Facelifted Porsche Cayman and Boxster debut in L.A.

By Alex Kaufmann

Alex Kaufmann

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2010 porsche cayman facelift 009

The 2.0L TFSI engine in the Audi TTS delivers 265hp (198kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque

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The first official images and details for the 2010 Porsche Cayman and Boxster have now been revealed, just hours before the cars make their world debut at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Set to go on sale next year as 2010 models, the new Cayman and Boxster can be distinguished from the current models by their slightly revised headlights, tweaks to the air intakes, and the addition of LED tail lights.

For the first time both models are available with a Lights Package featuring bi-xenon headlights, dynamic curve lights and LED daytime driving lights. Replacing the foglamps, these light units are made up on the Boxster of four LEDs positioned next to one another, while on the Cayman four LEDs are arranged in round light units like the eyes of a dice.

The highlight of the new range is the latest flat-six boxer engines developed with new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency than their predecessors. A further improvement of both fuel economy and performance is also gained with the addition of the new Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual-clutch gearbox.

Displacing 2.9L, the base engine now develops 255hp (188kW) in the Boxster and 265hp (195kW) in the Cayman, an increase by 10 and, respectively, 20hp over the preceding models. The 3.4L power unit in the S-versions, benefiting from direct fuel injection, now delivers 310hp (228kW) in the Boxster S and 320hp (235kW) in the Cayman S, up by 15 and, respectively, 25hp.

This means that there is now a power-to-weight ratio ranging from 4.2kg (9.3lb)/hp on the Cayman S to 5.2kg (11.5lb)/hp on the Boxster. As a result, the Cayman S with PDK and launch control featured in the optional Sports Chrono Package accelerates to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, making it the quickest of the range. At the end of the spectrum is the Boxster, equipped with a six-speed manual, which takes 5.9 seconds for the same dash.

Featuring PDK, both the Boxster and the Cayman for the first time deliver fuel-economy below the 9L/100km mark. The 2.9L models with the PDK are the most frugal of the group, delivering fuel-economy of 8.9L/100km (26.4mpg). Cars equipped with the 3.4L engine rate in at 9.2L/100km (25.5mpg).

The mechanical changes don’t end with the powertrain as the cars also receive a new suspension set-up. Modification of the valve control map on the steering transmission serves furthermore to reduce steering forces, giving the Boxster and Cayman even more agile and spontaneous steering behaviour.

The wheels come in new design and are half an inch wider on the base models than on the previous car, allowing for the installation of a larger brake system on the front axle.

The new models are entering the market in February 2009. The base price of the Boxster will be €38,600, while the Cayman will start at €41,700. The Boxster S, meanwhile, will start at €46,700 and the Cayman S will be listed at €51,500. U.S. availability and prices are yet to be announced.