The Cayman is equipped with a free-revving 2.7-liter flat-six engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) and VarioCam Plus. It develops 275 hp at 7,400 rpm. The maximum torque of 213 lb-ft. is available across a wide speed range from 4,500 to 6,500 rpm.

The new Cayman with six-speed manual gearbox accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 165 mph. With the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), it completes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 5.3 seconds and achieves a maximum track speed of 164 mph. Available as an option, the Sport Chrono Package offers a further performance boost, enabling the new Cayman to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.

The Cayman S draws its agility from a 3.4-liter flat-six engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) and VarioCam Plus. It produces 325 hp at 7,400 rpm and its maximum torque of 273 lb.-ft. is generated between 4,500 and 5,800 rpm. The new Cayman S with six-speed manual gearbox races from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 175 mph.

Even sportier figures are achieved with optional PDK: 4.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and a top track speed of 174 mph. In conjunction with the Sport Chrono Package available on request, the Cayman S finishes the sprint to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Inner strength, the will to advance and a clear point of view. These are important prerequisites for the creation of any sports car, and we also found them to be precisely the right requirements for this drivetrain.


That is why the new Cayman models are equipped with a compact, mid-mounted boxer engine positioned just 30 cm behind the driver. This unorthodox approach has crucial strengths. A substantial amount of vehicle weight is concentrated close to the middle of the vehicle. The center of gravity is low and central while weight is distributed uniformly between the front and rear axles. The tangible effect for you is well-balanced handling and excellent mobility, particularly in corners.

Inner values are defined by high power plus reduced fuel consumption and emission figures compared with the previous model. We call it Intelligent Performance, a philosophy that applies the engineering principles of the racetrack to the road.


Both engines are equipped as standard with VarioCam Plus and Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) as well as efficiency-enhancing technologies such as Auto Start Stop, electrical system recuperation and advanced thermal management.


What can you expect from the driving experience? Direct responses to every burst of acceleration,

dynamic handling in every corner and the inevitable pain of separation at the end of every drive.

The intelligent thermal management system in the Cayman models regulates the temperature in the engine and gearbox to reduce friction losses that occur during the warm-up phase.


Thanks to the purposeful control of heat flow and on-demand, gradual activation of the various cooling circuits, the engine and gearbox warm up to normal operating temperature more rapidly. The resulting reduction in friction also reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. During sporty driving, thermal management also acts to reduce temperatures so as to maintain a high degree of performance.

Our cross-flow cooling system, as used in motorsport, supplies each engine cylinder uniformly with coolant, which protects all valves against thermal overload and, therefore, premature wear. This improves combustion and keeps emissions, fuel consumption and noise comparatively low.

The electronic engine management system ensures optimum engine performance at all times. It regulates all engine-related functions and assemblies. The results are optimum power output and torque with comparatively low fuel consumption and emissions – whatever the driving style.

One example is the cylinder-specific knock control. Since engine cylinders never all work under exactly the same conditions, the knock control function monitors each one separately. The ignition point is shifted individually, so as to protect the cylinders and pistons at high engine speeds and loads. For compliance with US standards, the on-board diagnostics detect any faults and defects that may occur in the exhaust and fuel systems and then display them on the on-board computer. This also helps to avoid increased pollutant emissions and unnecessary fuel consumption.

The Auto Start Stop function, which is integrated as standard in the new Cayman models, switches off the engine when you stop, select neutral and release the clutch pedal. In cars with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), it is simply a case of applying and holding the brake after you stop. All audio and communication systems remain switched on. The engine will restart as soon as you operate the clutch or, in cars with PDK, release the brake. This fuel-saving innovation is designed primarily for use in urban traffic.


The Auto Start Stop function can be deactivated and reactivated using a separate button on the

center console. The function is deactivated automatically under particular circumstances, e.g. in the event of extreme outside temperatures, activation of the SPORT button or low battery charge.

Another efficiency-enhancing feature of the new Cayman models is intelligent electrical system recuperation. The vehicle battery is recharged by the generator predominantly under braking. Thanks to this selective recharging, when you request full driving power, the maximum possible output of the engine can be directed straight to the road because the electrical systems are supplied mainly by the energy that was stored in the battery during the braking phase.

Efficiency is another area in which the performance of the new Cayman models has been further improved. The coasting function available with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) enables you to save even more fuel where the situation allows. The engine is decoupled from the transmission to prevent deceleration caused by engine braking. In this way, optimum use is made of the vehicle’s momentum, allowing it to coast for longer distances.


For example, you may want to slow down from 60 to 50 mph in anticipation of the change of speed limit ahead. As you ease off the accelerator pedal, PDK deselects the current gear automatically and you begin to coast in neutral with minimal input required on your part until you have reached your desired speed. As soon as you operate the accelerator or brake pedal, PDK re-engages the

appropriate gear within fractions of a second. The process is smooth and seamless, thanks to the extremely fast clutches.


Another way to reduce fuel consumption is to utilize the coasting function on downhill gradients that are gentle enough for you to maintain a constant speed. Efficient on long journeys, such as on the highway, PDK remains ready to respond as swiftly and precisely as you would expect.


