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Spy shots: Next-generation Porsche Cayman test-mule

Spy shots: Next-generation Porsche Cayman test-mule

James Martinez June 18th, 2009 James Martinez By James Martinez Author June 18th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 Porsche’s facelifted Cayman and Boxster range has been on sale for several months now but engineers are already working on the next-generation of the platform, which is due to spawn a brand new Cayman and Boxster by late 2011. This timeline coincides with last year’s announcement by Porsche that its contract with Finland’s Valmet Automotive will end around the same time. Instead, the new models will be manufactured under a deal with Austria’s Magna Steyr. Telltale signs that a new platform is residing under the familiar 987 sheet metal are the extended wheel arches, which suggest a wider track. This means the new car should be slightly bigger than the current model, while handling and dynamics should also see an improvement. The roll-cage fitted on this test car is another indication that the new platform is still in the early stages. It’s still too early to determine what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but expect to see the familiar flat-six engine range carry over with only minimal updates – possibly for emissions and economy standards. However, a rumor alleging that Porsche insiders are talking about a lightweight, turbocharged four-cylinder platform for the next-gen Boxster recently began making the rounds. Such a design premise might offer more room to launch a detuned entry-level Carrera also aimed at improving emissions ratings. Even the current six-cylinder Boxster and Cayman, the most efficient in Porsche's line, emit about 222g/km of CO2 - about 100g/km more than the projected 2015 limits. Whatever Porsche has in store for the new car, we’ll have to wait until its arrival in 2011 to find out.2011 Next-generation Porsche Cayman test mule spy shotsNext-generation Porsche Boxster spy shots
The next Cayman will adopt a more muscular appearance and should arrive in 2011 for the 2012 model year

The next Cayman will adopt a more muscular appearance and should arrive in 2011 for the 2012 model year

Enlarge Photo

Porsche’s facelifted Cayman and Boxster range has been on sale for several months now but engineers are already working on the next-generation of the platform, which is due to spawn a brand new Cayman and Boxster by late 2011. This timeline coincides with last year’s announcement by Porsche that its contract with Finland’s Valmet Automotive will end around the same time. Instead, the new models will be manufactured under a deal with Austria’s Magna Steyr.

Telltale signs that a new platform is residing under the familiar 987 sheet metal are the extended wheel arches, which suggest a wider track. This means the new car should be slightly bigger than the current model, while handling and dynamics should also see an improvement. The roll-cage fitted on this test car is another indication that the new platform is still in the early stages.

It’s still too early to determine what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but expect to see the familiar flat-six engine range carry over with only minimal updates – possibly for emissions and economy standards.

However, a rumor alleging that Porsche insiders are talking about a lightweight, turbocharged four-cylinder platform for the next-gen Boxster recently began making the rounds. Such a design premise might offer more room to launch a detuned entry-level Carrera also aimed at improving emissions ratings. Even the current six-cylinder Boxster and Cayman, the most efficient in Porsche's line, emit about 222g/km of CO2 - about 100g/km more than the projected 2015 limits.

Whatever Porsche has in store for the new car, we’ll have to wait until its arrival in 2011 to find out.
2011 Next-generation Porsche Cayman test mule spy shots
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Next-generation Porsche Boxster spy shots
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Tags: Gearbox, Spy Shots

Posted in: 2008, Porsche, Spy Shots, Coupes, Cayman


Comments (6 total)

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  1. By NoNameDenton #1, Posted: 9/9/2008

    Needs a DI turbo version, Porsche will never do it though because it would steal sales from the 911

  2. ma_DavidSilverM3 avatar by DavidSilverM3 #2, Posted: 6/16/2009

    I would already own one if they made a turbo cayman. But you're right, they will never make one.

  3. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #3, Posted: 6/16/2009

    Better make it a Porsche designed 4 cylinder, not something from the VW's parts bin, I know the 2 liter turbo from VW is a great engine, but I want all Porsche's to have a boxer engine.

  4. ma_WizardsLore avatar by WizardsLore #4, Posted: 6/16/2009

    they need to take off the detuner, to let the engine spin thew way it should. But this then steps into 911 territory.
    I would buy one of these in a heartbeat if i had the money. then get a specialist to work on the engine management system to get the performance out of it that it was intedned to to without the limiters :D

  5. ma_NueMek avatar by NueMek #5, Posted: 6/30/2009

    people who buy car must consieration enviroments .the engine i suggust use air motor ,which power is air compressure .
    http://www.neumek.com/

  6. ma_LisaV avatar by LisaV #6, Posted: 7/1/2009

    I think big wheels are going out of style. Smaller wheels are racier and the tires and cheeper. Not sure about this trend to bigger rims. But maybe I am missing something.

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