You'll be shocked to hear this, but what you're looking at is a prototype of the 2014 Porsche Cayman spotted testing at a secret location. And, shockingly for Porsche, it's going an evolution -- not an overhaul -- of the current product living under that cladding and leftover Cayman parts.
The big changes, however, are inn the powertrain. Not even Porsche can escape the growing trend of fuel economy, and they're switching to a smaller, forced induction powerplant for the Cayman; likely a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that is reported to push out over 360 horsepower. No word if that will be the only offering or if Porsche will continue to appease the purists with a flat N/A motor. We would also expect Porsche to add some lightness to the new car while they're already busy redesigning.
anonimo says:
01:36 PM, 05/13/11
Looks nearly identical to my 2009 "S" with a few relatively minor tweaks to the shape here and there (e.g., more sculpted front fenders). And while a turbo four will probably improve 0-60 times and fuel economy, it will dramatically change the character of the drivetrain.
I think I'll hang onto mine for... ever.
fuel_on_fire85 says:
07:05 PM, 05/13/11
I like the idea of a forced induction 2.5, but I think they will lose some purists in the transition.
mini23 says:
08:29 PM, 05/13/11
The 2.5 4 cylinder is going to be based on the 2.9 and 3.4 flat sixes. It will be a flat four. The question
is will turbocharging it make it too quiet. That has been part of the problem with the turbo flat six. Too much of it's character gets lost becasue it becomes too muffelled. You can respect it's performance but
in a Porsche the journey up to speed is just as important in my book. I also heard of them coming out with a N/A flat 4 as well. That car would not be as powerful but would probably sound better.
stovt001 says:
09:33 PM, 05/13/11
Does Porsche even have designers on staff or do they just contract them to design a new model and keep the same exact design for the model's entire lifespan?
hotrodw says:
08:12 AM, 05/14/11
That's great power, but how much more efficient can it be? The current flat 6 performs pretty well, and it sounds glorious in the process.
kkear3 says:
08:39 AM, 05/14/11
It's starting to look like that thing from "Minority Report".
jm1212 says:
08:54 AM, 05/14/11
honestly, i think that the purists are going to have to get used to it. all automakers are looking for ways to get better fuel economy and make more power, and turbocharging is one of those ways. it is not going away as long as gas prices continue to fluctuate like they have been.
hotrodw says:
09:31 AM, 05/14/11
That's great power, but how much more efficient can it be? The current flat 6 performs pretty well, and it sounds glorious in the process.
mac91 says:
10:14 AM, 05/14/11
I agree the sound is going to be compromised. What can match the howl of a 6 cylinder Porsche motor at redline? But this is the way of the world now that fuel restrictions are in place. Unless the new styling stands out I will probably just hunt around for an older Cayman on the used market.
06sti says:
11:14 AM, 05/14/11
I think that this is a logical decision. A turbo flat 4 can sound very nice if properly tuned, trust me ;)
There are several boxsters in our neighborhood, and the high pitched whir they make just sounds noisey to me. Personal preference I guess.
sharpend says:
12:25 PM, 05/14/11
Porsche 944, 944S2, 944 turbo and 968 all did quite well with a 4 cylinder - albeit an inline 4 - for their 'entry-level' cars. Boxster/Cayman are entry-level Porsches.
Still, what Porsche - and every other sports car maker should be doing - is make the damn cars lighter!
Add lightness, it works better than anything else.
sabastian says:
05:23 PM, 05/14/11
Looks like the rear has gotten a chop...Anyone else see that?
vikasdesai says:
10:06 AM, 05/15/11
uggh, a turbo 4cyl, oh the shame.... there is a reason people could care less about the TT, here's to hoping the 2009 cayman s with the PDK will drop down to under 35 in a few years, best pure sports car out right now, i'm sure porsche will make it great because they always do but cant help but feel a bit sad about no flat 6
agnh says:
03:33 PM, 05/16/11
"I think they will lose some purists in the transition."
Purists have had to get used to the 914, the 944, the 928, the Cayenne, et al. The purists will live.