In short, driving in coasting mode makes a real impact on fuel consumption without the need to compromise on comfort or sporty performance.

The new Cayman models are equipped as standard with the six-speed manual gearbox. Gearshifts are smooth, precise and optimally adapted to the respective engine map. Shift throws are short and the gear lever is easy to operate, providing a truly engaging driving experience. The upshift indicator located in the central circular instrument helps you to maximize fuel efficiency.


The ascending center console reinforces the authentic sports car feel. It positions the gear lever close to the steering wheel, enabling you to change gear as fast and as ergonomically as possible.

Of course, you could let us take care of the gearshift strategy so that you can devote all your attention to your cornering strategy.


Available as an option is the completely retuned 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), featuring both manual and automatic modes. The advantages are perceptible. Gear changes take place with little interruption in the flow of power. Sharper gearshift programs and significantly shorter shift times produce faster acceleration than with the manual gearbox. Fuel economy and comfort characteristics have also been optimized. In response to a less assertive driving style, shift points are recalculated to make use of the more comfortable and more economical engine speed ranges, and coasting mode is activated where possible.

This is how PDK works: PDK is essentially two gearboxes in one, thus requiring two clutches. This double clutch arrangement provides an alternating, non-positive connection between the two half gearboxes and the engine by means of two separate input shafts. The flow of power from the engine is transmitted through one half gearbox and one clutch at a time, while the next gear is preselected in the second half gearbox. During a gear change, therefore, one clutch simply opens and the other closes at the same time, enabling gear changes to take place within milliseconds.


PDK has seven forward gears at its disposal. Gears 1 to 6 have a sports ratio and top speed is reached in sixth gear. Seventh gear has a long ratio and keeps engine speed low to reduce fuel consumption and improve comfort.

With the SPORT button selected, the full advantages of the new version of PDK are brought into play: a more immediate response to throttle inputs, relatively short shift times and swift throttle-blip downshifts on overrun, such as during braking into a corner, and always accompanied by an emotive engine sound.


With the optional Sport Chrono Package, PDK is enhanced with ‘Launch Control’ and the ‘motorsport-derived gearshift strategy’ for even faster and firmer gear changes and best possible performance, thanks to a boost in torque during up-shift phases. Overrun downshifts provide extremely sporty braking and acceleration for added excitement.

In the new Cayman models, each cylinder bank has its own stainless-steel exhaust tract. Downstream of their respective rear silencer, the tracts converge into a connecting tube and a single (Cayman) or twin (Cayman S) tailpipe. The stereo Lambda  control circuitry controls and monitors each cylinder bank separately. For each exhaust tract, four corresponding oxygen sensors regulate the composition of the exhaust gas and monitor the performance of the catalytic converters. The separate tracts enable the exhaust gas to flow more freely. The resulting reduction in pressure loss has a positive impact on power output, torque and the unmistakable engine sound.

Available as an option for the new Cayman models is the sports exhaust system* including sports tailpipe. It produces an even more resonant Porsche sound.

* Available from 03/2013 at the earliest.

The resonance effect, where the air mass inside the intake manifold is caused to oscillate, is used to improve air induction and, in turn, to optimize the formation of the fuel/air mixture. In the Cayman S, the manifold is also equipped with a switchable resonance valve.


The results are high torque, a uniform torque curve and high power output. The sound produced is characteristically resonant and deep.

Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) is featured as standard in both Cayman models. Multi-hole injectors deliver fuel directly into the combustion chamber with millisecond precision. The injection pattern has been optimized for torque, power output, fuel consumption and emissions. Combustion is even more effective as a result.


With Direct Fuel Injection , the engine management system regulates injection timing individually for each cylinder as well as the injection rate for each cylinder bank. This optimizes the combustion process and therefore fuel economy.

Depending on the engine operating condition, multiple fuel injections take place so that the catalytic converter reaches normal operating temperature sooner after a cold start and a greater top-end torque can be achieved.


DFI improves the internal cooling of the combustion chamber by having the mixture prepared directly in the cylinder. This allows for a higher compression ratio, which helps to deliver greater power output at the same time as enhanced engine efficiency. Injection is regulated by the electronic engine management system and emissions are monitored by the stereo Lambda sensors, thus helping to protect the environment.

VarioCam Plus is a two-in-one engine concept for adjusting the intake camshafts and switching the lift of the intake valves.

The system first differentiates between driver inputs that typify normal, everyday driving and those inputs that demand maximum performance. The electronic engine management system then imperceptibly adapts valve operation to the prevailing conditions. This results in instant acceleration and extremely smooth running.

In short, VarioCam Plus provides excellent acceleration power with comparatively low fuel consumption.

Integrated dry-sump lubrication ensures a reliable supply of oil even when a sporty driving style is adopted and the vehicle is experiencing powerful lateral acceleration. It also has additional cooling functions.


The oil tank is located in the engine, thereby eliminating the need for an external oil tank and saving space and weight.


To reduce power losses and increase efficiency, an electronically controlled oil pump supplies the lubricating points inside the engine as and when required. It optimizes the supply of oil,

improves fuel economy and thereby reduces emission levels.