295 horsepower...not good enough. 5.1 sec 0-60....not quick enough. 6 speed manual...not sophisticated enough...
Thoughts like these must have danced through the heads of Porsche engineers since the 2006 debut of the Cayman S. The car was utterly brilliant, but seemed to be "dumbed down" so as to not step on the toes of the immortal 911. The fixed roof Cayman was a legendary chassis in need of something more.
Ask and you shall receive. The motoring world asked for it and Porsche answered in typical Porsche fashion. The new for 2009 Cayman S is more than a mid-cycle refresh. This is truly a rebirth. Forget every preconceived notion you may have about the Cayman, the 2009 Cayman S PDK is simply amazing.
At the heart of the new Cayman S lies Porsches' newest jewel of a motor. The 3.4L flat six is the latest version of Porsches' 9A1 engine family that debuted with the '09 911. Pumping out 320 hp @ 7200 rpm and 273 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm, the Cayman S PDK rockets from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds!! This time is acheived in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus and its devilish Launch Control mode. With PDK Sport Plus mode activated simply put PDK in drive, turn off PSM, hold the brake and mash the throttle. An audible "ding" is your cue to let her rip. Launch Control leaves with amazing ferocity and lets us mere mortals click off perfect 0-60 and 1/4 mile runs. Just another example of technology improving our everyday lives.
I could write an entire book about PDK and its history, technology, advantages, etc.... To not bore you I will simply say, it works. Porsche was certainly late to the road going dual clutch party but it came with the best costume. PDK transforms the Cayman S into a mini-super car. Upshifts are rifle shot crisp, downshifts are F1 perfect and audibly intoxicating. Sure the steering wheel paddles are backwards, but the PDK lever shift action feels so good it makes up for it. The cohesiveness of the entire Cayman S package is otherworldly. The wizards of Weissach never cease to amaze me.
My seat time in the Cayman S reminded me why Porsche is the most profitable car company on the planet. Porsche consistently delivers cars as great as the Cayman S through a commitment to constant evolution and constant improvement. If you build it, they will buy. Just don't tell the 911 poseur that your car is better than his...you may hurt his feelings.
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