Porsche gives drivers new fuel for thought
Thu, November 27 2008
Further improving fuel economy and performance is the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe – or PDK for short – double-clutch gearbox.
The new Boxster and Cayman are significantly more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. The new 2.9-litre Boxer engine sips 8.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (combined), 11 per cent less than the former models with Tiptronic S. Reducing fuel consumption by 16 per cent to 9.2 litres/100 kilometres, the 3.4-litre versions with PDK offer an even greater saving.
The two-seaters are clearly distinguishable from outside through their new front and rear ends. Halogen headlights with integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT, while LED rear lights taper to the outside and integrate elegantly into the modified rear end.
From the front, the roadster and coupé differ through the distinctive design of their air intakes and, from the rear, through the new rear panels with diffuser inserts on the Boxster and a wind deflector plate on the Cayman.
The rod-shaped LED positioning lights add a touch of class in terms of the cars’ looks. The standard foglamps are rectangular in shape on the Boxster, round on the Cayman.
Equipped with the double-clutch gearbox, the roadster and coupé accelerate to 100 km/h 0.1 seconds faster than with the six-speed manual fitted as standard on all models.
PDK cars’ acceleration is even more dynamic with one of the optional Sports Chrono Packages featuring Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standing start, while the Race Track Gearshift Strategy offers the fastest possible shifting on the track.
Both the Boxster and the Cayman come as standard with the new CDR-30 CD radio, with an easy-to-read five-inch display and the ability to play MP3 CDs. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.0 is available as an option, with hard disk-based navigation and an improved touch-screen interface. PCM is more versatile, efficient and far easier to use than before and the screen has increased in size from 5.8 to 6.5 inches. As an option, PCM is available with voice control and, in conjunction with the optional universal audio interface, can now control external audio sources such as an iPod(R) or USB stick.
Porsche’s new two-seaters are also available with seat ventilation, combined with seat heating, on both standard and comfort seats with full or partial leather.
A new suspension set-up gives the new models a combination of even greater driving dynamics and enhanced comfort. Steering forces have been further reduced, giving the Boxster and Cayman more agile and spontaneous steering behaviour.
All Boxster and Cayman models feature the latest generation of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), with two additional functions: Brake Pre-Loading and Brake Assistant.
Whenever the driver lets go of the gas pedal very quickly – typical of an upcoming emergency braking manoeuvre – the PSM control unit builds up an appropriate level of pressure on the brakes before the driver even presses down the pedal, moving the brake pads slightly towards the discs, which significantly improves brake response and shortens stopping distances accordingly.
The new Boxster and Cayman will enter the Canadian market next spring. The Boxster will be priced at $58,400 and the Boxster S at $70,600. The Cayman starts at $63,900 and the Cayman S is $75,800.
