as a "light" seller (they think it would sell in similar numbers to the Cayman S Sport 2008 model - which didn't sell well - and would sell less than the Boxster Spyder) and therefore they are placing it on hold until either resources are available or there is greater demand. In a funny twist the anonymous source even cited this message topic as "proof" that there isn't much demand for a Cayman CS. I guess not enough of our members said they would buy one? Should we start a separate poll or petition to get Porsche to make the Cayman CS after all?
I mean come on they didn't agree to build the 918 Spyder until they had enough commitments to buy, maybe they'd do the same for the Cayman CS if enough of us comitted to buy?
I mean come on they didn't agree to build the 918 Spyder until they had enough commitments to buy, maybe they'd do the same for the Cayman CS if enough of us comitted to buy?
Hmmm - I've seen a lot of folks here and on other sites voicing their desire to purchase a CS. If they delay the car, they're into the new generation...
Also, the car isn't official. It's hard to determine demand when all you have to offer is rumors.
Well, its hard to committ to saying, "yes I would buy it" with out additional information as to what changes there would be. In my opinion, the 2008 Cayman S CS probably wasn't popular b/c they really didn't do enough to it.
The Boxster Spyder has more noticable changes to it, so its a worthy investment of money, IMO. In fact, its the first Boxster that I've like, and considered getting. The only thing I don't really like is the door pulls.
So if Porsche is reading this. What I want, is lightweight rims, lightweight components. (i'll add back the A/C as its a must in my climate), some styling changes, like a 911 turbo like spoiler, and most importantly 345+ HP! If not I'll just hold on to my '06 Cayman S and get the TPC Turbo when my warranty is up.
I know they're trying to handicap the car, and keep the HP #'s below the 911, so whatever give it 344Hp! Oh why oh why didn't Porsche just call the Cayman a 911 or Carrera, so they wouldn't constantly be trying to handicap it!
I'd pay $100k+ for a Cayman Turbo or Boxster Turbo.
They're just loosing out on money on these "low end" cars, b/c so many people like the Caymans (and boxster's) styling & mid-engine handling, but want more performance so they're having to mod them aftermarket.
Instead of just buying a higher end model from Porsche. They should consider reducing the # of models for the 911, and giving the Cayman some love with some higher end models!!
I'll drop the coin today if it's what I hope... Been pushing hard for more info from the mil sales folks in Stuttgart but nuthin'.
I want the aluminum body parts and other light bits from the Boxster Spyder, M030 suspension and more power. Prefer a lot more power and willing to pay for it.
Optional close-ratio trans and/or a lower gear diff (limited slip of course) should be mandatory for real track work. I'm not worried about top end with this car, even here in Germany. That's what the wife's Audi is for.
Bigger/thicker non-ceramic brakes would be a nice plus as well.
I've left my contact info at two NorCal Porsche dealers re: my interest in the Cayman CS and I'd gladly put down deposit once I knew more about the promised specs. My main concern would be that it actually is "significantly" lighter, with "significantly" more power. On the other hand, I can understand that they don't want to cannibalize sales of their 911.
Bottom line, if we don't see a prototype (as in the 918) at some big auto show soon; its likely not going to happen.
For what it's worth, I have a buddy who is an exec at Porshche NA. I emailed him to ask him if this is "real". His response, and I quote him directly, was "The Cayman CS is just a rumor at this point, regardless of what you read on the internet."
Knowing how tight lipped the company can be, not exactly sure how to interpret this, but I doubt we'll be seeing one in the next few months.....
For me it will be renamed to "aftermarket Turbo fund" for my '06 Cayman S.
The only thing I really want from a new Cayman is the PDK, which I can do with out. I was hoping the Club Sport might be something worthwhile upgrading to. However, if it doesn't surface or even if it does surface and its only like a 13-20hp bump then I'll spend the money on a 100+hp Turbo.
You guys really throw in the towel quick! Car is / was scheduled for a spring 2011 release, so if you want to take the words "a few months" literally, it would still be on schedule. But I think this was a causual remark based on hearsay. My guess is that on November 18, I will be looking at a Clubsport at the LA Auto show.